Park Guides are a first point of contact for visitor questions and concerns, provide education and information on the surrounding ecology, and support programming efforts.

Guides keep track of daily activities and public feedback to help Parks Tacoma identify gaps in messaging or services. A plan is also being developed to make that data publicly available to gauge the impacts of the program. 

Guides also regularly reach out to encampments of people experiencing homelessness in community and neighborhood parks, lead engagement efforts, and work with the City of Tacoma’s Homeless Engagement Liaison (HEAL) Team and Community Liaison Officers from Tacoma police to connect interested individuals with resources.  

In an important distinction from a previous incarnation of the program, these Guides will actively monitor and engage with all populations in the parks but won’t act in an enforcement capacity. 

Park guides are active at Point Defiance Park, Ruston Way, Swan Creek Park as well as various neighborhood parks throughout the city.

Parks Tacoma Park Guides at Owen Beach doing a pop up presentation about raccoons.

Funding for the Park Guides program was provided by Prop. 1, which was passed by Tacoma voters in November 2022 and restored the Parks Tacoma regular property tax levy. We are grateful to all who voted and to all who use our parks, recreation, and zoological system. We could not operate one of America’s best park systems without the strong support of our community.

Other health, safety and security measures supported by the levy include improvements to lighting, security and alarm systems, inspections and maintenance of spraygrounds and pools, and the cleaning and sanitation of park restrooms and public facilities.

Click here for more information about Prop. 1.

Meet Park Guide Jake. Jake was born and raised in Tacoma lived here for most of his life. Jake left his home for this first time when he joined the Marine Corps in 2009. When he returned to Tacoma he got involved in conservation and recreation through the Washington Conservation Corps where he served all throughout the state for nearly 10 years, learning about and developing a passion for our outdoor spaces. He loves our parks, learning, and sharing knowledge, so when he saw the position of Park Guide was open in his home city, doing what he loves and in places that are near and dear to his heart he knew he had to apply. Jake enjoys hiking, backpacking, paddleboarding, snowshoeing- anything that gets him outside to enjoy our beautiful parks! If you see Jake out and about, please come say hello!

Meet Park Guide Alex. Alex has always loved nature and being outside with animals in particular have always fascinated him. Alex went to college for Environmental Science where he was able to really focus his energy on learning about biology and the environment. While in school, Alex was able to catch and band birds, monitor aquatic snakes, and conduct field surveys, essentially living his childhood dream. While Alex loves studying animals, his real passion lies in teaching people about animals and the natural world. In doing this, Alex feels he is able to give back to the community that shaped him throughout his life and preserve the incredible parks we have in Tacoma. When Alex is not hiking the trails or teaching people about raccoons, you can find him birdwatching, rock climbing, painting, or playing with his dog, Juniper.

Meet Park Guide Manni. Manni, a Tacoma native, has spent a significant portion of her life immersed in the beauty of her hometown. Starting off her career in social services, she dedicated herself to walking alongside folks experiencing homelessness through both outreach and case management positions.  Her free time is joyfully spent among the vibrant flowers and majestic trees in the parks, deepening her connection to nature. Now, as a Park Guide, Manni is thrilled to merge her passion for community and her love for the outdoors into one fulfilling role. She holds a special affinity for raccoons and sea otters, and her favorite parks include the breathtaking Wright and Point Defiance.

Meet Park Guide Darnell. Darnell has been living in Pierce county a majority of his life. Growing up, Darnell played basketball and football. He spent most of his time outside in his youth and still takes time to do those activities to this day. With recently finishing an Americorps program, Darnell has learned Environmental stewardship, built trails and information signs, and taught marine exploration to campers at Soundview camp. In Darnell’s spare time he likes to read, watch anime, and draw.”

Meet Park Guide Jess. Though she lacks a green thumb, Jess comes from a farming family and grew up in Tacoma.  Raised on the Eastside, she spent most of her youth near Swan Creek and Salishan Neighborhoods, where she discovered her passion for community engagement and leadership.  Jess is most excited about continuing to engage the community that uplifted her into the adult she is today.  Most of Jess’s experiential and educational pursuits are in youth development such as before and after-school programming, summer camps, and childcare.  When she isn’t on the clock you can expect Jess to work on a DIY house project, play a sport or swim, travel somewhere new, veg out completely with a good book or visit her favorite park, Titlow, with her Toy Aussie named Bombay.

Meet Park Guide Jenn. Jenn is a Tacoma native with a passion for nature education, natural history and community. She loves to pass on her knowledge to park visitors and encourage them to explore the natural world around them with confidence and joy. Before joining Parks Tacoma Jenn shared her talents with organizations like the Tacoma Tree Foundation, Mount Saint Helens Visitor’s Center, Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge and more. Off duty you can find her in the garden or hiking and rockhounding with her family.