Popular nature center in Tacoma to close for weeks for repairs. Trail access also restricted

TACOMA, Wash. — A cherished nature site that has valuable resources and has been a place for food for Indigenous people in Tacoma is closing temporarily.

According to a release by Metro Parks Tacoma, the Tacoma Nature Center, 1919 S. Tyler St., will be closed May 30-July 4 to get some much-needed repairs.

Park board president Andrea Smith highlighted the value of the site.

“The Tacoma Nature Center is a fabulous place for Tacoma families to explore and learn about nature,” Smith said in a news release.

The site will see a bevy of improvements, from roof and window repairs to the ADA-accessible entry walk being rebuilt. The improvements are estimated at $503,685 and are being funded largely from a voter-approved 2014 bond, with money also coming from the Metro Parks Tacoma budget and open-space fees.

The repairs are necessary for long-term enjoyment of the site, said Holliee Rogge, deputy director of neighborhood and community parks Holliee Rogge.

“These building repairs are essential to ensuring that Metro Parks can keep offering that nature connection and education to everyone for many more years to come,” Rogge said in a news release.

Upon closure, there will be no access to the building, and there will be limited access to outdoor sections of the site, like trails and the Discovery Pond Play Area.

Parking will be limited, and there will not be a restroom available.

To keep up to date with trail status, visit www.tacomanaturecenter.org. For information on the status of the play area, visitors can call 253-404-3930 after 9:30 a.m.

This story was originally published by The News Tribune.

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