🌱 Tacoma Expands Park Access

New Green Spaces Open at Whitman and Mann Elementary Schools, Giving Tacoma Residents More Room to Play

In a big win for public access and neighborhood health, Tacoma has added two new public park spaces—without breaking ground on entirely new facilities. Through a creative partnership between Tacoma Public Schools, the Trust for Public Land, and Parks Tacoma, two elementary schoolyards have now been converted into dual-use playgrounds and community parks.

🏫 Where Are the New Parks?

The latest schoolyard-to-park conversions took place at:

• Whitman Elementary School

• Mann Elementary School

These spaces will be open to students during the school day, and after hours, they’ll function as community parks open to the public on evenings and weekends. The goal? Expand access to green space in areas that historically lacked it—without requiring new land acquisition.

🌳 What’s Included in the Upgrades?

Each site received major renovations, turning traditional schoolyards into kid-designed parks complete with modern amenities and eco-friendly design elements. Here's what’s new:

🌼 Whitman Elementary School:

• Renovated playground with absorbent surfaces to prevent flooding

• Walking path and shaded green space

• New outdoor classroom to promote hands-on environmental learning

🍃 Mann Elementary School:

• New play equipment to replace aging asphalt-covered grounds

• More outdoor seating and gathering spaces

• Revitalized landscaping and walking loops for all ages

The upgrades were designed based on input from students and local families, ensuring the parks reflect community values and neighborhood needs.

🤝 Who’s Behind the Project?

This initiative is part of a larger movement to create more accessible public spaces in underserved communities. The project was made possible thanks to collaboration and funding from:

• Trust for Public Land

• Tacoma Public Schools

• Parks Tacoma

• Kaiser Permanente

• State of Washington

• Boeing

The total cost for both conversions came to $2 million.

Korey Strozier, President of the Tacoma Public Schools Board, shared this sentiment:

📈 Why This Matters for Tacoma

This innovative approach addresses several important community goals:

✔ Expands Park Access: New parks in previously underserved areas
✔ Supports Student Wellness: Safe and engaging play areas during school hours
✔ Maximizes Existing Land: Uses current school properties to solve a lack of green space
✔ Fosters Community Connection: Parks bring people together across generations

As Parks Board President Andrea Smith noted:

🛠️ What’s Next?

The Trust for Public Land and its local partners are already working on a similar schoolyard transformation at Larchmont Elementary. Funding is currently being secured, with community engagement expected to begin soon.

💬 Would You Like to See More Schoolyards Turned into Parks?

Let us know what school in your neighborhood could benefit from something like this!
Tag a friend in Tacoma who would love more walkable parks for their kids.

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