- 8/26/2010 - Celebrate the Grand Opening of Discovery Pond
- 8/26/2010 - Park District partnership with Goodwill STEPS program benefits both youth and the community
- 8/26/2010 - Park Board to explore healthy foods policy
- 7/30/2010 - Audit report: 11 years with no findings
- 7/30/2010 - Garfield Park is temporarily closed during 2005 Park Improvement Bond construction work
- 7/16/2010 - Vote Daily for Dog Park Video!
- 6/30/2010 - Tacoma resident is one of 59 contestants vying for half-million dollar donation
- 6/18/2010 - Life Jacket Program at Point Defiance Marina
- 5/28/2010 - Vision Presented for Restoration of People’s Pool
- 5/28/2010 - Point Defiance Kiosk Relocation and Rejuvenation
Upright mobility devices to be added to Zoo & Trek rental services
Sep 30, 2009
An increasing number of visitors to Northwest Trek Wildlife Park and Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium have requested the opportunity to bring Segways into the attractions. Due to potential risk of injury to other visitors, particularly small children, Segways are restricted from use at these Metro Parks facilities.The units have a potential speed of up to 12 miles per hour , which when coupled with the weight of the user and the unit itself, poses concern about use in the attractions which experience an extremely high volume of foot traffic.
Recently, a visitor brought his request to the Board, asking that they consider a policy change to allow use of Segways at Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium, and other Metro Parks facilities. The individual explained how use of the device, which provides him with mobility assistance from an upright position, enables him engage in activities in a more meaningful and enjoyable way than using seated transportation.
In response to the public's interest for upright mobility devices, zoo staff began researching options. During the September 28 board meeting, Director Gary Geddes advised the board that the provider who currently offers onsite wheelchair rentals at both the zoo and Northwest Trek Wildlife Park has presented an option to add an upright device as a rental option at both locations. This alternative to the Segway, provides the upright mobility that guests are interested in, while traveling at maximum speeds that are more comparable to those of the seated devices currently available. Having received a favorable response from the board regarding this upright alternative, staff will work with the rental provider to add these as rental options at the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium and Northwest Trek Wildlife Park.
Individuals with mobility limitations are encouraged to talk to a customer service representative to learn more about the onsite rental units offered at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium and Northwest Trek.
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium
Northwest Trek Wildlife Park