University Place, WA
University Place, Washington
The city received its name in the 1800s when the University of Puget Sound in nearby Tacoma purchased the land with intentions of building another school campus. They ended up not going through with their plan, but the area kept its name. Today, University Place is a suburb west of Tacoma and functions as a mixed business and residential area with waterfront on the Puget Sound.
University Place has something to offer everyone, including gorgeous parks, natural wetlands and preserves, and miles trails for walking, jogging, and biking. The population currently sits at about 32,000 people, and there are around 13,000 households. The University Place School District 2 high schools, 2 middle schools, and 4 elementary schools. The Tacoma Community College is located just a few miles outside the city borders.
Chambers Bay Loop Trail Head
This 3.25-mile trail is a combination of the Grandview Trail and the Soundview Trail. You can walk around the perimeter of the golf course at Chambers Creek Regional Park as well as appreciate the views of the lush green grasses of the Chambers Bay Golf Course. There are also two smaller loops – one in the center and one on the outer edge, which includes an off-leash dog area. The Chambers Bay Loop Trail gives hikers 1.5 miles of waterfront paths, a lovely little park for the children, and plenty of room for kites, balls, and frisbees. All the trails are paved so the entire area is handicap-accessible.
Cirque Bridgeport Park
This 27-acre site is located in the center of the city and has a spectacular view of Mt. Rainier. Some amenities include multiple sports fields, walking trails, a skatepark, a playground, and a picnic shelter that is available to rent. There are also plans in place to build a community center in the park.
Chambers Bay Golf Course
The 250-acre golf course lies in the middle of a county park that is nearly 1000 acres! Pierce County bought the land in the 1990s for $33 million back when the property consisted of a quarry full of sand and gravel, which locals often used as a course for their four-wheelers and dirt-bikes. The park has since been heavily landscaped and is now covered in healthy green grass. The golf course has five sets of tees available, which range from 5,250 to 7,585 yards. This course is part of the Chambers Creek Properties which includes land for numerous recreational activities including a three-mile walking trail.
Narrows Plaza Bowl
This top-of-the-line bowling alley has some of the highest quality equipment and graphics, and the arcade has some amazing selections of games. Narrows Plaza offers glow bowling at night, bowling leagues, fundraisers, and parties with up to 400 guests. Narrows Plaza Bowl also serves a multitude of different foods including burgers, pulled pork sandwiches, hand-cut cod, calamari, pizza, chicken wings, and a lounge that serves all kinds of beverages.
