Capital Projects Update – September 2020
Partnership Initiatives
Eastside Community Center Metro Parks is working with Tacoma Public Schools, the City of Tacoma, Tacoma Housing Authority, Boys & Girls Clubs of South Puget Sound, and the YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties to develop a new facility to meet the needs of the Eastside community. Status: Metro Parks Tacoma is working with The Trust for Public Land for the addition of a new outdoor community gathering and play area on Tacoma Public School property adjacent to the Eastside Community Center. The play area will feature climbing boulders for outdoor activity. Construction is currently underway and is scheduled to be open for public use and enjoyment in the spring of 2021.
Point Defiance Park Projects
Parking and Circulation Study – Loop Trail This is a full comprehensive study for the vehicular, pedestrian, and bicycle traffic circulation and additional parking at Point Defiance Park. After the study is completed, it will be presented with alternatives for additional parking and improved circulation. Status: The design for the Loop Trail and Overlook Project is in final design and permitting phase. The scope and schedule are being re-evaluated under current Covid-19 recovery phase conditions. Boat Point Defiance Marina Herring Pen Upgrade Project will commence with reconstruction once necessary permit review is complete. Status: Reconstruction project is scheduled to get underway in the fall of 2020 once final permits are in hand. Point Defiance Owen Beach Improvements Site improvements at Owen Beach that include new restroom building, renovation and addition of new shelter, new playground, kayak launch and beach accessibility, parking, landscaping and walkway improvements. Status: Project is in the final design and permitting phase with construction scheduled to begin in late 2020. According to the current construction schedule Owen Beach will be closed to the public during the summer of 2021. Fort Nisqually Phase 1 Facilities Condition Assessment and Report for 4-6 buildings including the kitchen, wash, sale shop and clerks house. Status: Design work for the renovation of a select number of existing buildings is underway while a State Heritage Grant is being considered for supplemental project funding. Point Defiance Park Sanitary Sewer Lift Station Engineering Assessment, Design and Construction for renovation to sanitary sewer lift station serving a significant area of park and facilities. Status: Engineering assessment is complete with renovation alternatives being considered for final design. Project scheduled for construction in early 2021.
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium
PDZA - Polar Bear Exhibit This exhibit opened in 1982 as part of the Rocky Shores/ Arctic Tundra Exhibit. It won the AZA Exhibit of the Year Award in 1983. This project is a significant upgrade and renovation to this historic exhibit. Status: Project is on-hold pending the completion of other projects on zoo grounds. PDZA SPA Tank Improvements Renovation to South Pacific Aquarium's main tank. Status: Project is on hold. PDZA Filtration and Mechanical Upgrades Improvements to Filtration and Mechanical Upgrades to existing exhibits for operational efficiencies. Status: Construction continues after a short delay related to Covid-19 restrictions.
Northwest Trek Wildlife Park
Tram Station Renovation Renovation of the tram passenger loading facility to accommodate new electric power trams scheduled for delivery in early 2021. Status: Design phase is underway for scheduled facility construction in early 2021.
Highlights from Neighborhood Council Areas New Tacoma W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory Restoration and Expansion Phase 1 Renovation and expansion of the conservatory. Steering committee formed and schematic design is underway. Status: This project successfully received funding through the State Heritage Grant program. The grant funds will support upgrades to the existing conservatory and the installation of three historically accurate building entry facades. Design work is complete and this project has been issued for bidding with construction scheduled to begin November of 2020.
Foss Waterway Parks In collaboration with the Foss Waterway Development Authority this project includes the design for two park sites along the Foss Waterway including a new boathouse facility for kayaks and rowing shells. Status: Melanie’s Park – The project is in the final design and permitting phase with Shoreline Permits recently received. The City of Tacoma is currently working on final preparations for the construction of a storm water pipe and outfall that will be completed prior to park development. Waterway Park – Project is on hold.
Neighbors Park Play court resurfacing and ADA access. Status: Project currently on hold.
North Tacoma
Dickman Mill Park Expansion & Head Saw An extension of the existing Dickman Mill Park. This is to restore and publicly display the historic Head Saw and provide plaza space with expanded decking for viewing. Status: This project is being prepared for bidding as the permitting process is nearing completion. Interpretive signs and public art component also being finalized. Construction is scheduled to begin construction in the fall of 2020.
