2023 Pierce County Parks Annual Report

Place 98467 www.chambersbaygolf.com

Lidford Playfield

58th St & 44th Ave E, Tacoma 98391 parking, walking loop, playground

parking, restrooms, customer service, executive offices, playfields, walking path, venue rental, meeting rooms, catering kitchen

Lakewood Community Center

9112 Lakewood Dr SW

Lakewood 98499 parking, restrooms, customer service, gymnasium, specialized recreation Chambers Bay Golf Course 6320 Grandview Dr W

Parkland Prairie

Lake Spanaway Golf Course

15602 Pacific Ave S, Tacoma 98444

www.lakespanawaygc.com

Spanaway Park

14905 Bresemann Blvd S

Spanaway 98387

parking, restrooms, playground, covered park shelters, trails, beach/lake access, boat launch, boathouse, summer gate fees

Swan Creek Park

2954 Pioneer Way E, Tacoma 98404

parking, walking trails

Ashford County Park

29801 SR 706 E, Ashford 98304

parking, restrooms, playground, lawn, amphitheater, trail, walking path, forest

Frontier Park

21714 Meridian Ave E, Graham 98338

parking, restrooms, playground, venue rental, lodge with kitchen, park shelters, lawn, trails, walking path, outdoor arena & stables, barns, quarter midget race track

9010 128th St E, Puyallup 98373

parking, restrooms, playground, lighted ballfields & multipurpose fields, walking path

Meridian Habitat Park & Center

14422 Meridian E, Puyallup 98375

parking, restrooms, playground, park shelter, trails, off-leash dog park, venue rental, lawn, ampitheather, wetlands, wildlife habitat

Naches Trail Preserve

4414 Military Rd E, Tacoma 98466

parking, gravel walking paths, protected wildlife area, prairie, creek, birding site, no dogs allowed

Nathan Chapman Memorial Trail

9201 136th St E, Puyallup 98373

trail connecting Heritage Recreation Center and South Hill Community Park

South Hill Community Park

14201 86th Ave E, Puyallup 98373

parking, restrooms, playground, trail, park tables, wetlands

Foothills Trail (East Puyallup)

13810 80th St E, Puyallup 98372

parking, restrooms, trail

(McMillin) 14301 140th St E, Orting 98360

Foothills Trail (South Prairie) 340 SR 162, South Prairie 98385 parking, restrooms, trail

North Lake Tapps Park

2022 198th Ave E, Bonney Lake 98391 parking, restrooms, trails, beach/lake access, boat

NORTH REGION

SOUTH REGION

MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL

PARK

MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR

Reflecting on 2023, Parks recognized that people are engaging in recreation differently compared to pre-pandemic times. We’ve adjusted by rebuilding and redefining programs. The return of special events was embraced and efforts were made to enhance youth programs. Additionally, there was a focus on providing more specialized programming for individuals with developmental and cognitive disabilities, exemplified by the expansion of Special Olympics opportunities. We worked hard to generate partnerships to bring new recreation experiences to the community, such as the Trek at Tehaleh Mountain Bike Park opening in 2024, and new naturebased programming to get more kids outdoors to learn and play in our beautiful parks.

As our community grows, so does our park system. Notable developments include the creation of a completely new community park experience at Sprinker Recreation Center, a substantial expansion of the East Puyallup Trailhead for the Foothills Trail, and the ongoing construction of the Pipeline Trail. These endeavors aim to provide residents with spaces for relaxation, physical activity, and opportunities to foster familial bonds.

Looking ahead, the budget for 2024-2025, adopted last November, allocates $50 million towards capital development. It also introduces a scholarship program aimed at individuals facing financial barriers to accessing park programs, as well as the implementation of park rangers to ensure Pierce County parks are safe, clean, and accessible. Collaborative efforts with partners will continue to focus on laying out new trails, sports facilities, and recreational opportunities, enriching the experience of calling Pierce County home.

While 2023 has concluded, the commitment, passion and ongoing efforts of the department to enhance and improve the county park system on your behalf remains steadfast.

Sincerely,

Roxanne Miles Director of Parks and Recreation

CONNECT LIVE ENJOY LEARN

ABOUT THE PARKS DEPARTMENT

The Parks and Recreation Department maintains over 5,200 acres at 44 park sites, including three recreation centers, a sports complex, ice rink, skateboard park, two boat launch sites, two golf courses, trail corridors, a mountain bike park, and a large number of passive open space sites through Pierce County’s Conservation Futures system. We also offer a variety of special events, programs and activities for all ages and ability levels.

Mission:

To provide opportunities for people to connect with nature, live healthy lifestyles, enjoy vibrant community spaces, and learn about sustainable practices.

