Neighbors make dozens of complaints about tents, homeless camping in Tacoma parks

KIRO 7 uncovered dozens of complaints made to the City of Tacoma about tents and homeless campers at Wright Park.

"You watch a little toddler (go) up the hill towards the tent, there's concern,” said Rod Cory.

Cory is one of the neighbors who’s reported the tents to the city.

"Coming from someone who was homeless, I understand their predicament but at the same time I'm a homeowner and I want to enjoy the park that I pay taxes to upkeep,” said Rustee Cotton.

KIRO 7 counted at least 41 complaints on Tacoma’s “Encampment Response Map” about tents and the homeless camping at Wright Park since May.

We counted three tents at Wright Park Tuesday.

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"It makes you think twice about taking your kids to the parks in the area because it doesn't feel safe,” said Lauren Pegues, who lives nearby.

Pegues said she’s noticed more tents in recent months and not just at Wright Park.

Another neighbor shared a picture of tents at Tacoma’s People’s Park.

"It's definitely become a problem,” said Pegues.

KIRO 7 took neighbors’ concerns to Tacoma police and Metro Parks Tacoma. Both said tents are allowed during the day in city parks but not at night.

Police said they’re aware of the “camping issue” and that “officers have always removed people from parks at night,” while the homeless outreach team offers services like housing.

We counted one tent after dark at Wright Park that was packed up after our camera started rolling.

Two Tacoma officers showed up at Wright Park later and said they were there to make sure the park was cleared out. They told KIRO 7 they had come from the People’s Park and found one person there.

Metro Parks Tacoma said staff report tents after dark but there’s no way for them to keep every tent out.

Some neighbors told KIRO 7 they want tents banned from city parks – day and night.

"To have that presence there during the time that is most often used by children - just really seems counterintuitive,” said Pegues.

People in Tacoma can report concerns to the city by dialing 311.

Cox Media Group