A winning formula of a farsighted land purchase, significant community input, and a great Master Plan is creating an exciting future at the new Greg J. Cuoio Community Park in Lacey.
“This Park is truly a gem—a stunning 500+ acre property featuring three streams, open grasslands, and a sprawling forested area,” says the park’s namesake Greg Cuoio. “Lacey is fortunate to have acquired and preserved this property for the benefit of its residents and the broader Thurston County community. We are thrilled to see this first phase of development now underway.”
Located off Carpenter Road just north of I-5, the currently undeveloped park and surrounding area covers about 537 acres. The recent groundbreaking marks the launch of work to provide new outdoor recreation opportunities for park visitors. The Park’s improvements will prioritize open space, water quality protection, and natural environment enhancement while offering trails, a disc golf course, a playground, a picnic shelter, and more.
“Parks, trails, and open spaces are the lifeblood of any thriving community,” adds Lacey Mayor Andy Ryder. “They enhance our quality of life, foster connections, and provide places for relaxation, recreation and reflection. Greg Cuoio Park will enrich the lives of Lacey community members and visitors for generations to come.”
Phase 1A Construction is Underway at Greg Cuoio Park’s Outdoor Recreation Area
As Lacey’s former City Manager with 24 years of public service, Cuoio played a key role in securing the park land for public use. Between 2002 and 2012 the City purchased several properties between the Crossroads and Hawk’s Prairie neighborhoods. The park land and green spaces include Greg Cuoio Park, Pleasant Glade Park, and Palm Creek Headwaters.
“Greg has been a key figure in the design of this community. He had tremendous vision and provided great leadership through his many years at the City,” says City Manager Rick Walk. “He played an instrumental role in securing these lands for public use, ensuring future generations have access to this remarkable natural space.”
The City gathered extensive public input to understand the community’s vision for the Park’s future. This feedback shaped the Greg Cuoio Park & Greenways Master Plan (GCPGMP), completed in 2022. The community’s and City’s concept provides open space preservation, water quality protection, and enhancement of the natural environment, balancing the natural environment with recreation opportunities.
Development will occur in phases. The first phase, Phase 1A spanning 139 acres, is now underway with a tentative opening in fall 2025. This phase includes:
- A large, inclusive, and accessible playground
- Approximately two miles of paved and soft-surface trails
- An 18-hole disc golf course
- Large picnic shelter
- Flexible open space
- Portable restrooms
- Access from Carpenter Road
- Approximately 75 parking spaces
Phase 1A’s estimated cost is $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.
New Playground Area for Kids of All Ages
New amenities include an accessible, nature-themed playground with climbing, crawling, and sliding play structures. The playground also includes an entrance ramp and synthetic turf surfacing. Additionally, a large swing structure will accommodate various ages and abilities. The swing structure will include a companion swing, the first of this type in Lacey parks.
New Forest Trails to Explore in Lacey
The Park will offer a new option for local hikers and walkers seeking convenient, nearby trails. The development of the park will include approximately two miles of trails meandering through the beautiful, mature forest. The central core will include paved access, and the remainder of the on-site trails will be gravel or dirt.
Disc Golfers Invited to Lacey’s New Course
A new disc golf course will be a highlight at Greg Cuoio Park. The disc golf course will be a gold-level, 18-hole course. South Puget Sound Disc Golf Association members and other disc golf specialists provided input for the course design. The association will partner with the City to install tees and baskets. Meanwhile, temporary tees and baskets will be set up so players can test the course and provide input regarding permanent placement.
New Picnic Area for Park Visitors
A large picnic shelter will be constructed, providing covered space for visitors to relax, eat, and come together. The shelter will accommodate 12 picnic tables and can be used for events and large gatherings. Informal gathering space is also available at several uncovered picnic tables and in the open grass areas.
Find Out More About Greg Cuoio Park in Lacey
The City of Lacey will use the GCPGMP in the next steps for the park’s exciting outlook. Depending upon funding and possible partnerships, future phases might include secondary improvements and trails, a zip line addition to the playground, a dog park, a suspension bridge, and more. To learn more about the Greg Cuoio Park, visit the Lacey Parks, Culture and Recreation’s website, and the Park project’s webpage.
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