Pathways among the trees and new playground equipment draws residents from the surrounding neighborhood to enjoy the beauty of one of Tacoma's first parks (1901).

Park is 26.71 acres.

	FRIENDS OF MCKINLEY PARK are the volunteer natural area sponsors for this park. They help existing park service with litter pickup and removal, invasive plant removal, native plant planting, organized work parties and more.
	GOAT VISITS September 2010 & 2011 - During their one week visits, the herd of 240 goats helped protect the park's natural area as they consumed nearly 6 acres of English ivy, Himalayan blackberry and Scotch broom - invasive plants that are overtaking many naturalized forests. The goat visit was made possible through a City of Tacoma Innovative Grant awarded to the Friends of McKinley Park.

PARK IMPROVEMENTS
2013 Sound Transit Remediation Project - The D-to-M Streets Track & Signal Project, needed to complete the extension of the Sounder rail line south to Lakewood, filled in just less than a half-acre (0.46 acre) of wetlands, streams and buffers. These impacts resulted from excavation required to build retaining walls and utilities in and near the wetlands. To mitigate these impacts Sound Transit partnered with MPT to build a new project in McKinley Park that excavated fill material to re-create 0.45 acre of wetland (adjacent to an existing wetland), created a new stream channel, removed invasive species and planted native trees and shrubs to enhance 0.38 acre of existing wetland and removed non-native invasive plant species and replanted with native trees and shrubs to enhance 1.75 acre of buffer. The project constructed a trail segment and boardwalk to complete a loop trail around the site and an interpretive sign was installed. This project was funded by Central Puget Sound Regional Transit Authority ($1,500,000).
2009 Off-leash demonstration area opened
2006-2009 Master plan implementation including skatepark, playground and park infrastructure. A stately entrance at the top of the park welcomes visitors to the new promenade which meanders the full length of the park and overlooks the scenic forest below.Re-grading the hillside enabled us to replace the steeply sloped and difficult to access pathways with a well-lit, street-grade promenade offering complete visibility from end to end. Skate spots and dots were added to provide a range of opportunities for both beginners and skilled skaters to enjoy hours of active recreation. The large new children's play areas include elements that even big kids can't resist. New restrooms were also added to this signature community park. Work was funded by the Parks Improvement Bond Measure, approved by the citizens of Tacoma in November of 2005. View McKinley Park Master Plan.
Project Manager: Kristi Evans, (253) 305-1054
Design: GGLO / Wetland Work: Herrera / Construction: Serpanok

HISTORY
On April 11, 1901 the Tacoma Land and Improvement Company donated 22 acres on the east side of the City.  Landscaping crews worked to transform the rough, steep hill into a scenic park where a natural spring fed a lily pond and pool. Read more about the history of McKinley Park.