Lacey’s Greg Cuoio Park Now Open
The City of Lacey (City) is excited to announce the opening of Greg Cuoio Park (Park), the City’s largest park and a true regional treasure. An official grand opening event will take place later this year.
The Park, located at 2711 Carpenter Rd. N.E., and surrounding greenways span about 537 acres of dense forest, wetlands, tributaries, and sensitive habitat areas.
Phase 1A, spanning 139 acres, is now open and includes:
- 3 miles of trails through the forest with connections to the playground, picnic shelter, and parking lot
- 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
- A large shelter with 12 picnic tables, ideal for families and small groups
In addition, 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. We invite you to play and explore the course, and then share your feedback by emailing spsdga@gmail.com. Community input will help shape the final design.
Phase 1A Funding
The construction cost for Phase 1A was $6.5 million. 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.
Honoring Greg Cuoio’s Legacy
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.
Park Master Plan Background
The Greg Cuoio Park and Greenways Master Plan, completed in 2022, was shaped by extensive public input to ensure it reflects the community’s long-term vision. The Park will be constructed in phases and will prioritize:
- Open space preservation
- Water quality protection
- Natural environment enhancement
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.
For more information and project updates, visit LaceyParks.org/Cuoio.