September 24, 2013 · Exit133

Stadium Way Overlook Benches & Schuster Slope

As a part of the pedestrian amenities included in the Stadium Way improvement project, overlook benches were installed to give pedestrians a place to stop, rest, and enjoy the view.

That view is less stunning than it might otherwise be - unless of course you're stunned by the foliage of the assorted trees growing there.

In a letter to the City Council earlier this month public works staff shared an update on the Stadium Way overlook benches, and on that swath of open space they overlook.

While the benches and overlook spots fell within the purview of the Stadium Way project, the slope below does not.

The slope is a part of the much larger Schuster slope, which is designated open space in City plans, running north up along Schuster Parkway to Garfield Gultch. It's large, steep, and prone to slides and invasive vegetation

According to the letter to Council, the City is currently working towards a contract with Metro Parks to develop a plan to include both the planning and vegetation management of the Schuster alope area, and anticipates that a contract resolution will occur within the next 30-60 days.

In response to citizen interest in the management of and plans for the slope, Environmental Services is also coordinating with citizens and other City departments to develop a more comprehensive approch to managing the area.

Staff will be compiling citizen comments and inquires, along with historical data, to put together a plan to address community concerns including overlook views (or the lack thereof) from Stadium Way), among other issues.

So, has anyone asked you? Do you have any comments or inquiries?

Filed under: Neighborhoods, Stadium, City Projects, Stadium Way

8 comments

Fred Davie September 24, 2013

"That view is less stunning than it might otherwise be - unless of course you're stunned by the foliage of the assorted trees growing there." exit133 The city is forcing trees on many of the property owners on the hilltop but.... apparently doesn't want any troublesome trees itself. More city of Tacoma baloney.
robmcnairhuff September 24, 2013

I should say, I am less than thrilled when I hear about "managing" open space. In this case, I am sure "managing" will include "cutting down" followed by planting something that looks more like landscaping than open space. As it is, it may be a good place to stop and watch migrating birds moving through the treetops.
Christine September 24, 2013

I think that this is keeping with the style and trend of our city and should be left. THIS is the defining style that will attract people from all over and draw many new businesses. Fortune 500 businesses, too! We have the glass wall to view the mountain blocked by a Courtyard by Marriot and now a restful bench to view the bay (and the mountain) blocked by trees. Just think what view we can block next.
Sid September 24, 2013

Wow, just wow, I've got nothing.
Fred davie September 24, 2013

Let's see. Somebody stuck 2 benches into some wet concrete so now the taxpayers have to spend umpteen dollars cutting down our urban forest so that if someone ever sits down there they won't have so much trouble seeing what's behind the trees. Wouldn't it be simpler and cheaper just to remove the benches?
thackerspeed September 25, 2013

Want planning and vegetation management? Install benches that overlook City Hall and Metro Parks offices.
James September 25, 2013

RE: "According to the letter to Council, the City is currently working towards a contract with Metro Parks to develop a plan to include both the planning and vegetation management of the Schuster alope area, and anticipates that a contract resolution will occur within the next 30-60 days." I think that there may have already been one public meeting to share what the City/Metro Parks have in mind for the Schuster Slope. Does anyone know when they'll be holding another meeting and/or know where one can access notes from the last meeting? Thanks!
Jim C November 10, 2014

So did we just have our second "Hundred-Year Storm" in one year this past weekend? Hopefully when we have the Schuster Promenade rebuild forced down our throats in a couple years (because grant money) they make stormwater management a priority instead of useless loiterer's amenities and "views" of parked trains and the grain elevator.