City Closing Old Town Dock - Tomorrow
This just in …
City restricting Old Town Dock access beginning July 11
The City’s Public Works Department recently conducted a visual inspection of the Old Town Dock, located along Ruston Way, and is recommending that it be closed to public access and its use limited to special events and emergency police, Coast Guard and fire operations only beginning July 11. Among the structural concerns with the dock, the decking is deteriorating and the structure lacks a handrail, which makes it unsafe for pedestrian use.
When the dock was constructed in 1873, its intended use was as a wharf. Today, it is typically used by the public and in emergency situations by the police and fire departments. Since the role of the dock has changed, inspectors have recommended closing it to the general public until improvements can be made to return the dock to its current use as a public access pier.
The dock is in the City’s 2008-2013 Capital Facilities Plan and has been assigned a project manager. Currently, the project has not started and remains largely unfunded.
The Old Town Dock is owned by the City of Tacoma and maintained by Metro Parks Tacoma.
Hmmm … Okay. We keep closing things. Let’s start reopening a few of them.
Filed under: Developments
12 comments
E Erik B. July 11, 2008
Among the structural concerns with the dock, the decking is deteriorating and the structure lacks a handrail, which makes it unsafe for pedestrian use.
Yes, but it has been missing a handrail for apparently 100 years.
Why close it now?
Plus, all the docks in Tacoma (and other cities) lack a “handrail” as well as countless other structures by the water. We can’t child proof the entire waterfront.
Is there something more going on here?
D Dave July 11, 2008
Gee, what a surprise… Old Town Dock — being more than 1/4 mile from UWT, which is the ONLY part of this city that gets any attention from the city — is falling apart. Just like our streets, sidewalks, bridges, etc., etc., etc.
Thankfully, we do still have some money left for gifts to corporations and other friends of the City Council. But the citizens? They can go to hell, for all the city cares.
S Squid July 11, 2008
I was on the Brittany coast a couple summers ago and remember thinking constantly “in the US, this would be a lawsuit waiting to happen.”
Here, we must protect us from our own selves. What a joke.
A altered chords July 11, 2008
I tripped on a pebble once around 11th and Broadway. No handrail to save me. Better close downtown.
M michael g. July 11, 2008
To really pinch the pennies, maybe the city can block off the entrance to the dock with the History Museum’s favorite fence.
M Mofo from the Hood July 11, 2008
Wait a minute. The dock is MAINTAINED BY METRO PARKS TACOMA? Either it is maintained or it is not maintained.
S Squid July 11, 2008
Mofo: as usual, you are correct. The dock is indeed either maintained or not maintained by Metro Parks.
That would qualify as “business as usual.” The short answer to the question is “Yes”.
E Erik K July 11, 2008
We’ve turned into a nanny-state. Lawyers and frivolous lawsuits will be the death of us.
S Squid July 12, 2008
Cost of a new handrail: $1.5 million, 2 years to design RFP, bid out contractor, complete project. Comes in over budget at $1.75M. After completion, it is found that shoreline permits were improper, handrail is torn out, process started over.
Just guessin’.
M morgan July 12, 2008
First the Murray Morgan Bridge and now this?! I’m glad the city started the Broadway LID or next we would see downtown closed off with a fence around it!
S Sharon S July 14, 2008
Typical. I’ve been walking that pier lately in the evenings and thinking how wonderful it is with its moss covered boards. A beautiful piece of history to walk on. I was thinking: what other city would leave this just as it is? Yeah Tacoma.
Its brillant now with traffic cones riveted on the dangerous spots and that attractive orange mesh plastic fencing.
Ye gods. I feel so safe.
S Squid July 14, 2008
Actually Morgan, downtown is closed. The fence is invisible, but there nonetheless.