Save Parkland School

The Situation

A group of concerned citizens needs help saving and re-purposing the historic Parkland School at 121st and Pacific Ave S. as a Community Center. 

Parkland is in need of this center! Home to 40,000 people, Parkland was featured in the September 2022 Blue Zones report. The findings were somber. Many people in our community face financial, nutrition, and transportation hardships, as well as limited access and opportunity to develop healthy habits. Children and adults living in our Parkland community are predicted to live 10 years less than people who live in other parts of Pierce County.

The 188 page Blue Zone report supports this vision of creating a central hub, “There are not active community centers to serve youth outside of school.” (p.115) and “There is no one central gathering place in the community (p. 161). When asked, resident after resident say that they want the historic school building to become a Community Center. Parkland School is the perfect venue! The historical landmark has served the community for over 100 years; it has the perfect square footage, interior layout, and centralized location to continue this service.

As recently as 2018 the school, including its gymnasium, was a private high school. Residents envision the school being used for youth activities, basketball, indoor soccer, performing arts, cooking classes and community events. A tool lending library, food bank and a place for seniors and children to learn from each other is also proposed.

Our Goal

Our goal is to save the school from demolition and repurpose it as a community center that would offer:

• Health & nutrition support 

• Wellness resources 

• Recreation & fitness options 

• Theater & performing arts 

• Resources for workforce preparation

• Opportunities to learn new skills or build on skills through classes 

• Business incubator program

• Meeting room spaces

• Multicultural festivals 

• Somewhere to celebrate and connect everyone that lives in Parkland!

Our Progress

Since summer 2022 community volunteers have been working diligently to save Parkland School. We have formed a 501(c)3, Parkland Community Assn. (PCA) and have accomplished the following in short period of time:

1. Been awarded a planning and assessment grant from the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation. 
2. Been placed on the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation's most Endangered Places List.
3. Been awarded an historic preservation and planning grant from the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
4. Preserved the historic listing on the Pierce County Landmark and Historic Preservation Commission register. 
5. Benefitted from an initial assessment (pro bono) of the building from regional Historic Preservation Developer, Grace Pleasants, Alaska and Seattle, WA 
6. Received a professional assessment and feasibility report (pro bono) from Vernon Abelsen, Historical Architect from Seattle, WA 
7. Testified in front of the Washington State House of Representatives in support of funds for Parkland School in House Bill 1147.
8. Negotiated and secured a Purchase and Sale Agreement (RESPA) between the Parkland Community Assn. and Pacific Lutheran University, signed March 28, 2023 for $2.85 million.
9. Been given the opportunity to broadcast our Public Service Announcement in support of Save Parkland School on KNKX radio and Felix Banel’s Cascade of History Radio Blog.
10. Purchased and received a comprehensive Historic Preservation and Planning Report for the Parkland School building and property in July 2023.
11. On July 3, 2023 Governor Inslee signed the 2023-25 State Capital Budget, which included an appropriation of $500,000 for the Parkland School (Parkland, WA) Project.   

Our Vision

Once the school is secured, the vision is to design and create a community center serving Parkland, Spanaway and surrounding areas. Centrally located in the heart of Parkland on Hwy 7 Pacific Avenue and 121st, the building is three stories covering 40,000 square feet of usable space, including a beautiful gym. A Pierce County Transit Park and Ride is located across the street on 121st. The facility would easily accommodate multiple use and we are approaching organizations that might be interested in shared tenancy. 

Community Partners

Committed community partners include: Parkland Community Assn, Spanaway Community Association, Blue Zones of Parkland – Spanaway, Franklin-Pierce School District, Garfield Street Business Association, Parkland Spanaway Kiwanis Club, Rotary Club of Parkland Spanaway, Save Parkland School group, Parkland SafeStreets, and 4th Avenue East Group.

We are grateful to Pierce County Council members Jani Hitchen and Marty Campbell for their input and information as well as support from Senator Steve Conway, Representative Melanie Morgan and Representative Sharlett Mena.

We are confident we must continue to move forward or lose the school forever.  Your donation will make the difference.