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Destination Point Defiance – an overview
For this issue of Metro Parks Today, we’ve brought you some sky-high photos of Destination Point Defiance. Thanks to Atkinson Construction for the drone images, and to our own Anne Winters, who added the labels.
What the images show is a hint of the not-too-distant future, and all of the big elements of Waterfront Phase I – the Wilson Way pedestrian bridge and trail that are the “missing link” between the park’s trails and Ruston Way, the 11 acres of new parkland on the breakwater peninsula, and the new boat trailer parking lot.
You can also see some smaller elements that are no less exciting, such as the slides – yes, slides like the ones you find at playgrounds – that are being carved into the hillside from the trail down to the waterfront. Landscaping is another topic in its own right.
What’s exciting to many people in and around Metro Parks is that these projects, which were the topic of discussion in Tacoma for five, 10, 20 years or more – are taking physical shape. We’ve come a long way since the community charrette where we dreamed of building a park atop the breakwater peninsula formed by slag from the Asarco smelter. It is the same with the long-discussed “missing link” between the park and Ruston Way. All of these ideas took years of back-and-forth planning, followed by designs and appeals for funding. Yet here we are.
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A good spot to see it for yourself is on the grassy area between the park entrance’s angled parking and the ferry lane. If you make a visit and look northeast, you’ll see more than a construction site. You’ll see people’s determination to leave this special place on Puget Sound better than they found it.
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Michael Thompson is
public information manager
of Metro Parks Tacoma. Contact
him at
(253) 305-1092 or
michaelt@tacomaparks.com
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Taking strides to improve access to recreation; Park Board Notes May 2017
As we look forward to summer, Metro Parks Tacoma’s busiest season, it’s an opportune time to spread the word about our stepped-up efforts to improve access to recreation programs and activities for residents of Tacoma, Browns Point and Dash Point.
We at Metro Parks pride ourselves on leadership in efforts to sustain a healthy community. So it’s only natural that equity and inclusiveness are among the core values that guide our decision making and operations. We recognize that many individuals and families residing in the Metropolitan Park District of Tacoma have difficulty finding the extra money to enroll kids in sports, summer camp or join a community center.
That’s why we provide grants to encourage participation among residents, regardless of means. In 2014, more than $69,250 subsidized 2,326 individual program registrations. In 2015, more than $71,000 subsidized 2,561. In 2016, nearly $86,000 and 3,263.
Late last year, when we finalized our most recent operating budget, we decided to increase the total amount of recreation grant money annually available to $150,000. At the same time, we increased the maximum amount of financial assistance for individuals and families. Now individuals may receive as much as $200 in a single year. Family assistance depends in part on family size and ranges up to $1,000 for families of five or more.
The Metro Parks website offers more information about financial assistance and downloadable copies of the necessary application forms. You’ll have to verify your income, but there are several ways to do that, including providing a copy of the free and reduced-price lunch letter you may receive from your child’s public school. For more help on how to apply, call (253) 305-1022.
Happily, access to our parks and many of our programs is free of charge. But when cost is an issue, we try to assist as much as possible.
That isn’t the only way we’re striving to improve access to recreation. Another is the new elementary school sports program, during the academic year at all 35 of Tacoma’s elementary schools. Right now, kids are playing baseball and softball, but earlier in the year we offered successive seasons sports, which started last fall with soccer, followed by basketball and flag football.
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This collaborative effort with Tacoma Public Schools, the YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties and the Boys & Girls Clubs of South Puget Sound gives children in every Tacoma neighborhood a nearby opportunity to participate in organized athletics. Registration for fall soccer starts May 22. Registration is $55 per 8-week session. Again, discounts are available for those in need.
Erik Hanberg has served on the Metro Parks Tacoma Board of Commissioners since January 2010. He is one of five commissioners and has served in the roles of clerk and president. He and his wife have two children and can regularly be found playing with them at one of Tacoma’s great parks.
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Erik Hanberg
Metro Parks
Tacoma
B
oard
of Commissioners
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Capital Improvement Projects
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Wright Park's new bridge almost ready
The new bridge at Wright Park is approximately 54 feet long, 8 feet wide and weighs just under 22,000 pounds. It was fabricated off-site and lifted into place with a crane. It should be open to the public in a few weeks after some safety adjustments are made.
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Wapato Lake water quality treatment successful
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Metro Parks Tacoma on Tuesday successfully treated Wapato Lake to reduce public exposure to toxic algae.
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Renovated Rocky Shores habitat now open at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium
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Huge crowds gathered this morning for the Grand Re-Opening of the renovated marine mammal complex.
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Speedingwildlife feeding about to get more attention in Point Defiance Park
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Tacoma police to boost patrols and ticketing as park enters its busy season.
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Point Defiance Park construction temporarily shifts boat trailer parking this summer
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Fort Nisqually Living History Museum receives historic firearms, beadwork collection
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Bequest comes from Glenn Sutt, one of the museum’s most dedicated volunteers.
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Metro Parks Tacoma to unveil plaque honoring Tacoma baseball ambassador on May 13
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Late Metro Parks employee Bob Maguinez was a gifted player, coach, scout and umpire...
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Downtown to Defiance Trolley kickoff set for June 2
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On Friday, June 2, a new Pierce Transit Downtown to Defiance Trolley service will begin at 10:30 a.m.
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Two beach programs offer hands-on exploration and fun
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Longtime zoo leader with deep roots in species conservation named deputy director of Northwest Trek Wildlife Park
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Upcoming Events & Public Meetings
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Friday, May 12
Saturday, May 13
Sunday, May 14
Thursday, May 18
Saturday, May 20
Sunday, May 21
Saturday, May 27
Sunday, May 28
Friday, June 2
Saturday, June 3
Sunday, June 4
Friday, June 9
Saturday, June 10
Sunday, June 11
Monday, June 12
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PUBLIC MEETINGS
Board of Park Commissioners Meeting
Monday, May 8 & 22
Monday, June 12 & 26
Capital Improvement Committee
Wednesday, May 10 & 24
Wednesday, June 14 & 28
Committee of the Whole
Monday, May 15
Monday, June 19
Destination Point Defiance - Roundabout Public Meetings
Informational discussions about the Point Defiance Park main entrance roundabout.
- Tuesday, May 30; Noon
Mary Joyce Community Center,
5219 N. Shirley St.
- Tuesday, June 6; 6 pm;
Point Defiance Pagoda,
5801 Trolley Lane
Read more >
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Metro Parks Tacoma | (253) 305-1000 | metroparkstacoma.org
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