Public Invited to Join in Budget, Bond Planning Process

Community input is invited as Metro Parks Tacoma prepares the 2015-2016 operating budget and embarks on the next generation of capital bond projects.

Residents are encouraged to attend two public hearings on budget and bond project recommendations. 

The hearings are scheduled for 6 pm on October 27 and November 24. Public comment will be taken. A study session will be held in advance of each hearing, from 5:30-6 pm at Metro Parks Tacoma’s Headquarters, 4702 S. 19th St.

The budget process is used to evaluate performance, seek efficiencies and pursue innovations throughout the organization. In addition the process helps assign resources to advance Metro Parks Tacoma’s strategic goals of service to the community: 

• Foster active lifestyles to support a healthy community.
• Foster appreciation and stewardship of wildlife and natural resources.
• Foster appreciation of Tacoma’s culture and heritage.
• Be an accountable and responsive agency that contributes to a sustainable and livable city.

These goals were developed with public involvement during the 20-year Strategic Master Plan update in 2012. The citizen-driven plan guides agency direction.

When the biennial budget is formally adopted on December 8, the Board of Park Commissioners will be approving the 2015/2020 Capital Improvement Program, which outlines the first six years of projects, and the 2015-2016 Operating and Capital Budgets.

On April 22, Earth Day, registered voters in Tacoma, Browns Point and Dash Point supported the 2014 Neighborhood Parks & Zoo Improvements and Safety Upgrades Bond. Because of this, residents will see plenty of improvements and updates through 2024, and will have an opportunity at the public hearings to voice their opinions about what park and facility improvements they believe should be pursued first.

Much of the initial 2014 capital bond investment will occur at Point Defiance Park to preserve and protect the century old destination. A major Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium improvement is siting and design for the replacement of the 51-year old North Pacific Aquarium; a project needed to sustain the marine collection as one of the few joint zoo and aquarium exhibitors in the nation.

Citizens who are unable to attend are invited to complete an online comment card on bond and budget related topics by October 31 or call (253) 305-1068.

Metro Parks will also be featured on Cityline October 23. Cityline is a local interest segment of TV12, hosted by the City of Tacoma, broadcast LIVE at 9 am every Thursday morning. Get CityLine broadcast and replay information at www.cityoftacoma.org/cms/One.aspx?portalId=169&pageId=6701

For more information about the strategic plan visitMetroParksTacoma.org/StrategicPlan.

All residents are encouraged to attend public hearings on budget recommendations:

• Public Hearing #1 October 27, 5:30-6 pm Study Session, 6 pm Public Hearing
• Public Hearing #2 November 24, 5:30-6 pm Study Session, 6 pm First Reading