Metro Parks Tacoma > About Metro Parks

Headquarters Building
4702 S. 19th Street
Tacoma, WA 98405

Opened Sept. 13, 1993
Park land acres: 16.28

Demonstration Garden/Presidents' Grove
A Presidents' Grove honoring past Presidents of MPT was created next to the headquarters building in May 2007. Bricks engraved with the names of 30 year employees were incorporated into the patio design. This work converted some turf areas to native plant material, created educational and community event space, and corrected a drainage problem in an area adjacent to the headquarters building. In April 2009 a small but very visible part of the existing turf landscape at the front entry was replaced with more naturalistic, resource-friendly plants and fresh mulch to create a healthier garden that requires less irrigation and reflects the district's commitment to sustainable landscapes.

2005 Highlights

2004 Annual Report

Organizational Chart

Requests for Public Records
Requests for public record can be made by contacting Jennifer Bowman in the Executive Director's Office at 305-1091 or jenniferb@tacomaparks.com.

A Request for Public Record Form must be completed and submitted when making a request. Forms can be faxed back to 305-1098 or mailed to:
Metro Parks Tacoma
attn: Jennifer Bowman
4702 S 19th St.
Tacoma, WA 98405

About Metro Parks

Metro Parks Tacoma was created in 1907 as a municipal corporation to manage park, recreation and zoological services and facilities for the citizens of Tacoma. Now it also serves citizens of Dash Point and Browns Point.

Governed by an elected five-member board of park commissioners, Metro Parks Tacoma maintains and cares for some 57 parks and open spaces in the Tacoma area including Point Defiance Park with its Zoo and Aquarium, Boathouse Marina, and Fort Nisqually; Northwest Trek Wildlife Park near Eatonville; W. W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory; Meadow Park Golf Course; and Ruston Way waterfront parks including Les Davis Pier.

More Tacoma Parks History

Our mission:
Creating healthy opportunities to play, learn, and grow.

Our vision:
Metro Parks Tacoma builds a healthy community, a vibrant region and a sustainable environment by promoting active lifestyles and strong individuals and families through parks, programs, and partnerships.

Our values:

Integrity - The community can rely on MPT and its staff members.
Excellence - MPT will strive for excellence, providing exceptional parks, facilities and programs.
Equity - MPT will provide parks, facilities, and programs in a fair and equitable manner, so that residents of all abilities, incomes, languages, and socio-cultural groups have access to services.
Creativity - MPT will seek and support innovative and creative solutions to issues in our community. We embrace change and encourage flexibility so that the District can benefit from new and unique opportunities.
Stewardship - MPT will be a steward of the District's financial, physical, natural, and cultural resources. Through sound management, we will create a legacy for future generations.
Human Development - MPT recognizes that people learn and grow throughout their lives. MPT will support life-long human development by providing recreation and educational opportunities.
Respect - MPT will treat all people with respect and dignity. MPT commits to bringing out the best in ourselves and others, honoring the diversity of people, ideas, and cultures within our organization and community.
Safety - Parks, recreation facilities, and programs should provide healthy, inviting environments for social interaction and enjoyment. MPT recognizes that safety is a basic necessity in meeting other recreation needs.
Accountability - MPT will be responsive to the people we serve and will carry out our mission in a manner that builds public trust.
Fun - MPT recognizes the importance of play in the lives of all residents and will build our community on a foundation of fun!

Last Updated: Jul 28, 2009 1:10 PM