The Tacoma Parks Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting Metro Parks Tacoma programs and projects, has received a PGA Places to Play grant from the PGA of America REACH Foundation. The grant will go toward the creation of a 3-hole programming course at Meadow Park Golf Course, a mainstay in the Tacoma and South Puget Sound Community since 1915.
PGA of America CEO Seth Waugh, who made the announcement at a press conference at Sahalee Country Club during the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, presented the $250,000 check to representatives from the Tacoma Parks Foundation, Metro Parks Tacoma, Pacific Northwest PGA Section and Meadow Park GC. The grant will be used in connection with the Meadow Park Golf Course Reimagination Project.
Developing the 3-hole programming course is driven by a commitment to further expand access to the game within the community. This initiative is a visionary step toward nurturing talent, fostering a sense of belonging and empowering underrepresented communities.
Programs that will benefit from the new course edition include PGA Jr. League; Drive, Chip & Putt; PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere); PGA Family Golf; First Tee South Puget Sound and more.
“Meadow Park Golf Course has ensured equitable access to its facilities, programs and resources within the community for decades,” said PGA of America CEO Seth Waugh. “Places To Play was created to help courses such as Meadow Park, that use the game to create a positive, inclusive and invitational environment for their community. It’s a great honor and pleasure to work alongside the Pacific Northwest PGA Section, Metro Parks Tacoma and the Tacoma Parks Foundation to aid in their continued efforts in impacting the game and countless lives for generations to come.”
With a rich history dating back to 1915, Meadow Park – a 27-hole public golf facility owned by Metro Parks Tacoma – has been a beacon of inclusivity in the South Puget Sound community. The facility’s vision centers on further establishing a community-based, world-class public golf course that is welcoming to all.
“On behalf of Meadow Park Golf Course & Metro Parks Tacoma, we are thrilled and deeply grateful for the PGA REACH Foundation Places To Play Grant,” said Meadow Park Director of Golf Erik Haag, PGA. “This funding is a game-changer for our golf facility and community. The impact of this grant will be profound, providing our community with continued access to affordable golf and enriching the lives of many. We are excited for the development of a 3-hole programming golf course, designed to introduce the game of golf to new players, teach valuable skills and sportsmanship and ensure ongoing youth programming.”
The full scope of the reimagination plan for the 108-year-old facility include the following additions and improvements:
- Renovations of Championship 18-Hole and Executive 9-Hole Golf Courses
- Addition of Full-Service, Multi-Level Driving Range
- New Multi-Function Clubhouse
- New Program Spaces
- Enhanced Practice Areas
- Modernized Maintenance Facility
- Expanded Parking
The Meadow Park Golf Course Reimagination Project commenced in 2023 with community collaboration beginning in 2024. In total, it is estimated that the first phase of this project will cost $40 million and take approximately two years to complete. The final scope and price tag of the Reimagine project has yet to be finalized. The Pacific Northwest PGA Section is working closely with Metro Parks Tacoma and the Tacoma Parks Foundation, who is also pursuing additional funding through state and federal grants and bond financing.
For more information, visit pgareach.org.