Winter/Spring 2018 Event Calendar Parks Appreciation Day, held every April, draws thousands of volunteers to beautify parks throughout Pierce County. MetroParksTacoma.org
Did you know The Outdoor Adventures program began in 1992 with a grant from the City of Tacoma. Today it is run by the Tacoma Nature Center and provides seasonal adventures for families, adults and youth. January S M T W Th F S 1 Polar Bear Plunge 2 3 4 5 6 Run the Greens Heritage Skills Workshop 7 Forest Mindfulness 8 9 10 11 12 STAR Center Indoor Movie Series Family Movie Night 13 Orchid Talk
14 Second Sunday Music 15 MLK Day of Caring 16 17 18 19 20 Pier Peer in Tacoma Tacoma Giants: Part 1 Trees of Point Defiance Tacoma Giants: Part 2 Immersion Tree Walk 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 Environmental Learning Center Celebration South Sound Preschool Preview 28 29 30 31 W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory Lavish: A Festive Victorian Holiday December 1-January 7 Immerse yourself in the rich aromatic scents of seasonal favorites that welcome you home for the holidays. $3 suggested donation Fort Nisqually Living History Museum Tolmie the Ethnographer September 23-January 7 Explore the work and ethnographic interests of Fort manager William Fraser Tolmie in this exhibit of Native American baskets and cultural artifacts. Free with Fort admission. FortNisqually.org Details for each event can be found on the pages following April. Firearms of the Fur Trade Era January 13-May 6 This exhibit explores the craftsmanship and historic use of firearms as a part of everyday life in the 19th century. Free with Fort admission. FortNisqually.org
Did you know Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is one of only five accredited zoos and aquariums in the United States with Pacific walruses. February S M T W Th F S Looking for more to do? Metro Parks classes offer something for everyone. MetroParksTacoma.org/GO 1 2 3 Coffee with the Birds Heritage Skills Workshop 4 Forest Mindfulness 5 6 7 8 9 Wine and Chocolate STAR Center Indoor Movie Series Family Movie Night 10 Valentines Run on the Waterfront Love at the Zoo
11 Love at the Zoo Second Sunday Music 12 13 14 Story Time 15 16 17 Kids n Critters Pier Peer in Tacoma 18 Kids n Critters 19 Kids n Critters 20 21 22 23 24 Ranger-led Nature Walk Tacoma Giants: Part 1 Trees of Point Defiance Tacoma Giants: Part 2 Immersion Tree Walk Swim Saturday Spring Fling & Health Fair at People s Center 25 26 27 28 Fort Nisqually Living History Museum Firearms of the Fur Trade Era January 13-May 6 This exhibit explores the craftsmanship and historic use of firearms as a part of everyday life in the 19th century. Free with Fort admission. FortNisqually.org W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory Crave: An Early Glimpse of Spring February 13-March 25 Are you craving spring? Visit the Conservatory for a breath of fresh air and a break from the dreariness of winter. $3 suggested donation Details for each event can be found on the pages following April.
March Did you know Last year, 4,500 people participated in the Run the Parks series which features a uniquely themed fun run every month in Tacoma s parks. S M T W Th F S Follow us and stay connected! Look for us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. 1 2 Birding for Seniors 3 Coffee with the Birds Fitness and Wellness Conference and Spring Rose Pruning 4 Forest Mindfulness 5 6 7 8 9 STAR Center Indoor Movie Series Family Movie Night 10 Fitness and Wellness Conference and South Sound Wedding Workshop Pier Peer in Tacoma Forest Mindfulness
11 Second Sunday Music 12 13 14 Story Time 15 16 17 St. Patrick s Enrichment Day Heritage Skills Workshop 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Swan Creek Mud Run South Sound Summer Camp Fair Rose Garden Sale Slug Celebration Walk Tacoma Giants: Part 1 Trees of Point Defiance Tacoma Giants: Part 2 Immersion Tree Walk 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Ranger-led Nature Walk Fort Nisqually Living History Museum Firearms of the Fur Trade Era January 13-May 6 This exhibit explores the craftsmanship and historic use of firearms as a part of everyday life in the 19th century. Free with Fort admission. FortNisqually.org W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory Crave: An Early Glimpse of Spring February 13-March 25 Are you craving spring? Visit the Conservatory for a breath of fresh air and a break from the dreariness of winter. $3 suggested donation Details for each event can be found on the pages following April.
