History

Metro Parks Tacoma has its roots in the City of Tacoma Charter of 1880. The city set up a committee of city council members in 1883 to oversee the city's parks. That committee became the Board of Park Commissioners in 1890, with members appointed by the mayor.

Tacoma was ready for action when the Washington State Legislature passed a law in 1907 allowing cities to form separate park districts. Less than a month after the governor signed the bill, residents voted to establish the Metropolitan Park District of Tacoma as a separate municipal corporation with the ability to collect property taxes for support. Metro Parks Tacoma was incorporated April 6, 1907, with a five-member elected Board of Park Commissioners.

The early parks

Tacoma resident Col. Clinton Ferry, seeking to copy the broad boulevards and green spaces he enjoyed on his trips to Europe, gave the city its first park. Ferry Park was dedicated in 1883, followed by Wright Park in 1886. The following year a park warden was appointed and given a $1,000 budget to purchase and plant trees. In 1888 Tacoma persuaded Congress to allow park development at Point Defiance. Tacoma proceeded to develop park features and on March 3, 1905 Tacoma was granted full title to the 638 acre park by US Congress. The park is described as a "splendid seaside resort", accessible by trolley line.

After more than 100 years, Metro Parks Tacoma continues to maintain and care for Tacoma's park resources with a combination of earned revenue and tax support.

Last Updated: Feb 25, 2010 9:35 AM