What We've Achieved

Chambers Creek Foundation has been instrumental in taking this former sand and gravel site from a industrial site to a public treasure. Specifically we’ve speed up the timeline in the Master Plan from 50 years to only 20. For more about our next steps see the Canyon Creek Trails page. Read on to hear all about what we’ve achieved.

2000 - Now: Hiking, Walking and Running Trails

Beginning with the Grandview Trail, Phase 1 in 2000, the Foundation has contributed to every part of the 6 miles of walking and hiking paths on the Park today.  The Master Site Plan calls for more than 10 miles of interconnected trails to ultimately wind throughout the Park with access to Puget Sound and Chambers Creek.  In 2006, the "Spot of Shade" memorial plaza was installed by the Foundation on the Grandview Trail through the donation of $30,000 from local dog lovers.  Initial planning for extension of the existing trail system into the South Meadow and throughout the length of the Chambers Creek Canyon has been completed.   Design of the Canyon Trail project has begun, and the Foundation has committed to be a fundraising partner with the County and neighboring cities.  Proceeds from the Foundation's 2017 Ten-year Anniversary Gala have been dedicated to the Canyon Trail Project and additional fundraising is underway.  The Foundation conducts an annual 1-K and 5-K run/walk in the Fall to raise funds to support more Foundation events and projects, like the Canyon Trail project.

2000 - Now: Memorial or Honorary Benches

More than two dozen memorial and honorary benches have been installed by the Foundation around the Park since 2000. They directly reflect someone who enjoyed the trails or meadows in some personal way, or contributed to making the Park happen for everyone to enjoy.  Another half-dozen locations remain available for donors to select at this time.  It has proven to be a wonderful and lasting way for many people the community to enjoy and to share in the memory. This is an on-going fundraiser, if you are interested see our Donate page.

2002 - Now: Memorial Trees

A Memorial Tree garden adjoins the Labyrinth. It began as the Foundation’s way to recognize contributors to the Labyrinth and to provide a beautiful buffer around between the Labyrinth. The Foundation has secured a few more locations on the Park for additional Memorial Tree gardens as several other families have now donated funds for trees in memory of, or to honor beloved friends and family. This is an on-going fundraiser, if you are interested see our Donate page.

2010: Bridge to the Beach

As a grant funding partner with Pierce County, the Foundation was able to help secure the millions of dollars needed to build and open the first public access to Puget Sound in 2010 after more than a century of private restriction. Additional funding is being sought by Pierce County and the Foundation to complete the extension of the Bridge.

2011: Playground by the Sound

In a successful partnership with the local Playground by the Sound Committee and Pierce County, the Foundation provided the third leg to the fundraising and construction of the 2 acre Playground in North Meadow in 2011.  After securing more than $375,000 and many in-kind contributions, the partners organized more than 700 volunteers during the week-long community build event. Additional donated funds allowed for picnic shelters and tables to be installed in 2013 as a supplement to the Playground.  In 2019, the Foundation received a donation of a significant public art piece to further enhance the Playground experience. The bronze "Young Girl with Teddy Bear" sculpture, will be permanently maintained in the Park and accessible to the public for their enjoyment.

2008: Central and North Meadows

In 2008, Family Fun Day community festival included a 5-K, 10-K, and Dog Walk to open the Grandview and Soundview Trail loop and North Meadow.  Later in 2008, the Central Meadow opened as an event venue with a celebration concert featuring Judy Collins and the Tacoma Symphony Orchestra.  Since opening, events of all shapes and sizes have been hosted, sponsored or supported by the Foundation on the Park, with the fundraising proceeds going to further Foundation projects.  In conjunction with our key partner, Pierce County, the Foundation has been part of the Annual Kite Festival, Movies in the Park, Celebrity golf events, golf competitions and fund-raising tournaments, plus many serious and friendly sporting events, community walks, runs and get-togethers.

2007 - Now: SITE Beautification Projects

Since the Fall of 2007, inspired volunteers have been regularly clearing invasive plants from the hillsides, beach uplands and buffer areas surrounding the public areas of the Park. Many of the more visible project areas are outside of the typical maintenance areas of the Chambers Bay Golf Course, North and Central Meadows, and the Grandview, Soundview and East Slope trails. While less visible today. other projects along Chambers Creek and Puget Sound shoreline are proving very important to the future.   Over the years, hundreds of volunteers have removed acres of Scot's Broom, English Ivy, Japanese Knotweed and other invasive and damaging plants.  The Site Stewardship Program typically sets a Fall and Spring schedule, and is always open to new volunteers. Over the decades, numerous Eagle Scout projects have supplemented the Site Stewardship efforts and trail enhancement projects.

2007: Chambers Bay Golf Course

Every big project deserves a grand opening.  The Foundation has gathered sponsors and has organized grand opening celebrations since the original Grandview Trail project in 2000.  The Foundation hosted the Chambers Bay Grand Opening Gala in 2007 and the Ten-year Anniversary Gala in 2017. In 2010, the Foundation celebrated Chambers Bay's designated "sister golf course", Royal Dornach, Scotland with the Foxy monument on Hole Number 2.

2004: Dog & People Water Fountains

Beginning in 2004, the Foundation used monies raised to install the first of several water fountains, uniquely designed to serve both pet owners and their pets walking the trails. The water fountains, like the memorial benches and plazas are a wonderful opportunity to provide something important, meaningful and constantly appreciated by the walkers and canine companions who enjoy the Park every day.

2002: Labyrinth

In 2002, a 50-foot circular labyrinth was constructed near the ESB Playfields. At a cost of $70,000, the Labyrinth is designed for use by the public for walking, reflection and meditation. The Chambers Creek Foundation, assisted the Tacoma Labyrinth Project in fund-raising. The City of University Place and many private individuals were major contributors and Foundation partners in the Labyrinth project.