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Metro Parks Tacoma

4702 S. 19th St.
Tacoma, WA 98405

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Customer Service
Monday-Friday
7:30 am-5:30 pm

Fax: (253) 759-9286
Phone: View phone number list below

Federal Tax ID Number: 91-6000988

Contacts

Phone List by Facility and/or Department

Parks and Recreation

Zoological and Environmental Education

Planning and Development

  • General Information (253) 305–1032
  • Director of Planning – Deborah Terwilleger (253) 305-1086

Business and Innovation

  • Executive Director – Shon Sylvia (253) 305-1072
  • Deputy Executive Director – Peter Mayer (253) 305-1091
  • Board of Park Commissioners (253) 305-1091
    • Jessie K. Baines Jr.
    • Erik Hanberg
    • Aaron Pointer
    • Tim Reid
    • Andrea Smith
  • Chief Finance Officer – Erwin Vidallon (253) 305-1081
  • Chief Administrative Officer – Paul Weed (253) 404-3949
  • Chief Communications & Public Affairs Officer – Hunter George (253) 305-1065
  • Chief Marketing & Development Officer – Sandra Elliason (253) 305-1016
  • Accessibility (253) 305-1068
  • Resources Development (253) 305-1071
  • Donations, Memorials (253) 305-1071
  • Finance & IT Services Fax (253) 305-1049
    • Accounts Payable (253) 305-1058
    • Accounts Receivable (253) 305-1044
  • Communications & Public Affairs (253) 305-1092
  • Organizational Development & Human Resources (253) 305-1089
  • Business Intelligence
    • GIS Requests (253) 305-1076
    • Data Analytics Requests (253) 305-1041

Other Helpful Numbers

Wild Animals

Report a Concern

Report a Non-Emergency Park Concern (Community Action Request)

Report a Homeless Encampment

Requests for Information

Emergency: Dial 911
Non-Emergency Tacoma Police Dept. (253) 798-4721

Media & Marketing Contacts

Metro Parks Tacoma

Chief Communications & Public Affairs Officer
Hunter George
(253) 305-1065


Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium

Marketing & Communications Manager
WhitneyDalBalcon
(253) 404-3637

Staff Leadership

Executive Director
Shon Sylvia
(253) 305-1072
Appointed by the Board of Park Commissioners, Shon leads the park district’s employees and guides the administration of programs and services.
Shon’s Bio

Deputy Executive Director
Peter Mayer
(253) 305-1091
As assistant executive director, Peter Mayer oversees business operations for Metro Parks Tacoma.
Peter’s Bio

Parks & Recreation Director
Marina Becker 
(253) 305-1043
Marina leads the department responsible for asset repair and maintenance, horticulture and landscape services, facility services and fleet management along with program and recreation services.
Marina’s Bio

Deputy Director – Community & Neighborhood Parks
Hollie Rogge
(253) 305-1076

Deputy Director – Regional Parks & Attractions
Phedra Redifer
(253) 404-1060

Zoological & Environmental Education Director
Alan Varsik
(253) 404-3631
Alan leads Northwest Trek Wildlife Park and Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium.
Alan’s Bio

Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, ZEED Deputy Director
Rick Dietz
(360) 832-7150

Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, ZEED Deputy Director
Sarah Oliver

Planning Director
Debbie Terwilleger
(253) 305-1086
Debbie leads the department responsible for long-range planning, capital development, and management of historic and cultural resources for Metro Park’s system.
Debbie’s Bio

Chief Communications and Public Affairs Officer
Interim Chief Administrative Officer
Hunter George
(253) 305-1065
The Chief Communications & Public Affairs Officer is responsible for internal and external messaging and communication strategy for the current visitor and customer, stakeholders, partners and community-at-large.
The Interim Chief Administrative Officer has oversight of all human resources and organizational development.
Hunter’s Bio

