The City of Lacey’s widely-anticipated Greg Cuoio Park is now officially open, the city announced Wednesday.
The park is named in honor of Greg Cuoio, Lacey’s former city manager, who dedicated 24 years to public service.
“His leadership was instrumental in securing these lands for public use between 2002 and 2012, ensuring future generations have access to this remarkable natural space,” the City of Lacey said in a news release.
A total of 139 acres of the park’s 537 acres is open and accessible to the public. The remaining land includes dense forest, wetlands, tributaries and sensitive habitat areas, according to the City of Lacey.
The accessible areas of the park include 3 miles of trails through the forest that connects to the major areas of the park; a nature-themed, inclusive and accessible playground with synthetic turf surfacing and a companion swing; 2 acres of open grass area; on-site signage and maps; parking with 75 spots; portable restrooms; and a large shelter with 12 picnic tables.
Additionally, an 18-hole disc golf course is planned as a long-term project, made possible through a partnership with the South Puget Sound Disc Golf Association.
A temporary course is now open for play while development continues.
The City of Lacey invites the public to play and explore the course, and then share your feedback by emailing spsdga@gmail.com.
Community input will help shape the final design, the city stated.
“With a mix of passive and active recreation, the park offers visitors a chance to explore and experience the area's rich natural beauty while enjoying thoughtfully designed amenities,” the City of Lacey said in a news release.
The opening of 139 acres of Greg Cuio Park is the culmination of Phase 1A of the park’s construction.
The construction cost for this phase was $6.5 million, according to the City of Lacey.
The city secured nearly $1 million in grant funding, including a state legislative appropriation of $499,550 and $500,000 from the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office, Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program – Local Parks.
The vision for the park was outlined in the City of Lacey’s Greg Cuoio Park and Greenways Master Plan, which was completed in 2022.
The plan was shaped by extensive public input to ensure it reflects the community’s long-term vision, the city said in a news release.
The park’s design prioritizes open space preservation, water quality protection and natural environment enhancement.
The next phase of construction, Phase 1B, involves completing the golf course, expanding the trail network, and building permanent bathroom structures, a dog park, a bioretention pond and additional shelter areas.
For more information and project updates, visit LaceyParks.org/Cuoio
