Pierce County officials gave a peek at the two newest amenities at its 930-acre Chambers Creek Properties site in University Place on July 29.

While dedicating the 22-acre Central Meadow park and previewing a future pedestrian bridge that will allow beach access, County Executive John Ladenburg said July 29 was chosen for the ceremony because — prior to the event — it’s only rained twice on that day in 60 years. The drizzle helped to water Central Meadow’s grassy field with adjacent parking that will host concerts and other events beginning with folk singer Judy Collins on Aug. 9.

Other elected officials in attendance included Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire. Central Meadow, along with the adjoining six-acre North Meadow, officially opens with a community picnic on Aug. 10.

The other star of Tuesday’s event was the planned North Dock Overpass, which by 2010 will take pedestrians over the BNSF railroad tracks to two miles of beach that hasn’t been accessible to the public for 100 years. Gregoire and the state Legislature provided $2.4 million of the project’s $3.9 million cost.

For more information on the Chambers Creek Properties, visit http://www.piercecountywa.org/ccp .