Tacoma families now have an easier, safer way to get around one of the region’s most-loved parks. The second phase of the Loop Trail project at Point Defiance Park wrapped up July 2, adding 1.6 miles of paved path that links up some of the park’s biggest draws — the Pagoda, Wilson Way Bridge, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, the Environmental Learning Center, and Owen Beach.
Both the Pearl Street and Mildred Street entrances, closed during construction, are open again.
Mark your calendar: Metro Parks Tacoma is throwing an opening celebration on July 31 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., with a ribbon-cutting behind the Pagoda followed by a guided walk along the new trail down to Owen Beach. Details are on the Metro Parks Tacoma event page.
“Loop Trail makes it much easier and safer to travel between destinations in the park,” said Park Board President Matt Mauer in a news release. “Point Defiance is treasured by so many, and we’re thrilled to keep improving the park experience for visitors.”
More than 3 million people visit the 760-acre park every year, and anyone who’s tried to walk a stroller past the zoo entrance on a busy Saturday knows why safer pedestrian routes have been in high demand.
The push for a safer way to walk (or bike) through Point Defiance goes back more than a decade. Neighbors first flagged the need for better pedestrian access in 2015, when it became clear that summer crowds and vehicle traffic didn’t mix well for anyone on foot.
The two-phase, approximately $6 million project was funded largely through a 2014 voter-approved bond measure and includes a new sidewalk in front of the zoo, connecting it to the Park Avenue trail segment.
(Tacoma Parks)