Chief Strategy Officer
Joe Brady
(253) 305-1014
Joe’s Bio

Chief Marketing & Development Officer
Sandra Eliason
(253) 305-1016
Sandra provides leadership and strategy for marketing and advertising, sales and corporate relations, major gifts and advancement, and research and grant management.
Sandra’s Bio

Chief Financial Officer
Erwin Vidallon
(253) 305-1081
The Chief Financial Officer provides oversight of all finance and accounting functions, budgeting, contract compliance, risk management and IT. This position also manages the GIS and data analytics divisions.
Erwin’s Bio

Social Media

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YouTube

LinkedIn

Flickr

Pinterest

Please read our Privacy and Commenting policy

Requests

Accommodation Requests

Metro Parks Tacoma strives toward providing inclusive programs to all community members. People of all abilities are invited to consider registering for any recreational program Metro Parks Tacoma has to offer provided they meet the minimum eligibility requirements. We can usually build customized support to suit your needs.

To request an accommodation please allow 10 business days prior to the start of the course. You may request via email, mail or phone:

Email: Send accommodation request to accommodation@tacomaparks.com
Mail: Send the Accommodation Request Form to 4702 S. 19th, Tacoma WA 98405.
Phone: 253-404-3950
This number is for accommodation information only

For general inquiries and information please call 253-305-1022

Request a Presentation

Metro Parks staff are available to speak to civic, school, business and other groups about a variety of topics.

If you’d like your organization to hear more in person about:

  • District capital projects
  • Park management
  • Horticulture
  • Recreation programs
  • Volunteer opportunities
  • …or another topic

Please contact Chief Public Affairs Officer Hunter George.

Public Records Requests

Public Records Requests

Metro Parks Tacoma, in accordance with the Washington State Public Records Act RCW 42.56, allows for the inspection or copies of records unless specifically exempted by law. After submitting a request, you may be contacted to clarify your request or to coordinate the delivery of records.

Make a Records Request

You may also submit a pdf version of the form by these methods:

  • Fax: (253) 759-9286
  • Mail: Attn: Jennifer Bowman, Metro Parks Tacoma, 4702 S. 19th St., Tacoma WA 98405
  • Email: jenniferb@tacomaparks.com

Questions
Contact Jennifer Bowman (253) 305-1091

Community Action Request

Metro Parks Tacoma is committed to the timely correction of incidents and conditions that interfere with the park and recreation experience.

Report maintenance problems such as broken playground equipment, non-urgent safety issues, concerns about a Metro Parks staff member or recurring unsafe misuse of parks and community centers.

Report a Problem Ask a Question

Metro Parks strives to provide an initial response to all inquiries within 2 business days.

Emergency communications relative to matters of public health or safety are administered by the District’s Communications Manager on a priority basis. Information of this nature is disseminated through a variety of internal and external communication vehicles including, media releases, the District’s website, social media, email and other means as warranted, such as onsite signage, posters or reader board notification.

Financial Assistance & Refunds

Financial Assistance

Financial Assistance

Metro Parks Tacoma offers a financial assistance program due to generous support from the Greater Metro Parks Foundation. If cost is a potential barrier to participation, City of Tacoma residents may request financial assistance for most scheduled fee-based classes, camps or programs with individual charges.

More information can be found on page 2 of the Financial Assistance Form. Please allow at least two weeks in advance of any activity:

Refunds

Refunds

All Metro Parks Tacoma programs come with a satisfaction guarantee. Refund requests must be made in writing. After the start of the class/activity, refunds may be granted on a pro-rated basis when requested prior to the last day of the class/activity. (See exception regarding teams/leagues below).

Metro Parks Tacoma may apply and communicate special refund conditions for activities, which may result in the customer receiving a refund of less than the amount paid. If special refund conditions apply, they will be noted on your receipt. No refunds will be given for missed classes. For questions about refunds please call (253) 305-1030.

Teams/Leagues

No refunds may be granted to participants after the season’s schedule has been created.

Canceled Programs

When an activity is cancelled by Metro Parks, registrants will receive a full refund or credit.