Where We Work - Building Partnerships

Homestead Park
(Public land)

Originally a homestead dating back to 1885, Homestead Park is located near the community of Rosedale on the Gig Harbor Peninsula. As the area’s population grew, the property owners became increasingly determined to sell for the property’s residential development value. However, the community had long viewed the land with its forests, wetlands, and rolling meadows as a potential park site and was determined to turn that vision into reality.

The Conservancy reached an option-to-buy agreement for $2.5 million with the owning Sehmel family, and local citizens immediately began working to raise support for the project. Fundraising efforts ranged from door-to-door canvassing to plant and garage sales to dances and concerts. Individuals and families picked grapes from the Sehmel vineyards to produce a Rosedale Red, a table wine given to all donors making a significant pledge. More than $400,000 in private funds were raised to purchase the acreage.

In addition, supporters packed the Pierce County’s council chambers each time Homestead Park was on the agenda. Impressed by the community’s commitment and financial support, the Pierce County Parks and Recreation Department recommended that the council pledge a large portion of its Conservation Futures money toward the purchase. The recommendation was accepted and the Pierce County donated $1.99 million to the project, supplying the remainder of funds needed to make the purchase.

The Conservancy holds a conservation easement on 75 acres of the 100-acre park, which will be used for passive recreation, such as hiking and picnicking. The remainder will be used for active recreation. Homestead Park is an excellent example of what a community can accomplish when it builds a partnership with local government and a land trust like the Great Peninsula Conservancy.