JANUARY 2019
Metro Parks Today
January 2019: News and Notes
Looking back at highlights from 2018

New buildings, new programs, new partnerships ... 2018 was a busy year for Metro Parks Tacoma. Here’s a look back.

Then keep reading for Commissioner Aaron Pointer’s look forward to 2019.
Michael Thompson is
public information manager
of Metro Parks Tacoma. Contact
him at (253) 305-1092 or
10. Good things come to Browns Point Lighthouse Park
Voters approved capital improvement bonds in 2005 and 2014, and among other things those helped the district pave a new parking lot, make the shoreline promenade more accessible, add picnic tables and improve landscaping at Browns Point Lighthouse Park last year. The results look amazing. Read more about the improvements.

Photo credit: Sky Orca Photography
9. Korean Women’s Association to provide services at Portland Avenue Community Center
In 2018, Metro Parks found a new operator for Portland Avenue Community Center: The Korean Women’s Association, a nonprofit social service agency, which pledged to invest up to $1 million in improvements and operations at the center while Metro Parks will continue to manage Portland Avenue Park. Read more
8. New greenhouses and a community garden get growing
Last year was the first full year of operation for Metro Parks’ new state-of-the-art commercial greenhouse at the Tacoma landfill. Meanwhile, the district developed its eighth community garden at Charlotte’s Blueberry Park. Read more
7. One million conservation connections
In 2018, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium and Northwest Trek Wildlife Park welcomed more than 1 million guests, representing 1 million conservation connections. Reaching this milestone for the first time is a wonderful indicator of the importance and relevance of both zoos to our community. Read more
6. Meadow Park Golf Course upgrades driving range, lighting, introduces Glow Golf parties
Talk about upping your game: In 2018, Meadow Park introduced nighttime Glow Golf, new LED lights, heated practice stalls and a Golf Learning Center. Learn more about Meadow Park Golf Course
5. New Wapato Park docks debut at Fish Tacoma! 
Hundreds of Tacoma kids and more than 2,000 rainbow trout turned out to be a great combination for Fish Tacoma!, a free event in June with the state Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Get Hooked Foundation. The event also showcased Wapato Lake’s new docks, floating launch, fish-cleaning station, benches, pathways and landscaping.
4. Extended day camp while the start of the school year was delayed
When the start of the school year was delayed in Tacoma, Metro Parks quickly set up day camps at our four community centers to help families cope until the situation was resolved. Nearly 1,400 children were served at no charge to parents.
3. Winter Wonderland pop-up carnival and fair wows children, families
A first-of-its-kind event, Winter Wonderland drew families and supporters of children with disabilities to STAR Center in March. The indoor-outdoor event was geared to kids ages 5 to 12. About 1,700 children and adults attended, and 100 volunteers helped out. A similar special event for children is planned for 2019 at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium.
2. The new Pacific Seas Aquarium opens at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium
A state-of-the-art replacement for the old North Pacific Aquarium, the $51.6 million Pacific Seas Aquarium, opened in September. The new, larger aquarium features regional marine species as well as warm-water sea life, like sea turtles, hammerhead sharks, and eagle rays. Read more
1. Thousands celebrate the opening of the Eastside Community Center
Born out of a partnership of community-oriented organizations, the $32 million, 55,000-square-foot Eastside Community Center opened in October with as many as 3,000 in attendance.

The facility features a swimming pool, gymnasium, sound-recording studio, fitness and weight-lifting equipment, social hall, culinary kitchen and high-tech lounge. It’s also the Eastside home of the Boys & Girls Clubs of South Puget Sound. Learn more about Eastside Community Center
Park Board Notes
 2019 looks like it will be a banner year for Metro Parks Tacoma
A message from Park Board Commissioner Aaron Pointer

Now that New Year’s celebrations are over, I’d like to give you a glimpse of what’s on Metro Parks Tacoma’s 2019 to-do list.

It looks like it will be another year of accomplishments by the Metropolitan Park District of Tacoma.

We’re in the home stretch of completing Wilson Way and Dune Peninsula at Point Defiance Park. We will have more details in the coming months, but these huge and much-anticipated projects should be open by mid-year.
Aaron Pointer is the president of Metro Parks Tacoma Board of Commissioners. He first became a commissioner in 2001.
Capital Improvement Projects
Capital Improvement Projects
News Around the District
Center at Norpoint to celebrate its 25th birthday
This northeast Tacoma community center was wildly popular from the get-go. A Feb. 4 open house will mark the day.
Upcoming Events & Public Meetings
UPCOMING EVENTS


Saturday, January 19
 
Monday, January 21
 
Saturday, January 26
 
Tuesday, January 29
 
Saturday, February 2
 
Sunday, February 3
 
Monday, February 4
 
Thursday, February 7
 
Saturday, February 9
 
Sunday, February 10
 
Wednesday, February 13
 
Thursday, February 14
 
Friday, February 15
 
Saturday, February 16
 
Sunday, February 17
 
Monday, February 18
 
Sunday, February 24
 
Monday, February 25
PUBLIC MEETINGS


Board of Park Commissioners Meeting
Monday, Jan. 28
Monday, Feb. 11 & 25
6:00 pm
4702 S. 19 th St. Tacoma WA
 
Capital Improvement Committee
Wednesday, Jan. 16 & 30
Wednesday, Feb. 13 & 27
5:00 pm
4702 S. 19 th St. Tacoma WA
 
Committee of the Whole
Monday, Jan. 21-Canceled due
to Martin Luther King Jr. day
Monday, Feb. 18-Canceled due to Presidents day
5:30 pm
4702 S. 19 th St. Tacoma WA

Park Board Retreat
Friday, January 25
8:30 am
Eastside Community Center
Partner support helps us to provide the highest quality park and recreation experiences possible .

Join us in thanking our partners:
Metro Parks Tacoma | (253) 305-1030 | metroparkstacoma.org