Vision:

A county of healthy people living happy lives.

2023 BY THE NUMBERS

937K

Cost Recovery Model

Regional parks require high operating costs but offer great revenue generating potential. Golf courses, tournament facilities, rental venues and events attract tourism and have higher cost recovery goals.

WEST REGION

SWOON

The interactive public art structure, Swoon, was completed and welcomes park visitors to adorn the artwork with “love locks.” Located in the Central Meadow, the metal poles are a representation of the natural environment of the grass swaying in the wind at Chambers Creek Regional Park and are designed in a way to capture the industrial history of the site. This project was funded by the Pierce County 1% for the Arts Program.

IN THIS REGION REGION HIGHLIGHTS

Recreational Facilities

Chambers Bay Golf Course

Environmental Services Building

Lakewood Community Center

Parks

Chambers Creek Regional Park

Purdy Sand Spit

Seeley Lake Park Trails

Chambers Creek Park Trails

Seeley Lake Trail

The West Region had its busiest year yet, with the Environmental Services Building hosting over 350 events, including 50 weddings. Its stunning location overlooking Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains, along with its affordability, has cemented its status as a premier rental venue.

Chambers Creek Regional Park hosted 23 successful programs, attracting over 15,000 participants to events like the Kite Festival and Bark by the Bay. Additionally, it served as a venue for community rentals and athletic competitions, including the South Sound Lacrosse Tournament. Noteworthy festivals included Tacoma Arts Live’s Sound & Sky, adding vibrancy to the park’s scenic backdrop.

Special Events & Program

West Region 23

156K Events Program Participants

PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS

43.2K ROUNDS

of golf at Chambers Bay brought in over $5.77M in annual green fees.

607K VISITORS

explored Chambers Creek Regional Park in 2023.

910K PEOPLE

used the West Region trails in 2023.

IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS

Chambers Creek Regional Park

20K VISITORS

were served at the Lakewood Community Center in 2023.

1.1K PARTICIPANTS

raced in the seven themed fun runs hosted in 2023.

3K DOGS

attended the Bark by the Bay event.

Art Installation: A new art installation was constructed at the Central Meadow. The structure, titled Swoon, allows visitors to declare their devotion by placing a lock on the art piece.

Chambers Trail improvements, updated Park Signage and a new turnstand at the golf course are all coming in 2024-2025 following design and permitting in 2022-2023. The trail will expand access throughout the canyon. Park signage will be updated to provide identification, direction and education at the park. The new turnstand, which will be constructed in the summer of 2024, will provide golfers with a restaurant and pro shop at the 9th hole.

BARK BY THE BAY

Bark by the Bay returned for its second year attracting an estimated 3,500 people and 3,000 dogs. Attendees were able to meet with over 40 pet-friendly vendors. Dog owners were able to view acrobatic and obedience demonstrations, while dogs enjoyed treat-hunting and water toys.

CHASE THE RAINBOW FUN RUN

Chase the Rainbow 5K stood out as the most colorful fun run event! Starting off with a group color throw, 194 participants dashed through the park amidst vibrant balloon arches. Along the route, racers encountered bursts of bubbles, water sprays, and colorful powder, elevating the excitement and energy of the event.

CENTRAL REGION

Rennovated fields at Sprinker Recreation Center

IN THIS REGION

Recreational Facilities

Lake Spanaway Golf Course

Sprinker Recreation Center Parks

Bresemann Forest

Dawson Playfield

Gonyea Playfield

Lidford Playfield

Mayfair Playfield

Parkland Prairie

Spanaway Park Trails

Bresemann Forest Trail

Mayfair Trail

Parkland Prairie Nature Trail

Swan Creek Trail

REGION HIGHLIGHTS

In the Central Region, significant changes occurred with construction projects at Sprinker Recreation Center, including new amenities and team locker rooms and the outdoor improvement project. Construction didn’t slow down our programming. Signature events like Outdoor Life, Daddy Daughter Dance, and Touch-A-Truck continued to engage the community.

Spanaway Park hosted the Water Lantern Festival and remained busy with community events throughout the summer. Late in the year, Fantasy Lights, a beloved holiday tradition, was a highlight. The region remains a focal point for celebrations and diverse events, fostering memorable experiences for residents.

We’re also pleased to add a new walking path to our region at Mayfair Playfield! The new trail provides parkgoers a new outdoor amenity to enjoy for years to come.

Special Events & Program

Central Region

22

396K Events Program Participants

PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS

44.1K ROUNDS

of golf at Lake Spanaway Golf Course brought over $1.9M in golf, food, and beverage revenues.

