The park occupies land that was once a working homestead operated by the Sehmel family for several generations.
The site includes a designated 'Heritage Garden' that honors the original agricultural use of the land.
Construction utilized environmentally conscious design practices to protect the existing ravine and wetland ecosystems.
The facility is home to a fully fenced dog park area with separate zones for large and small breeds.
The park's trail system connects to broader regional pedestrian corridors within the Peninsula Metropolitan Park District.
Sehmel Homestead Park is a 98-acre recreational facility in Gig Harbor operated by PenMet Parks. The grounds preserve the historic Sehmel family farmstead, blending agricultural heritage with modern athletic infrastructure. It features synthetic turf multi-purpose fields designed for soccer, football, and lacrosse. The park includes an extensive playground area with ADA-accessible equipment and diverse play structures. Miles of soft-surface trails wind through the park's wooded ravines and wetlands. A large picnic pavilion serves as a central gathering point for community events and private rentals. The site is a primary hub for local youth sports leagues throughout the year. The park maintains a balance between active sports zones and passive natural conservation areas.
The elevated boardwalk area overlooking the central wetland ravine.
Bring weather-appropriate gear, as the Pacific Northwest climate often creates muddy conditions on the non-paved trails.
Check the official PenMet Parks website for field closure alerts, as synthetic fields may close during extreme weather events.
Parking is ample, but the lot fills quickly during scheduled youth sports tournaments on weekends.
Do not attempt to access the sports fields if they are roped off or closed, as usage damages the synthetic turf surface.
Leash laws apply to all dogs outside the designated off-leash park area; noise levels should be kept moderate near residential edges.
