City & Metro Parks Partner on Schuster Slope Open Space

The City and Metro Parks are taking a new approach to how City-owned public open spaces are managed. The City of Tacoma and Metro Parks are embarking on a partnership for the managment of undeveloped open spaces in Tacoma.

They want to determine how the needs of the community can be served by these spaces through the fostering of volunteer stewardship, quality vegetation, and natural resource management plans.

The first space to be transitioned into this new arrangement will be the Schuster Slope open space below Stadium Way and above Schuster Parkway. Following Schuster Slope the City and Metro Parks will next address Mason Gulch and volunteer and maintenance assistance in Wapato Hills and Julia’s Gulch.

An open house is planned for Wednesday, July 16. The open house will be an opportunity for the public to share feedback on interests or concerns related to the management of the Schuster Slope open space such as vegetation, slope stability, forest stewardship, public access, safety, views, and passive recreation.

The Schuster Slope is a pretty steep bank, and it plays a role in stormwater management, wildlife habitat, and water quality. With all that in mind, are there things that could be done to enhance the slope and make it more of an asset to surrounding areas?