Metro Parks Tacoma has released three design options for an improvement project at Browns Point Lighthouse Park.
According to Metro Parks Tacoma’s Web site, the $84.3 million bond measure approved by voters in 2005 directed $500,000 toward the park to create accessible pathways and a promenade, demolish the existing parking garage, create additional parking, and provide new park furnishings. In 2008, the garage was removed and a gravel area was created for temporary parking. Three years later, roof replacement projects on Keeper’s cottage, history center, boathouse, and bellhouse were completed.
Last month, Metro Parks Tacoma held a public meeting to discuss Browns Point Lighthouse Park, which is located at 201 Tulalip St. NE, in Tacoma, and hear from the community about parking options, accessibility improvements, and general park enhancements. Last week, Metro Parks Tacoma held a public meeting to invite the public to review three schematic design options created by BCRA to improve the park: Neighborhood Active Design Option; Neighborhood Historic Design Option; and Neighborhood Passive Design Option. Proposed features for each design include:
Neighborhood Active Design Option
- Parking Lot with spaces for 17 vehicles; two spaces designated ADA
- Event and display area
- Picnic plaza
- Portable restroom
- Open play area
- Kayak / kite board laydown area
- Neighborhood bocce court
- Stormwater raingarden
- Picnic pavilions with distinctive architecture
Neighborhood Historic Design Option
- Parking lot with spaces for 13 vehicles; two spaces designated ADA
- Slope stabilization and open view areas
- Historic fence restoration
- Portable restroom
- Open play area
- New interpretive graphics
- Historic ornamental garden
- Lighthouse and generator building upgrade and restoration
- Single picnic table shelter
Neighborhood Passive Design Option
- Parking Lot with spaces for 12 vehicles; two spaces designated ADA
- Partial historic fence restoration
- Picnic plaza
- Portable restroom
- Open play area
- Slope stabilization and open view areas
- Viewpoint lookouts with public telescopes
- Picnic pavilion
- Stormwater raingarden
The entire park improvement project is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2015. More information is available online at metroparkstacoma.org/browns-point-lighthouse-park/.