South Tacoma
Meadow Park Facility Improvements Identification and implementation of improvements, including irrigation control and upgrades to the restrooms, restaurant and pro shop. Status: The driving range and smaller associated buildings (ball shed & teaching studio) are complete. Construction of foundation repair work at the clubhouse is now complete. Meadow Park Hole #13 Bridge Improvements Structural Analysis of Bridge, Bridge Improvement Design Recommendations, Survey Baseline establishment for bridge monitoring. Status: Engineering is complete for structural upgrades to the bridge. Project is in permitting phase with construction scheduled to begin late 2020. South Park Play court resurfacing and ADA access. Status: Park access improvements will follow City of Tacoma street improvements to Puget Sound Avenue that were completed in fall 2019. Ryans Park Neighborhood Park improvements for enhanced accessibility including pedestrian bridge and park entry improvements. Status: Design for park access improvements was delayed slightly due to Covid-19 and are now scheduled to begin in early 2021.
Gas Station Park Renovations to this existing neighborhood pocket park, including children’s play, fencing, access, signage and landscaping and other improvements identified through public engagement process Status: Project is on hold due to Covid-19 and associated impacts to funding.
South End
Verlo Playfield Basketball court resurfacing and ADA access. ADA access to tennis court, consider alternative use for tennis court area. Status: Project currently on hold.
Swan Creek Phase II - Master Plan Update and Construction Update masterplan and pursue conditional use permit Status: Design for Phase II improvements now underway to implement enhancements according to the recently adopted master plan update. Work will include improved access, trails, parking, restrooms, picnic pavilions, signage and site furnishings, off-leash area and overall landscape improvements. The project is currently in the final design and permitting phase and scheduled to move into construction in late 2020. The project is currently in the construction document phase and scheduled to move into construction in late 2020.
North East
Browns Point Playfield Basketball and tennis court reconstruction due to large cracks, improve ADA parking and access route to basketball courts. Make necessary improvements to play equipment. Status: Project design is nearing completion and permits will be applied for in the winter of 2020/2021. Construction scheduled for summer of 2021.
Center at Norpoint Roof Improvements Basic improvements to the roofing system at the Center at Norpoint. Status: This project is approaching final completion. Central
Tacoma Nature Center Building and ADA Improvements The scope of work includes ADA upgrades and improvements to the entry ramp, and entry door; relocation of a utility pole at Discovery Pond; replacement of exterior wooden stair treads; and utility routing to Coyote Flats. There will also be minor site and signage upgrades on the TNC property and a Facility Assessment to the main building. Dependent upon the result of the facility assessment, the scope of work may shift to address needs at the main building. Status: Building assessment and preliminary design documents are being prepared to improve and upgrade a failing exterior envelope (roof, windows, siding, doors, and exterior landings) of the main TNC building. Construction may be rescheduled for the summer of 2021 to Covid-19 related delays.
Metro Parks headquarters Facilities Upgrades Improvements to the roofing system, exterior envelope, interior re-design of the lobby and board rooms; and potential spatial redesign of some of the quads. Status: The construction contract has recently been awarded for interior painting, carpet, window and door replacement with work scheduled to begin in September of 2020. Heidelberg Sports Complex Development Plan for a Sports Village concept. Status: Draft Feasibility Study has been received and is under review. A letter of intent between project partners has been completed. The planning for this proposed project has been delayed due to Covid-19 related impacts.
West End
Titlow Lagoon Design and Phase 1 Provide matching funds for lagoon restoration in accordance with partnering agencies. Status: Metro Parks continues coordination with South Puget Sound Salmon Enhancement Group on the planning of future lagoon restoration project.
Titlow/Hidden Beach Improvements Hidden Beach and natural area trail/path/beach access upgrades. Landscaping enhancements, natural area restoration, demolition of shelter and old restroom at Hidden Beach. Utility modifications at former TOA facility. Remove or perform bridge retrofits to TOA railroad bridge. Status: A series of public meetings have been conducted to solicit feedback regarding future site restoration options. Project consultant is nearing completion of Master Plan Update. Phase 1 demolition of the former TOA structures began in October of 2019 and achieved completion in December of 2019, allowing public access to this previously inaccessible area of the park. Design of site improvements contingent upon future funding.
COMPLETED PROJECTS
Athletic Field Assessment Study A study to determine short and long term needs for meeting athletic field needs throughout the District in consultation with Tacoma Public Schools Status: Project is complete.
