Tacoma Metropolitan Park District

The 2024-2030 System and Strategic Plan for Parks Tacoma outlines the organization's mission, goals, and objectives, guiding decisions on facilities, programs, and services. The plan is framed around three mission program areas: Active Lifestyles and Community Wellness, Nature and Environment, and Arts, Culture and Heritage. It is structured with four strategic directions—People, Programs, Places, and Pathways—to achieve a vision of a 'City in a Park,' ensuring all residents have access to vital green infrastructure and recreational experiences, thereby enhancing their health, vitality, and quality of life.

The meeting began with the reading of a land acknowledgement. Key agenda items included the proclamation celebrating January as Whole Child Month, recognizing the passing of community supporters Dan Voepel and Maureen Howard, and the assignment of 2023 Board Committees. The Executive Director reported on emergency declarations resulting from fire suppression pipe bursts and a king tide at the Marina, which necessitated emergency remediation and repair contracts totaling over $137,000 combined for fire suppression system repairs, flood remediation, and asbestos remediation. The Board also introduced new employees, noted the high attendance for the Zoolights event, and advertised upcoming community events. Purchasing resolutions approved the acquisition of Enterprise Asset Management Software not to exceed $250,000.00. Public Works resolutions authorized a contract amendment for Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium's South Pacific Aquarium Exhibit Improvements for $97,715, a contract award to BCRA for the Joint Operations Campus Conceptual Planning and Design Phase not to exceed $89,995.00, a contract award to Pease Construction Inc. for Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium-Pacific Seas Aquarium Baja Bay Exhibit Improvements up to $392,792.00, and a contract award to Apex Mechanical, LLC for Stewart Heights Pool boiler replacement and solar loop improvements up to $373,326.90.

The agenda for the meeting included a Call to Order, Land Acknowledgement, Roll Call, and Flag Salute. Key segments were the Special Presentations for the Parks Champion Award, President's Report, Standing Committee & Commission Reports, and the Executive Director's Report. Under the Regular Meeting portion, discussions covered Community Comments, approval of minutes from the January 8, 2024 meeting, and a Consent Agenda featuring the reappointment of Jennifer Crump to the Nature & Environment Advisory Council and the final acceptance of the Eastside Community Center construction services contract to John Korsmo Construction, Inc. The Regular Agenda was heavily focused on numerous Purchasing Resolutions authorizing the purchase of goods and services, including significant contracts for various types of seafood (Pisces Seafood, McRoberts Seafood, Atlantic Pacific Seafood), bulk fuel, resale merchandise, computer equipment, and insurance coverage from Washington Cities Insurance Authority (WCIA). The agenda also included resolutions for membership fees for the Association of Washington Cities and payment for the State Auditor's Accountability Audit, as well as funding for youth programming at the Eastside Community Center.

The agenda for this meeting includes a call to order, roll call, and flag salute, followed by special presentations, including a proclamation for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Reports will be presented by the President, standing committees, and the Executive Director. The regular meeting features community comments, followed by the approval of minutes from the April 24, 2023, regular board meeting. The consent agenda involves several resolutions, including the approval of warrants claim fund for April 2023, the appointment of a member to the Active Living and Community Wellness Advisory Council, and final acceptance for two construction projects: the Point Defiance Sanitary Sewer Lift Station Improvements and the Point Defiance Park Owen Beach Access Entry Road Project.

The regular meeting featured proclamations for Whole Child Month and MLK Day of Service. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a study session concerning the proposed 2026 bond measure, which aims to authorize up to $155 million for capital projects to be issued in phases. Discussions covered financial modeling to maintain current homeowner tax levels, election resolution requirements, and next steps for filing with Pierce County. The Board also reviewed and adopted the 2026 State and Federal Legislative Agendas, covering capital appropriations, tax exemptions, and policy priorities. Additionally, resolutions were adopted concerning amendments for the Peck Fields Sidewalk Project and the Wright Park South G Street Crosswalk Improvements, both in cooperation with the City of Tacoma. Committee assignments for 2026 were finalized, and the Executive Director provided updates on grant funding, new sports programs, record attendance at the Polar Bear Plunge, and record performance at the golf enterprise.