Did you know Approximately 200 historical interpreters bring history to life for Fort Nisqually Living History Museum s 40,000 annual visitors. April S M T W Th F S 1 2 Spring Break Superstars 3 Spring Break Superstars Sprout Smart 4 Spring Break Superstars Sprout Smart 5 Spring Break Superstars Sprout Smart Opening Day 5k with Tacoma Rainiers 6 Spring Break Superstars Sprout Smart STAR Center Indoor Movie Series 7 Coffee with the Birds Spring Break Superstars Spring Fling at Norpoint Spring Fling at Northwest Trek 8 Spring Break Superstars Spring Fling at Northwest Trek Second Sunday Music Forest Mindfulness 9 Fuchsia Garden Spring Pruning 10 11 Story Time 12 13 14 Sewing to Sowing Spring Fling at Portland Ave Spring Flora Hike Pier Peer in Tacoma Orchid Talk
15 16 17 18 19 20 Family Movie Night 21 Earth Day Extravaganza Fuchsia Sale Parks Appreciation Day Slug Celebration Walk 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 Spring Fling at STAR Center Tacoma Giants: Part 1 Trees of Point Defiance Tacoma Giants: Part 2 Immersion Tree Walk 29 30 Follow us and stay connected! Look for us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Fort Nisqually Living History Museum W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory Details for each event can be found on the following pages. Firearms of the Fur Trade Era January 13-May 6 This exhibit explores the craftsmanship and historic use of firearms as a part of everyday life in the 19th century. Free with Fort admission. FortNisqually.org Arts Connect Exhibit April 13-June 17 Student artists explore a fairy tale theme with ceramics, glass, and other media. View their works placed throughout the Conservatory. $3 suggested donation
January Polar Bear Plunge January 1 11:30 am Cub Plunge 12 pm Polar Bear Plunge Point Defiance Marina Boat Launch, 5912 N. Waterfront Dr. Begin the New Year with a fun leap into the frigid water of Puget Sound. Costumes welcome! Volunteers needed. Free PointDefianceMarina.com Run the Greens January 6 8 am Meadow Park Golf Course 7108 Lakewood Dr. W. Run or walk a cross country-style 5k on varied terrain at the golf course. $20-$30 MetroParksTacoma.org/Races MLK Day of Caring January 15 9 am-12 pm Various Locations Come help us spruce up our parks alongside other volunteers and give back to the community through a day of service! Free ChipInForParks.org Environmental Learning Center Celebration January 27 11 am-2 pm This parkwide celebration features tours of the newly constructed building, which is shared with the Science and Math Institute, plus fun activities for all ages. See the back page of this calendar for more information. Free South Sound Preschool Preview January 27 Love at the Zoo February 10-11 10 am-4 pm Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium Feel the love as Zoo animals enjoy heart-shaped treats and special enrichments. Free with admission pdza.org Kids n Critters February 17-19 9:30 am-3 pm Northwest Trek Wildlife Park 11610 Trek Dr. E., Eatonville See native Northwest animals in natural habitats. Up to four children ages 3-12 receive free admission with each paying adult. nwtrek.org Swim Saturday February 24 12:30-2:30 pm People s Pool, 1602 MLK Jr Way Brush up on water safety and enjoy an open swim, plus giveaways and prizes! Free MetroParksTacoma.org/Swim- Saturdays Spring Fling & Health Fair at People s Center February 24 1-5 pm People s Community Center 1602 MLK Jr. Way Celebrate the arrival of spring at this free community festival. MetroParksTacoma.org/Peoples March Birding for Seniors March 2 10-11 am, Owen Beach Celebrate the birds of Point Defiance Park in this mobilityadjusted program. Pre-registration required. Free Fitness and Wellness Conference March 10 9 am-1 pm Center at Norpoint, 4818 Nassau Ave. N.E. Sample a variety of fitness and cooking classes during this four hour conference-style community event. Free CenteratNorpoint.org South Sound Wedding Workshop March 10 2-4 pm Titlow Lodge, 8425 6th Ave. Get helpful hints, inspiration and creative ideas to plan your perfect wedding. Free MetroParksTacoma.org/Rentals St. Patrick s Enrichment Day March 17 10 am-4 pm Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium Watch animals enjoy lucky green treats in honor of St. Patrick s Day. Free with admission pdza.org Swan Creek Mud Run March 24 10 am & 11:30 am Swan Creek Park, E. 44th St. by Lister Elementary This 2-mile course is designed for dirt-tromping, fire-leaping, mudloving