4K CHILDREN and their families attended the free Touch-A-Truck event.

103K PEOPLE

used the Central Region trails in 2023.

IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS

Mayfair Playfield

178K PEOPLE

participated in classes, activities and programs at Sprinker Recreation Center in 2023.

82.2K SKATERS

enjoyed the ice rink in 2023.

HOLIDAY EXPERIENCES

174.5K SPECTATORS

in over 31.6k vehicles were mesmerized by Fantasy Lights.

The Natural Lands Crew completed habitat restoration work along Clover Creek while also building a 0.2-mile walking trail with newly planted trees. There are plans for benches, picnic tables and new signage in 2024.

Orangegate Park & Pipeline Trail

In September 2023, we broke ground to begin the Pipeline Trail expansion from Tacoma into Pierce County’s Summit-Waller community. The 1.6-mile paved trail will connect to a soon-to-be constructed trailhead at Orangegate Park. Design for Orangegate Park is underway with construction anticipated to begin in 2025. It features a fully accessible playground, dog park and 160 acres of forested trails for the public to enjoy.

Sprinker Recreation Center

Outdoor Phase 1: This $17 million project will transform the park, adding a regional spray park, playground, futsal court, synthetic turf fields, fitness center, park shelters, and an event lawn. The refurbished basketball courts, expanded parking lot, ADA improvements, and the new Parkland Trail to Pacific Lutheran University will enhance accessibility and offer versatile activities for the community.

Team Rooms: Sprinker’s newest ice arena addition meets the rising demand for hockey. Five NHL-themed team rooms and a skate sharpening center help manage games and tournaments while ensuring safety and access. These amenities solidify Sprinker as a premier ice sports destination.

Over 23,800 people participated in Ice Lights - the annual event that transforms the Sprinker ice rink into a winter wonderland. With thousands of twinkling lights, a 20-foot,tree in the center of the rink choreographed to musical delights, Ice Bumper Cars, falling snow, and holiday photo ops, this event makes the Central Region a popular holiday celebration destination.

Fantasy Lights celebrated its 29th year with over 174,000 people driving through the annual holiday drive-through light display at Spanaway Park. New displays are added every year thanks to our relationship with Clover Park and Bates Technical colleges.

SOUTH REGION

IN THIS REGION

Recreational Facilities

Heritage Recreation Center

Community Centers

Frederickson Community Center

Frontier Park Lodge

Meridian Habitat Community Center Parks

Ashford County Park

Frontier Park

Meridian Habitat Park

South Hill Community Park

Stan & Joan Cross Park

Trails

Naches Trail Preserve

Nathan Chapman Memorial Trail

REGION HIGHLIGHTS

In 2023, Parks introduced successful nature-based programming to the South Region. This included day camps and workshops at Meridian Habitat Park, Frontier Park, and Cross Park. Educating all ages about the local flora and fauna provides not only an appreciation for the natural world but establishes lifelong connections and experiences.

Community programming thrived in the region, with popular events like Movies in the Park and family dances bringing people together. Frontier Park was also a hub for numerous community highlights, including the Pierce County Fair and the Winter Solstice Celebration Night Market.

Pooch Paw-ty @ Meridian Habitat Park

Special Events & Program

South Region

20

212K Events Program Participants

PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS

18.4K VISITORS

attended the Pierce County Fair at Frontier Park.

10.3K ATTENDEES

enjoyed Haunted Headlights in 2023.

476K PEOPLE

used the South Region Trails in 2023.

IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS

Frontier Park

49K PLAYERS

participated in sports games at Heritage Recreation Center.

305K VISITORS

for events and facility rentals in the South Region.

110.6K VISITORS

visited Frontier Park in 2023.

HAUNTED HEADLIGHTS

Our annual Haunted Headlights program grew by adding an extra day and even more ghoulish decorations to the not-too-scary trail.

DEEP ROOTS DAY CAMP

We expanded our nature-based programming initiative by launching our Deep Roots Day Camp programs for both summer and winter of 2023. These camps introduced the wonders of the natural world to children aged 4 to 10.

Frontier Park received ADA improvements to increase accessibility for park patrons. New walkways to improve access around buildings and around the horse arena will be especially helpful during the Pierce County Fair and 4-H events.

Meridian Habitat Park

Construction and improvements continue at Meridian Habitat Park with several new amenities added in 2022-2023. A host of ADA improvements increased accessibility throughout the outdoor area, while a 2,000 sq. ft. pavilion now provides space for group events. Paved parking with new parking stall areas were added along with lighting that allows for more programming and park patron safety at night.