Baltimore Soil Remediation This is another Department of Ecology remediation project. Status: Project complete
Browns Point Lighthouse Accessible pathways and promenade, additional parking, new furnishings. Status: Project is complete.
Centralized data backup system Backup system for electronic data. Status: Project is complete.
Charlotte’s Blueberry Park Garden/Playground Design of community garden/park amenities. Continuation of public process to address possible addition of playfield, trails, and/or wetland enhancement. Status: The community gardens portion of the project is complete. The new children’s play area was completed and open to the public in July in partnership with the Trust for Public Land. Status: Project is complete.
Extend network infrastructure (dedicated connection) Ability to use enterprise software systems and network resources, including new phone system when installed. Multiple locations: Seymour Conservatory, Wright Park Maintenance Shop, Wapato Maintenance Shop, Meadow Park Pro Shop. Status: Project is complete.
Fort Nisqually Capital Development Plan and Program Plan The plans will help define the Fort’s long-term capital needs and identify program opportunities to advance the vision and mission. Status: Project complete
Foss High School Softball Field Funds contribution to T.P.S. girls softball field construction for future shared programming by MPT. Status: Project is complete.
Green House Relocation Relocated greenhouse production operations to the Tacoma Landfill. Status: Project is complete.
McKinley Park Pond Upgrades to the pond wall, sealing the wall for water leakage and installing a liner behind the wall. Status: Project complete
Multipurpose Field at SERA Campus New synthetic field, lighting and parking. Status: Project complete
NW Trek - Animal Facility Upgrades Electrical and upgrades. Status: Project complete
NW Trek - Kids’ Trek Construction of a half-acre, nature-themed play area. Status: Project complete
NW Trek - New Pedestrian Bridge Design and construction of a new pedestrian bridge to improve the visitor experience. Status: Project complete
NW Trek Asphalt Overlay Continuation of roadway paving that has proceeded to date under prior phases. Status: Project is complete.
NW Trek Bald Eagle Exhibit This project will create a new exhibit where visitors will be able to learn about the history of the bald eagle. These birds will have the ability to fly allowing visitors to see the wingspan of these magnificent birds. Status: Project is complete and open to the public
NW Trek Bear Overlook Development of new bear observation platform to replace old structure that was removed under fence construction project. Status: Project is complete.
NW Trek Infrastructure Upgrades Upgrade shake roofs, and 3 tab roofs, electrical upgrades, concrete curbs and upgrading domestic water with meters. Status: Project complete
NW Trek Modular Restrooms Purchase and installation of 3 modular restrooms at strategic locations. Status: Project is complete.
NW Trek Off-Exhibit Animal Housing Design and construct animal enclosures in the parks Animal Health Care Zone. Status: Project complete
NW Trek Roof Upgrades Updating Bobcat/Lynx, Grizzly/Black Bear Pavilions and history museum. Status: Project is complete.
Oak Tree Park Site Upgrades & Art Project Implementation of Development Plan to include new parking lot and seasonal restroom shelter, tool storage shed, trail and path upgrades, site furniture, tree removals, prairie expansions and native plantings to support Oak habitat, new nature playground, park ID and wayfinding/ interpretive signage. After the city completed the Prairie Line Trail, Metro Parks Tacoma will provide restoration to two adjacent areas to the trail (pump house parking lot, gravel pit and partnering with the COT with an art project). Status: Project is complete.
Optimist Soil Remediation This is another Department of Ecology remediation project. Status: Project complete
PDZA Admin Building Remodel Building remodel to include new carpet and vinyl flooring, painting of all interior walls and trim, as well as the installation of a new dormer window on the second story and construction of new interior walls and/or soundproofing of existing office space through the addition of insulation. Status: Project is complete.
PDZA Aquarium Design and construction of a new aquarium to replace the aging North Pacific Aquarium. Status: New aquarium is complete and open to the public. Status: Project is complete.
PDZA Aquatic Animal Care Center The design, permitting and construction of a storage building that will house/quarantine fish and marine mammals to be placed in the new Pacific Rim Aquarium. The key physical elements are: concrete slab approximately 3500 square feet, steel structure to be purchased and installed on the slab, utility upgrades for power, water and sewer. Status: Project is complete.
