Council names Ansettch waterfront boat building for volunteer coach Allen Anderson

The Gig Harbor City Council unanimously approved Resolution 13-50 on Jan. 26 to name the boat storage facility at Ansett(Ansettch) Waterfront Park the Allen Anderson Boathouse, honoring decades of volunteer leadership with the Gig Harbor Canoe and Kayak Race Team.

Parks Manager Jennifer Harrow summarized the proposal and the Parks Commission and study-session recommendations; she said the facility opened for public rentals and team use in 2022 and the naming request came from community leaders and a formal submission included endorsements.

Missy Hill, who introduced herself with a home address for the record, and Allison Rosinski, head coach of the Gig Harbor Kayak Club, told the council the naming recognizes “decades of volunteer leadership, mentorship and service” and emphasized Anderson’s role in building community opportunity for youth. Scott Puckett, a longtime paddler and coach, described the team’s growth and the personal impact of Anderson’s leadership.

“Allen’s work has shaped generations of youth, strengthening families and community connections,” Missy Hill said during public comment. Alan Anderson, who spoke near the end of the public-comment period, thanked the council and community for their support and recalled the project’s long history.

Council member Ekberg moved to approve the resolution and Council member Rodenberg seconded; the motion passed on an electronic and verbal roll call, 7-0. Harrow said staff will order a sign and prepare an informational panel explaining Anderson’s contributions, and the city will schedule a public dedication once signage and logistics are coordinated.

The resolution follows the city’s naming policy, which allows naming a park facility for a living person who has made an unusually outstanding public-service contribution, and the Parks Commission had recommended approval.