- 11/17/2009 - Point Defiance Park Landscape Enhancements
- 10/30/2009 - Neighbors help offset insurance deductible for Alling Park playground replacement
- 10/30/2009 - Our commitment to accessibility and inclusion
- 10/30/2009 - Wake up for Wapato on Nov. 7
- 10/30/2009 - Tacoma’s parks now smoke-free
- 10/1/2009 - Comcast On Demand features Metro Parks Tacoma
- 9/30/2009 - Upright mobility devices to be added to Zoo & Trek rental services
- 9/30/2009 - Point Defiance bowl gets a fresh face
- 9/30/2009 - Replacement of Alling Park play equipment nearly complete
- 9/30/2009 - Employee volunteers perform important work, generate financial match from Comcast
Park District moving swiftly to replace new playground destroyed by intentional fire
Jul 9, 2009
News of an intentional fire that demolished the new playground at Alling Park carried a particularly tough punch.
After five years of fundraising efforts, the South End Neighborhood Council had donated the equipment to Metro Parks to complement Upgrades at Alling Park that were made possible through the 2005 Park Improvement Bond. Immediately following completion of the park improvements in May, the playground became a popular destination for children and families.
Less than two months after the equipment installation was complete, vandals completely destroyed more than $85,000 worth of improvement work in the playground area.
Tacoma Fire determined the equipment was intentionally set and the case is under investigation with the Tacoma Police Department.
During the Monday July 27 Board Meeting, Executive Director Jack Wilson requested authorization to move ahead with purchase of replacement equipment prior to settlement of the insurance claim. He explained that staff and neighbors are actively pursuing resources to help address the $5,000 deductible the claim would require.
“We need to get this back in place as quickly as possible, so the many kids who were visiting the park daily have a place to play again,” Executive Wilson told the board. “We know that it will take at least 6-8 weeks for delivery of the system once it’s been ordered so we want to start the process as quickly as possible.”
Board members unanimously supported the request to move forward with purchase. Planning staff will meet with the Neighborhood Council in August to select replacement equipment. It’s anticipated that the new Alling playground will be able to be installed in late fall.
Alling after the fire: 
Alling before the fire:
