A successful U.S. Open in the books...

After a busy week of spectators, golfers and media occupying Pierce County, the 2015 U.S. Open at Chambers Bay has finally come to an end. The U.S. Open was the largest event ever hosted by the county, and I couldn’t be more proud. From scenery to food and the distinctive architecture of the links style course, the beautiful Pacific Northwest created a unique experience for players and spectators that will keep them coming back for years to come.

I’m particularly proud to serve the area that provided much of the backdrop and infrastructure for this global event. We all know how lucky we are to live in such a beautiful, friendly corner of the world, but last week District 7 was in top form.

Fans from all over the world enjoyed their time at Chambers Bay. Thousands of people attended the U.S. Open and spectator reviews were overwhelmingly positive. The merchandise pavilion sold more products here than at any other Open in history. That will greatly help Chambers Bay advertise globally. In addition to the benefits seen on the course, the USGA and Ridgewells Catering gave back to the community by donating 70,000 pounds of leftover food to the Emergency Food Network.

The success of this event would not have been possible without your support in the community. With the cooperation of surrounding neighborhoods, our transportation plan ran smoothly and kept traffic disruption to a minimum. Spectators noted the superb hospitality provided by local residents and businesses. The buzz throughout Pierce County created an atmosphere that extended the excitement off the course that players, spectators and residents will never forget.

Thank you again for all of your support, and I can’t wait to see what the future of Chambers Bay will bring.

Sincerely,

Reopening schedule for
Chambers Bay Regional Park

Just hours after Jordan Spieth won the 2015 U.S. Open, construction crews were already beginning to remove the infrastructure that supported the championship in order to restore public access to Chambers Creek Regional Park as quickly as possible.

The Chambers Bay Golf Course is scheduled to reopen to the public on Friday, June 26. That day is already sold out, but there is spotty availability of tee times in the following days. Those slots are expected to fill quickly thanks to the worldwide media coverage over the past few weeks. Tee times can be reserved up to 90 days in advance by calling 877-29.LINKS or visiting www.chambersbaygolf.com.

The Chambers Bay Grill, which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner above one of the best unobstructed views of Puget Sound that can be found in the region, also will reopen Friday.

Pierce County Parks and Recreation will reopen Chambers Creek Regional Park in phases throughout the summer as the United States Golf Association removes more than 300 temporary structures.

The Grandview Trail, which crosses the bluff above the property, and the East Slope Trail are expected to reopen this Friday. The Playground by the Sound is expected to reopen July 3.

Most of the other site amenities – the Soundview Trail, the Bridge to the Beach, and the off-leash dog area – will reopen later this summer. The central and north meadows and the fields by the Environmental Services Building will take the longest as the grass is restored. Exact dates will be announced as they become available.

Comprehensive plan update

As I’ve reported previously we’re rapidly approaching final passage of the 2015 Comprehensive Plan Update this coming Tuesday, June 30th. I’m cosponsoring the bill, which passed out of the Community Development Committee last Monday after countless hearings and study sessions by community advisory committees, the Planning Commission, and the Council. The update, required by state law to occur every 10 years, clocks out at over 900 pages and covers almost every aspect of government including land use, transportation, parks, and infrastructure. We’re still making some last minute adjustments but I anticipate final passage to meet the state mandated deadline.
To learn more about the comprehensive plan, visit piercecountywa.org/realize2030.

Pierce County Council comes to Gig Harbor

Our first in-district meeting was held last Tuesday at the Gig Harbor Civic Center. We were honored to have Boy Scout Troop 212 lead the Pledge of Allegiance to start the meeting. The council recognized Colonel David Kumashiro for his service to the military and his community. Additionally, we confirmed Dean Burke as a new member to the Pierce County Lodging Tax Advisory Committee and Monica Burke as a new member to the Pierce County Library District Board of Trustees.

Special thanks to Mayor Guernsey for welcoming the County Council to use their Council Chambers. It was nice to be back on familiar ground. We also had presentations by Chuck West who spoke on behalf of the Key Peninsula Community Council and Karen Scott for Gig Harbor’s tourism and marketing program. To learn more about topics covered at the meeting, visit http://www.piercecountytv.org/

The impact on Pierce County

Watch as county leaders examine how the entire U.S. Open championship went.

Behind the scenes with the grounds keepers

Spend an early morning behind the scenes with the grounds keepers at Chambers Bay, including the course agronomist. Hear from a USGA agronomist about the greens speed and how the fine fescue is performing.

Transportation plan keeps everyone moving

An estimated 40,000 people attended the U.S. Open everyday. Fans parked for free in two lots - one in Puyallup and one in Lakewood and were shuttled to Chambers Bay