Meridian Habitat Park also saw the construction of a new nature trail and ADA accessible nature classroom. This was in partnership with Pierce County Parks’ Natural Lands team and was made possible by a generous donation by the Puyallup South Hill Rotary.

PIERCE COUNTY PARKS

NORTH REGION

IN THIS REGION

Recreational Facilities

North Lake Tapps Beach, Lake, and Boat Launch Parks

North Lake Tapps Park

Riverside Park Trails

Foothills Trail

North Lake Tapps Park Trails

REGION HIGHLIGHTS

The North Region saw increased activity, with nearly 124,000 visitors to North Lake Tapps Park. Partnerships with the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department, East Pierce Fire and Rescue, and Cascade Water Alliance enhanced water safety education. Staff had the opportunity to participate in the first annual North Region Parks EMS Water Response Training, which will bolster emergency preparedness in the future.

Despite challenges along the Foothills Trail closures due to severe weather and improvement projects, the trail remained popular, hosting 11 events and over 2,500 race participants.

Foothills Trail

Special Events & Program North Region

6

5.1K Events Program Participants

834K PEOPLE used the Foothills Trail in 2023.

2,024 ACRES of undeveloped park lands.

45 PARTNERS & STAKEHOLDERS PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS

collaborated on the Carbon River Corridor Cooperative Action Plan.

IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS

Foothills Trail

5K RUNNERS

participated in races on the Foothills Trail.

137K PEOPLE visited North Lake Tapps Park in 2023.

$76K+ GRANT FUNDS FOR CONSTRUCTION

to improve safety at an abandoned mining site near Carbonado.

500 feet of the Foothills Trail was repaved, enhancing the user experience.

The East Puyallup Trailhead is expanding! This project began in fall 2023 and will increase the parking from 26 to 81 stalls, add electric vehicle charging stations, feature new lighting, signage, landscaping and ADA improvements. Work is expected to be complete by spring 2024.

ADA improvement projects are ongoing at the McMillin and South Prairie trailheads and the 136th street and Military Road trail crossings. These are, slated for completion in early 2024.

North Lake Tapps Park

The entrance turnaround was expanded for better guest entry, while dead and at-risk trees were replaced with native plants to enhance the entrance and soil stability.

Under our SwimSafe partner program, we installed various water safety elements, including new life rings, a life jacket loaner station, an AED at the concessions building, and a real-time digital temperature buoy reporting the lake’s temperature.

DISC GOLF PARTNERSHIP

Pierce County Parks formalized a partnership with the Pierce County Disc Golf Association at Riverside Park. The agreement aims to build a stronger partnership with the region and the national body for disc golf.

CARBON GLACIER CORRIDOR

The Carbon River Cooperative Action Plan Council and sub-committee formed along with work program adoption by Pierce County Council.

MINE CLOSURES

Three critical and hazardous mines were closed on Pierce County Parksowned property throughout the carbon corridor in partnership with the Federal Office of Surface Mining & Reclamation.

PIERCE COUNTY PARKS

CONSERVATION FUTURES

North Creek Salmon Heritage Site Phase 1 & 2 forested riparian and significant tribal cultural area comprise this urban green space that connects the Gig Harbor community to the Cushman Trail.

Marine View Drive conserves riparian areas, wetlands, and tree canopy in the City of Tacoma.

The Conservation Futures Program preserves open spaces such as wetlands, shorelines, fish and wildlife habitats, farms, forests, and prairies for Pierce County residents, providing benefits such as access to nature, educational opportunities, boosting the local economy, and recreational activities like hiking and birdwatching. It aims to enhance the quality of life and build a sense of community for all residents.

92 Acres conserved in 2023

In 2023, the program was busy improving and implementing code while funding projects. The updated code was adopted in March and aligned the program with sustainability goals, enhanced underserved communitie’s access to open spaces, and clarified requirements. Additionally, it funded five projects adding over 90 acres of conserved lands to the Pierce County landscape.

Learn more about Conservation Futures at piercecountywa.gov/ ConservationFutures

The map below shows Conservation Futures projects from 1991 to 2023.

PIERCE COUNTY PARKS

NATURAL LANDS

250

Hours spent by volunteers

1,019

Free trees given away

Collaboration flourished among various organizations, yielding significant community benefits. Partnering with the Tacoma Tree Foundation, we provided tree stewardship training, neighborhood tree planting, and free tree giveaways in Parkland and Spanaway. The Foothills Trail Coalition is the steward of the Foothills Trail, enhancing community engagement and clearing hazardous vegetation.

With the Pierce County Public Works Sustainability team, we launched the Pierce County Accelerator Cohort, expanding urban forestry programming to mitigate urban heat. Additionally, the Northwest Youth Corps, Washington Service Corps, and Conservation Corps collaborated on habitat improvement at Bresemann Forest and trail construction at Orangegate Park. These efforts reflect a year of impactful collaboration and community-driven initiatives.

