Popular Play Area to Undergo Major Repairs After Inspection Reveals Structural Issues

If you frequent Wright Park in Tacoma, you might have noticed the playground has been closed since February—and it’s going to stay that way for a while longer.

A recent inspection revealed rotting support posts at the base of the play structure, prompting Parks Tacoma to keep the playground closed for three more months while construction crews address the safety concerns.

🔨 What Happened at Wright Park?

According to Terry Jungman, Parks Tacoma’s Capital Improvement Program Manager, the inspection team was surprised to find the posts rotting since the rest of the structure appeared to be in good condition.
The rot poses a significant safety risk for children using the play equipment, so the decision was made to shut down the playground until repairs can be completed.

💰 How Much Will Repairs Cost?

The total cost for the repair project is estimated at $150,000, with funding coming from two key sources:

💵 $100,000 – Provided by the Tacoma Parks Foundation Endowment Fund, originally used to build the playground, sprayground, and community plaza
💵 $50,000 – Sourced from Parks Tacoma’s Maintenance and Operations Fund

Construction is scheduled to begin this summer, with a projected completion date in late August 2025.

🌳 Why Wright Park Playground Matters

Wright Park isn’t just another playground—it’s a community anchor in Tacoma’s Stadium District.
Here’s why the park and its playground are so important:

✔ Historic Location: Wright Park is a historic green space dating back to the late 1800s, making it a popular destination for families, walkers, and community events.
✔ Community Gathering Spot: The playground, sprayground, and plaza provide a safe, family-friendly environment for play, picnics, and meetups.
✔ Accessibility Focus: The playground was designed to be inclusive and ADA-compliant, ensuring access for children of all abilities.
✔ Event Hub: The park regularly hosts community events, concerts, and festivals, drawing people from all over Tacoma.

📅 What’s Next? Construction Timeline

The repair project is expected to begin in early June 2025, with a targeted completion date of late August 2025.

During construction, the following areas will be affected:

• Playground Area: Closed for the duration of the project

• Sprayground: Will remain open but may experience occasional closures due to nearby construction work

• Plaza Area: Limited access as construction crews move materials and equipment

Pro Tip: If you’re looking for other playgrounds during the closure, check out the sprayground at Point Defiance Park or the play area at Wapato Park.

🛠️ Future Plans for Wright Park

Once repairs are completed, Parks Tacoma plans to enhance the overall playground experience by:

• Replacing rotting support posts with more durable, rot-resistant materials

• Adding new safety surfacing to reduce the risk of injuries

• Installing additional seating and shaded areas for families

• Repainting and refreshing existing structures to maintain a welcoming look and feel

💬 Have You Visited Wright Park Lately?

How do you feel about the upcoming repairs?
What other features would you like to see added to the park?
Drop your thoughts in the comments below and let us know!

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