PDZA Arctic Tundra Feasibility Study Conduct an existing conditions assessment and prepare a fifty percent feasibility/conceptual study. The study results will lead to capital improvements project scopes for future work under new scope definitions. Status: Project on hold prior to determining final budget and scope.
PDZA Asia Forest Sanctuary Improvements The Asia Forest Sanctuary exhibit, opened in 2005 is a cornerstone exhibit that focuses on Endangered Species breeding programs. This project provides upgrades to exhibits and infrastructure including the additional of heated shelters, improvements to drainage, animal welfare and husbandry improvements and animal friendly access to pool areas. Total project budget $370,500. Status: Project is complete.
PDZA Dedicated IT Equipment Room to support Destination Point Defiance Zoo admin building is network hub for phone & data connections serving all of Point Defiance, including Fort Nisqually and the maintenance shops. Increased security and a controlled environment (HVAC and backup generator) are needed to support the network infrastructure for Point Defiance. Status: Project is complete.
PDZA Equipment Purchase Purchasing Radio Transmitter, Dumpster bins, Track Loader, Aerial Playform, Queuing Stanchions Status: Project is complete.
PDZA Jellyfish Gallery Construction of a new jellyfish exhibit. Status: Project is complete.
PDZA Kids Zone exhibit Improvements Phase I Upgrade play area synthetic surfacing, upgrade geodesic dome fabric and upgrades to the splash pad surface and mechanical controls. Status: Project is complete.
PDZA Kids Zone Goat Upgrades Fencing improvements and new fence added, electrical panel relocated, and concrete pad modified to give goats more access. Status: Project is complete
PDZA Muskox Holding Improvements This project will consist of upgrades and improvements to the current Reindeer Holding areas in order to repurpose the Reindeer Exhibit as a Muskox Exhibit with adequate and safe holding. Status: Project is complete.
PDZA Picnic Shelter Construct a picnic shelter to be placed in the location where Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium currently sets up tents for this purpose every summer. This is to be a permanent structure. Status: Project is complete. Status: Project is complete.
PDZA Refrigeration Upgrades Upgrades designed to prolong the life of the walk in refrigerators and freezers located at Rocky Shores, the North Pacific Aquarium, Necropsy, and Animal Healthcare. Status: Project is complete.
PDZA Rocky Shores Elevator Improvement Replace existing thirty year old elevator and elevator components in the mechanical room with a new, modern elevator that will fit in the same shaft. Ensure that elevator components are brought up to code. Status: Project is now complete and fully operational.
PDZA Rocky Shores Underwater Viewing Window Improvements Remove eight existing windows and replace in-kind for puffin, otter, walrus and sea lion exhibit area. Included are new frames, bolts and sealants. Status: Project is complete.
PDZA Sea Lion Exhibit Design, permitting and construction of a sea lion exhibit where seals currently reside. This was former beluga whale exhibit. Status: Project is complete.
PDZA Seawater System Improvements Develop/renovate water supply and life support filtration/treatment for exhibits. Status: Project is complete.
PDZA Switch Gear Upgrade high voltage switch gear for incoming power to the zoo. Status: Project is complete.
PDZA Walrus Pool Upgrades Test exhibit for delamination and structural integrity and make necessary repairs. Cover existing shotcrete with a new coat consisting of a mix without rocks. Status: Project is complete.
PDZA Water Meters Purchase and install water meters throughout Zoo Status: Project is complete.
PDZA Wing & Dome Upgrades This project will consist of upgrading the fabric of the Wing and Dome structures in Kid Zone to a more durable, self-cleaning, long life material that does not fade. Status: Project is complete.
People’s Community Center Pool In partnership with the City of Tacoma, this project will rebuild and expand the pool at the center with a zero-depth entry, lazy river, water play zone, party rooms and more. Status: The project is complete.
Point Defiance DRA/Master Plan In preparation for submittal of a DRA to the City this public process will advance the earlier approved Concept Plan Status: Project is complete.
Point Defiance Park - Ferry Rest Room Feasibility (WP1) Conditions assessment, feasibility analysis and planning for restroom redevelopment in proximity to the Washington State Ferry Landing at Pt. Defiance Park to serve multiple agency needs. Status: Project is complete.
Point Defiance Park - Japanese Garden Design In cooperation with our sister city Kitakyushu reconstruction of the Japanese Garden in front of the Pagoda in the traditional style. Status: Project is complete.