Meridian Habitat Park – The Natural Lands team constructed an Outdoor Education area which includes 0.3 miles of soft surface trail, an outdoor classroom made from reclaimed logs, and four acres of habitat improvements with native trees and shrubs.

Mayfair Park – Constructed a 0.2-mile, tree lined, ADA accessible walking path lined and restored 0.25 acre of Clover Creek’s riparian area with native trees and shrubs.

Cross Park – Constructed a 0.15-mile chipped rock trail with improved protections for sensitive habitats and wetland buffer restoration.

Forestry – Completed Forest Management Plans for Buckley Forest Preserve and 40 acres of Orangegate Park to support forest health projects, such as selective tree harvest and tree diversification.

Habitat Restoration – Continued control and removal of invasive species like knotweed and yellow-flag iris from Spanaway Creek, Spanaway Lake, Swan Creek, and Chambers Creek; and continued invasive removal for public safety at Seeley Lake, Bresemann Forest, Parkland Prairie, and Orangegate Park.

SPECIALIZED RECREATION

39K Program hours with 18,312 specialized recreation participants

Pierce County Parks Specialized RecreationAdventure Within Reach offers a variety of inclusive programs and events for participants of all ages and abilities throughout Pierce County. We adapt recreation activities to fit the needs of our participants so everyone can recreate successfully.

Some our most popular activities in 2023 included arts and crafts, virtual weekly meetups, and our yoga and Pilates classes. The Pierce County Special Olympics program has the most prominent teams and athletes participating each season for Special

Participating Jurisdictions

Special Olympics Program hours for 2023 14.52K

Olympics Washington. We also saw over 500 registrations for Special Olympics sports with bowling and basketball being the most popular sports.

Our community partnerships allow us to offer recreation programs across the county. Participating jurisdictions include Metro Parks Tacoma, the City of Lakewood Parks and Recreation, the City of Puyallup Parks and Recreation, and the City of Sumner. PenMet Parks signed on at the end of 2023 and will begin providing services in spring 2024.

PARKS INVENTORY

PARK IMPACT FEES

The County anticipates an increase of 79,216 residents settling in the unincorporated area over the next 20 years. However, the projected growth rate is lower compared to the previous 20-year period, during which the rate was twice as high as was predicted. Notably, the unincorporated county has already surpassed the target set for 2030. Unless there are significant shifts in development patterns, annexations, or incorporations, it is likely that unincorporated areas will continue to experience a higher growth rate than anticipated.

When the Growth Management Act was passed, the state adopted provisions allowing local governments to address the impacts of growth through “impact fees.” RCW 82.02 permits local jurisdictions to levy a one-time fee on new developments to fund capacity improvements to infrastructure, ensuring it keeps pace with growth. The law stipulates that the entire cost of capacity improvements cannot be covered solely by impact fees in fee calculation. Instead, it allows for a combination of impact fees and other funding sources, such as sales or property tax revenue, to finance these improvements. Impact fees serve as a tool to ensure that the system can provide necessary facilities to accommodate anticipated growth without compromising the current condition of the park system for existing residents.

Impact fees are a one-time fee collected when new homes or apartments are built. Impact fees pay for adding capacity to the park system to ensure park facilities keep pace with an increasing population. Park impact fees are being invested into the park and trail system. Investments may include expanding the system or adding amenities at existing parks and trails.

2023 Park Impact Fee Revenue

From January 1-31, 2023, the park impact fee was $3,268. From February 1-December 31, 2023, the park impact fees was $3,529. Park impact fees are collected for each new dwelling unit established in unincorporated Pierce County, per PCC 4A.10.010.

2023 Park Impact Fee Expenses

RCW allows jurisdictions 10 years to spend park impact fees.

2022 - 2023 CAPITAL PROJECTS

Pierce County Parks serves the recreational needs of the unincorporated county through a system of parks, trails, and open space. The park system provides a variety of recreational uses and programs for a diverse population, with a focus on the approximately 430,248 people living in unincorporated urban and rural areas of the county.

Planning & Feasibility

Design and Acquisition

Orangegate

22-23 CAPITAL PROJECTS (CONT)

Construction

FINANCIAL OVERVIEW

PARK STATISTICS

CONTACT US

Administrative Offices Chambers Creek Regional Park 9850 64th St W, University Place, WA 98467

Ph: (253) 798-4141

Fx: (253) 798-4695

Open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Learn more about Pierce County Parks at piercecountywa.gov/parks