PARKLAND, WA – The Kiwanis Club of Parkland-Spanaway Foundation recently made a significant donation to the Parkland Community Association (PCA) in support of its Parkland School Project.

In May 2022, when the community learned that Pacific Lutheran University (PLU) planned to remove the historic Parkland School building from local landmark protections and demolish it, residents responded by packing meetings of the Landmarks and Historic Preservation Commission. Their efforts successfully halted the process and sparked a community-led campaign to purchase the iconic building and transform it into a community center.

Shortly after the Parkland Community Association was formed, several local Kiwanis members joined the effort. The Kiwanis Club subsequently voted to make the Parkland Community Center its signature community project.

After PCA signed a purchase agreement with PLU on May 10, 2024, members learned that the building had historically been exempt from property taxes. Because PLU, a nonprofit educational institution, had purchased the building as surplus property from a school district, it had remained tax-exempt for decades.

However, when PCA purchased the building from PLU, the Pierce County Assessor-Treasurer’s Office determined that the property would be taxed as a commercial building. State Senator Steve Conway intervened, sponsoring legislation that provides a 10-year property tax exemption for nonprofit organizations that purchase former school district buildings for use as community centers. The exemption took effect in 2026.

In the meantime, PCA appealed to the Pierce County Board of Equalization, seeking tax relief from the date of purchase until the new law became effective. Recently, that appeal was denied. As a result, the organization was assessed approximately $47,000 in property taxes covering part of 2024 and all of 2025—the first time property taxes had ever been levied on the building since its construction in 1908.

The unexpected tax burden significantly impacted PCA’s budget and intensified the organization’s fundraising efforts. At the same time, PCA continues to raise funds to complete payment of the building’s purchase price. Operating costs have also proven substantial, with winter heating expenses reaching as much as $9,000 per month in natural gas costs. Volunteers continue working to maintain the facility, addressing roof repairs, plumbing issues, window maintenance, and other ongoing needs associated with preserving a historic structure.

On May 21, 2026, the Kiwanis Club of Parkland-Spanaway Foundation stepped forward with a $20,000 donation to assist PCA. The funding will help complete music practice rooms and remodeling projects in the building’s lower level, while also supporting the organization’s general operating fund to help cover expenses such as property taxes.

Keeping this historic and expansive building operational requires a tremendous investment of volunteer time and financial resources. The Parkland Community Center is fortunate to have community partners such as the Kiwanis Club of Parkland-Spanaway Foundation, whose support arrived at a critical moment and will help ensure the continued success of this important community asset.

The Kiwanis Club meets on the first, second, and fourth Thursdays at 11:30 a.m. at the Parkland Community Center meeting room. The third Thursday is for the Club and Foundation board meetings.

About the Parkland Community Association

The Parkland Community Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and revitalizing the historic Parkland School building as a community center serving Parkland and surrounding communities. Through volunteer efforts, fundraising, and community partnerships, PCA is working to create a sustainable gathering place for education, arts, recreation, and community engagement.