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GOAL #1 ACCOMPLISHED
$25,000 Earnest Money deposited on November 3, 2023.
GOAL #2 ACCOMPLISHED
Parkland Community Assn. deposited $750,000 to purchase Parkland School from Pacific Lutheran University (PLU) on May 10, 2024.
GOAL #3 IN PROGRESS
Thanks to a zero interest loan from Pacific Lutheran University, Parkland Community Assn can begin making the Parkland School Building ready for use. Goal #3 is to raise $1,050,000 for the next payment due on May 31, 2025.
updated 11/20/2024
What have Community Members accomplished since November 2022?
Been awarded a planning and assessment grant from the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation.
Been placed on the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation's most Endangered Places List.
Been awarded an historic preservation and planning grant from the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Preserved our listing on the Pierce County Landmark and Historic Preservation Commission register.
Benefitted from an initial assessment of the building from regional Historic Preservation Developer, Grace Pleasants, Alaska and Seattle, WA.
Received a professional assessment and feasibility report from Vernon Abelsen, Historical Architect from Seattle, WA.
Contracted with Northwest Vernacular to complete a comprehensive Historic Preservation and Planning Report for Saving Parkland School.
Testified in front of the Washington State House of Representatives in support of funds for Parkland School in House Bill 1147.
Negotiated and secured a signed Purchase and Sale Agreement between the Parkland Community Assn. and Pacific Lutheran University as of March 28, 2023.
PLU has extended the purchase deadline to November 3, 2023. Which provides us 7 months to raise the $2.85 million necessary to purchase Parkland School.
July 2023- 500K Department of Commerce Grant appropriation for Save Parkland School Project.
January 2024- $31,500 Pierce County Landmarks and Historic Preservation Commission grant
May 10th, 2024- Parkland Community Assn. officially purchased Parkland School from PLU. PLU self-financed an interest-free loan to the PCA for $2,100,000. The loan is to be repaid in two installments, the first payment of $1,050,000 is due May 2025 and the second payment of $1,050,000 is due May 2026.
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WHAT THIS PROJECT IS ALL ABOUT
The Parkland School building in Parkland, Washington built in 1908, has stood as a symbol of the city's rich past for over a century. For years, this building has been an important part of the community and has served as an educational institution - local elementary for many decades, higher education schooling, and most recently a high school campus.
In spring 2022, the Historic Parkland School was slated for historic status delistment and demolition to make way for new development. Despite its age, the building remains structurally sound and boasts a distinctive architecture that reflects the styles and trends of the early 20th century.
A group of dedicated residents (The Parkland Community Assn.) worked hard to save this piece of history and transform it into a community center for the benefit of future generations. With its spacious interior and prime location, the building has the potential to become a hub of activity and provide a much-needed resource for the community. On May 10th, 2024 the PCA purchased the building from PLU. PLU self-financed an interest-free, $2.1 million loan to be paid back in two payments over two years.
The building's preservation saves a well loved piece of Parkland's history for future generations to come. Parkland Community Center will serve as a valuable resource for the community, offering a place for people to come together and participate in events, classes, and workshops. With your continued support, this landmark building can be transformed and given a new purpose, while continuing the purpose it was built for - learning and education.
Download our most recent pamphlet to learn more.
WHY A COMMUNITY CENTER?
Did you know?
The original Parkland Schoolhouse was actually across the street where Walgreens is now (southeast corner of 121st and Pacific Ave), but it was moved to its current location (southwest corner) so students wouldn’t have to cross Pacific Avenue.
In 1920 they expanded the school. In 1937 they added to the school and built the gym and cafeteria section, dedicating it in 1938.
The area where the Transit Center is located now used to be basketball and tennis courts for the school.
OUR VISION: Support a thriving, diverse, safe and vibrant community with an educational and cultural center for the youth and people who live and work in and near Parkland, Washington
SPONSORED BY PARKLAND COMMUNITY ASSN. 501(3)(C) WWW.PARKLANDWACOMMUNITY.ORG
CONTACT US: SAVEPARKLANDSCHOOL@GMAIL.COM OR 253-906-8751