Point Defiance Marina Lighting Replacement of light poles in the Marina parking area. Status: Project complete
Point Defiance Marina Boat Lift Improvements Improvements will be made to the grates, guide beams, lift enclosures, switches and other improvements as a result of the inspection/design process. Status: Project complete
Point Defiance Park – Roundabout Design and build roundabouts at the entrance to Point Defiance Park, while updating the intersection at 51st & Pearl and providing a bike lane from 51st to 54th. Status: Project is complete and fully operational. Washington Department of Transportation is currently managing a project to expand ferry holding lane capacity. Construction is currently underway and is confined to night time construction to minimize impact upon park patrons. The project is scheduled to be complete during the fall of 2019.
Point Defiance Park - Tacoma Yacht Club Project (WP1) Tacoma Yacht Club work requirements that they will be paying for as part of Waterfront Phase 1. Status: Project is complete.
Point Defiance Park - Waterfront Phase 1 Complete the public pathway from Point Ruston to Point Defiance Park with a new trail and bridge over Pearl Street. Provide a new location for boat and trailer parking to support the existing boat launch. Finish the remediation work at the Point Defiance peninsula and establish a new park on the peninsula land. Status: The project opened to the public on July 6, 2019 and is now in the warranty phase.
POS and Program Registration Software Remaining costs for data migration, provision of updated POS hardware, and training and consulting services for implementation. Status: Project is complete.
Prairie Line Trail (Not in new CIP, completed) Metro Parks is coordinating with the City of Tacoma for an extension of the urban trail that follows the former Prairie Line Rail corridor from South 23rd Street through the UW Tacoma campus and extending to Dock Street along the Thea Foss Waterway. This phase will complete the trail from Pacific Avenue to Dock Street. Status: The trail project is complete and open to the public.
Puget Creek Boardwalk A new boardwalk will be constructed through the lower wetland area, in cooperation with the Puget Creek Restoration Society. Status: Project complete
SERA Athletic Complex Lighting Remove existing lights from two fields and replace them with new LED lights and poles Status: Project complete
STAR Center The scope of work includes HVAC improvements for the administration area, Tot Trek and Zip and Zoom. Status: Project is complete.
Stewart Heights Park Court improvements. Status: Project is complete.
Stewart Heights Pool Water Play Upgrade A new water toy was installed to replace the old one. Status: Project complete
Swan Creek Mountain Bike Trails II Additional trails to the mountain bike course. Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance is performing design and leading volunteer construction efforts. Status: Project complete
Swan Creek Park Phase I Several upgrades, including a 20-stall parking lot near the existing community garden and new park entrances. Status: Project complete
Swan Creek Property Acquisition Metro Parks is coordinating with Tacoma Housing Authority to purchase property next to Swan Creek Park for the purpose of providing more direct access to the park from Portland Avenue. Status: Project is complete.
Tech-Telephone System Replace the current land line phone system that is leased from the City of Tacoma with an MPT owned system that will operate on a voice over internet protocol (VOIP). Status: Project is complete.
Titlow Garage Renovation of existing shed building adjacent to Titlow Lodge to better serve the needs of parks operations and maintenance team. Status: Construction is complete.
Vassault Park Irrigation Pump The purchase and installation of a new centrifugal pump and installation of irrigation materials to improve coverage of several zones. Status: Project complete
Vassault Soil Remediation The Department of Ecology led remediation of contaminated soil in the lower ballfields. Status: Project complete
W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory Restroom Design Development through construction of a restroom connecting to the existing conservatory. Status: Project is complete.
Wapato Hills Trail Improvements New master plan. New and upgraded trails, signage and trailheads Status: Project complete
Wapato Park - Alum Treatment Re-treatment of Wapato Lake for water quality benefit Status: Project is complete.
Wapato Park – Dock Replacement This will replace the two wooden dock structures for improved access and paddleboat/ kayak launching. Status: Project is complete.
Waterwalk Restrooms at Point Ruston Work with Point Ruston to provide restroom facilities along Point Ruston's Water Walk. Status: Construction is complete and the facility is open to the public..
Wright Park Arboretum The Wright Park arboretum will undergo improvements as new tree signage will be installed and related programming materials are developed. Status: Project complete
Wright Park Bridge Replacement Demo and replacement of existing bridge over the pond and some ADA upgrades in the park. Status: Project is complete.