Parks Tacoma’s Climate Action Plan – a roadmap for a more resilient and sustainable future

Knowing that climate change will continue to impact our region in the coming decades, Parks Tacoma has developed its first Climate Action Plan, which aims to mitigate the effects of climate change while building resiliency in the community.

Work on the 93-page plan started in September 2023 with consulting firm Verdis Group, their subconsultant Earth Economics and a year-long outreach and engagement effort that included Parks Tacoma staff and community members of all ages and lived experiences. 

The plan, adopted by the Park Board on May 12, balances environmental sustainability with economic and social equity. But more than that, it prioritizes collaboration and inclusivity, engaging all members of our community with a particular focus on the youth, who will bear the long-term consequences of our actions.

Some of the goals include:

• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050
• Reduce water consumption by 15-20% by 2030
• Shift 75% of the fleet of vehicles to electric by 2040
• Incentivize 44% of Parks employees to active commute by 2030

While working toward these long-term goals, Parks Tacoma will prioritize strategies that include a districtwide utility audit, an inventory of assets and the climate risks they face, updates to the Hazard Mitigation Plan with particular attention given to climate disruption scenarios, a review of the budget through the lens of these goals and updates to related strategic plans.

“Through education, partnerships, and direct action, we are committed to working alongside our community to achieve these goals,” said Matt Mauer, Park Board Vice President. “This Climate Action Plan is not just a strategy for environmental stewardship, it is a roadmap toward a more sustainable and equitable future for all.”

Climate Change in Tacoma

The impacts of climate change have long been evident in the region through changing weather patterns and sea level rise.

In 2019, the Tacoma City Council passed a resolution declaring a climate emergency in the city.

Average annual temperatures increased 1.3 degrees from 1895 to 2011 and that is only expected to go up. By the 2050s, the average annual temperature is expected to increase by up to 5.7 degrees and Tacoma will likely experience about 28 days over 85 degrees each year. Temperatures will be even hotter in Central and South Tacoma due to the heat island effect that impacts regions with minimal tree canopy coverage.

Total rainfall isn’t expected to increase drastically, but summers could see up to a 14% decrease in precipitation, which would mean more frequent and severe drought and significant stress to trees. With warmer temperatures and less summer rain, the risk of wildfire and smoke pollution also increase.

Over the last century, sea level rise in the Puget Sound area has risen 7.8 inches and could increase by a total of 19 inches in 2050. An analysis shows 28 Parks Tacoma assets are in areas where projected sea level rise would make them more vulnerable.

“It was great to go into high school classes throughout Tacoma and engage students as we were developing the Climate Action Plan,” said Erich Sachs, Asset Management and Sustainability Manager. “We connected the climate impacts and challenges we’re facing in the region to the parks they visit every day and the subjects they’re learning about in the classroom. They helped to shape the strategies and solutions that Parks Tacoma will use to protect their community and the world they will ultimately inherit.”

What Parks Tacoma has already done

Before the Climate Action Plan development process began, Parks Tacoma was already working to mitigate and adapt to impacts from climate change.

Award-winning designs that account for the projected sea level rise were used for the renovation at Owen Beach. Northwest Trek Wildlife Park converted to electric trams. Rainwater is captured at Stewart Heights, a water utility system study was conducted at Point Defiance Park, and regular efforts are made with animal conservation, habitat restoration and invasive species management.

From 2019 to 2023, Parks Tacoma reduced energy usage by 7% by installing more efficient heat pumps at the South Pacific Aquarium, converting the HVAC system at Headquarters from gas to electric and retrofitting 95% of the lighting at Northwest Trek with LEDs.

Once the plan process got underway, there was a partial vision for what a more sustainable and climate resilient park system would look like in the coming decades.

The District staff combed through current plans and data and researched other park districts’ efforts with climate change before hosting two public meetings, several workshops at local high schools and a community survey.

Survey results show 95% of respondents are concerned about the impacts of climate change on Tacoma and think Parks Tacoma should focus on more green space, equitable tree canopy cover, coastal resilience solutions, opportunities for youth engagement and education and using renewable energy to power operations. So that is what we are doing.

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Media Contact:

Stacia Glenn, Public Information Officer
[email protected], (253) 345-0948