A $1.3 million renovation project has transformed the former home economics building at Frontier Park into a rustic lodge and provided the county park with a link to local history. More than twice as large as the original building, the Frontier Lodge will be dedicated during a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 6:30 p.m. Thurs., July 12.
The dedication program will feature District 3 County Councilmember Roger Bush, Executive Chief of Staff Lyle Quasim, Parks and Recreation Director Kathy Kravit-Smith, Parks and Recreation Citizens Advisory Board Chair Ron Caughey and Graham Business Association President Wally Balmer. A tour of the lodge and skits by Girl Scouts Day Camp participants will follow.
Frontier Lodge is 4,310 square feet in size and features energy efficient siding, insulation, windows and lighting. Designed by Merritt Architects of Tacoma, the building’s new look includes two multi-purpose rooms with a stone fireplace, stylish interior spaces and high ceilings. A state-of-the-art kitchen includes space for catering and will be used for 4-H demonstration cooking.
The building’s design pays homage to the hop-drying barns that were prevalent in the Puyallup Valley in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Photos of hop barns and pickers, reproduced from the Washington State Historical Society’s archives, are placed prominently in the building.
Located at 21800 Meridian East, Graham, Frontier Park is owned and operated by Pierce County Parks and Recreation Services. It is home to the Pierce County Fair in August and the Tacoma Highland Games in June.
Other community uses include equestrian and car shows, scouting events and quarter midget car racing. The lodge will help meet the department’s need for facility rental space.
Frontier Park is situated in one of the fastest-growing areas of Pierce County, on Meridian between Puyallup and Graham. Frontier Park is home to many uses including the Pierce County Fair, Highland Games, equestrian shows, scouting events, car shows, quarter midget track racing competitions, and casual recreation. The 4-H Home Economics Division will use the lodge for its Adventures in Family Living, Food and Nutrition and Sewing and Fashion programs and cooking and clothing competitions. Frontier Park is located at 21800 Meridian South in Graham.
