These projects are part of the 2026 bond package that goes before voters April 28

Tacoma wants more trails.

The community listed walking and hiking trails as the top priority for investment in Parks Tacoma’s System & Strategic Plan, and it regularly ranks high in community surveys and meetings.

People also want better bicycle and walking access to parks, with 67% saying that it is the most valuable quality in a public park.

If voters approve the bond proposal that will be on the April 28 ballot, Parks Tacoma plans to develop, expand and improve trails and greenways in at least eight parks across the city.

The agency already maintains nearly 100 miles of trail. The proposed trail projects are in South Tacoma, Eastside, Central, South End and North End.

Parks Tacoma would partner with the City of Tacoma on developing greenways – routes that connect parks to neighborhoods and public spaces – to enhance safety, connectivity, outdoor recreation and environmental sustainability.

“We want to bring nature closer to home and ensure every Tacoman has the opportunity to get moving and enjoy parks made more accessible by trail and greenway networks,” said Park Board Vice President Alisa Lee. “Projects like these foster a stronger, healthier and more connected community while building a greener future for everyone.”

Here are some of the notable trail and greenway projects in the bond proposal:

• Charlotte’s Blueberry Park: A new trail would be developed to better connect this park to surrounding neighborhoods and the existing trail network would be improved.
  

  Charlotte’s Blueberry Park

• DeLong Park: Improvements would be made to the linear trail that runs through this Central Tacoma park, and additional trails would be built to better connect surrounding neighborhoods. A new trail around the park’s perimeter would be explored in conjunction with invasive species removal.
• Oak Tree Park: There are three existing trails within this South Tacoma park that would benefit from enhancements, and those trails would also be connected to the Water Flume Line Trail that skirts the park’s boundary.
• Ryan’s Park: A pedestrian bridge would be built over a forested green belt that will allow pedestrian and bicycle access from adjacent neighborhoods and provide a connection to a nearby active transportation network.
• Ruston Way: Greenways would be developed in partnership with the City of Tacoma to support safe pedestrian and bicycle access to waterfront parks.
• South End Recreation & Adventure (SERA) Campus: This 75-acre campus has a lot to offer park visitors, and constructing a loop trail around the park perimeter would give walkers and runners a designated place to exercise. Pathways would also be developed to improve connectivity on the campus and create a link to the nearby Sounder station.
• South Park: A pathway that connects to the Water Flume Line Trail would be built, improving bicycle and pedestrian access and enhancing connectivity in the park.
  Swan Creek Park: This 373-acre park is popular for walking and hiking, and this project would make improvements to its network of nature trails. The pedestrian and bicycle bridge would also connect the park to the adjacent Pipeline Trail.