FRIENDS OF HARBOR HILL SANCTUARY
Located in north Gig Harbor, the Harbor Hill residential area is comprised of apartments, townhomes, single family homes and the Heron’s Key (HK) senior living community. Within Harbor Hills HK community are two detention-settlement ponds created when the area was developed. These ponds collect and temporarily detains and filters stormwater runoff from the HK campus and surrounding single family and apartment residential neighborhoods.
This 15-acre Sanctuary is the perfect place for people of all ages and backgrounds to explore, learn about restoration efforts, area wildlife, and healthy ecosystems. It offers a space to interact with and connect to the natural world around them.
Thanks to the support of HK Resident Donors and community grants, we completed Phase 1 of the Sanctuary Project in summer of 2023, which included the installation of a 15-foot-wide paved trail and park benches, providing a welcoming environment for visitors of all mobilities. These benches serve as resting areas and scenic viewpoints, allowing visitors to observe the natural beauty and wildlife of the Sanctuary.
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The Sanctuary also connects to a trail system within the adjacent wetlands area, which is owned by the City of Gig Harbor Parks. Given the ecological importance of the area and its trail connections, it’s crucial to provide ADA-accessible pathways to help visitors of all abilities navigate the terrain safely. With this in mind, our proposal for Phase 2 includes the installation of an ADA Surface Walkway surrounding the pond. This will enhance accessibility, making the Sanctuary safer and more enjoyable, particularly for older adults and those with mobility challenges. Our goal is to create a space designed with universal access in mind, ensuring it can be appreciated by people of all ages for years to come.
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With our successful fundraising in March, which exceeded our goals, we are moving forward with Phase 2. This phase includes installing environmental education signs, a granite entry sign, native vegetation with irrigation, and potentially adding trail lighting. Due to the high demand for memorial plaques on benches from Phase 1, we are also pursuing City permit modifications to install five additional benches in Phase 2, allowing more community members to leave a lasting legacy in the Sanctuary.
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The Harbor Hill Environmental Sanctuary offers a peaceful and educational retreat for the community, a place to learn about conservation, explore local ecosystems, and enjoy nature. We invite you to join us in this ongoing project, helping to preserve and enhance this environmental gem for future generations.
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Interested in learning more or getting involved? Contact us: fhhes@gigharborfoundation.org