children and adults. $30-$40 MetroParksTacoma.org/Races South Sound Summer Camp Fair March 24 10 am-1 pm STAR Center, 3873 S. 66th St. Parents can learn about South Sound summer camp options while kids have fun in the Treetops playground. Free STARCenterTacoma.org Sprout Smart April 3-6 10 am-1 pm W.W. Seymour Conservatory 316 S. G St., in Wright Park Drop in with your little sprouts for some plant-themed fun during Spring Break. $3 suggested donation Opening Day 5k with Tacoma Rainiers April 5 6 pm Scott Pierson Trail/ Cheney Stadium Run or walk on the Scott Pierson Trail with family and friends before the Tacoma Rainiers season opener then stay at the ballpark and watch the game! $25-$35 MetroParksTacoma.org/Races Spring Fling at Norpoint April 7 10 am-12 pm Center at Norpoint 4818 Nassau Ave. N.E. Celebrate the arrival of spring at this free community festival. CenteratNorpoint.org Spring Fling at Northwest Trek April 7-8 9:30 am-5 pm Northwest Trek Wildlife Park 11610 Trek Dr. E., Eatonville Get wild with spring fun. Forage for edible wild plants, participate in spring crafts and activities, and see our animals get natural spring bouquets. Free with admission nwtrek.org Fuchsia Garden Spring Pruning April 9 Spring Flora Hike April 14 9-11 am Get an introduction to the spring plants in the forest on this 4-mile walking tour. $5 Earth Day Extravaganza April 21 12-4 pm Tacoma Nature Center 1919 S. Tyler St. Explore your creative side while learning about the Earth and things that we can do to keep it healthy. TacomaNatureCenter.org Pier Peer in Tacoma Jan. 20, Feb. 17 Mar. 10, Apr. 14 Find out what lives under the dock during this aquatic nighttime adventure. Locations vary. Visit website for details. TacomaNatureCenter.org Trapped: Escape Fort Nisqually Jan. 11-14, 25-28 Feb. 8-11, 22-25 Mar. 8-11, 22-25 Bring friends for a high-energy suspense game in which participants uncover clues and solve puzzles. Pre-register to reserve your spot. $25 FortNisqually.org Story Time Feb. 14, Mar. 14, Apr. 11 W.W. Seymour Conservatory, 316 S. G St., in Wright Park Bring the kids to enjoy stories and art projects among the Conservatory s beautiful flowers. Fuchsia Sale April 21 9 am-12 pm Disabled American Veterans Hall, 1110 N. Stevens St. Tahoma Fuchsia Society will be selling fuchsia starts and larger plants to support the Point Defiance fuchsia garden. Free MetroParksTacoma.org Family Movie Night Jan. 12, Feb. 9 Mar. 9, April 20 Portland Avenue Community Center, 3513 E. Portland Ave Free MetroParksTacoma.org/Portland Jan. 13, 20, 27 Feb. 3, 10, 17 Apr. 7, 14, 28 Explore Tacoma s parks with a naturalist. Times and locations vary. Visit website for details. Free TacomaNatureCenter.org Ranger-led Nature Walk Feb. 24, Mar. 31 Meet the Park Ranger at the Rhododendron Garden for an exploration of nature in the park. Free Parks Appreciation Day April 21 9 am-12 pm Join us in parks throughout Pierce County as we give back to the earth. We ll trim limbs, groom grounds and plant flowers and trees during one of the largest attended environmental volunteer days in the South Sound. Free ParksAppreciationDay.net Spring Fling at STAR Center April 28 11 am-1 pm STAR Center, 3873 S. 66th St Celebrate the arrival of spring at this free community festival. STARCenterTacoma.org Ongoing Events Tacoma Giants: Part 1 Trees of Point Defiance Jan. 20, Feb. 24 Mar. 24, Apr. 28 Learn about the trees of Point Defiance through activities around the Fort Nisqually Picnic Shelter. $4 Tacoma Giants: Part 2 Immersion Tree Walk Jan. 20, Feb. 24 Mar. 24, Apr. 28 Take an arborist-guided hike to the tallest tree in Point Defiance. $8
11 am-1:30 pm STAR Center, 3873 S. 66th St. Parents can learn about South Sound preschool options while kids have fun in the Treetops playground. Free STARCenterTacoma.org February Wine and Chocolate February 9 W.W. Seymour Conservatory 316 S. G St., in Wright Park Stroll through a romantically lit Conservatory with your valentine. Enjoy wine, champagne, savory treats, and decadent truffles. Valentines Run on the Waterfront February 10 8 am Point Ruston, 5005 Ruston Way Run or walk this chip-timed 5k along the waterfront and add a little salty air to your Valentine s weekend. $20-$30 MetroParksTacoma.org/Races Fitness and Wellness Conference March 3 9 am-1 pm STAR Center, 3873 S. 66th St. Sample a variety of fitness and cooking classes during this four hour conference-style community event. Free STARCenterTacoma.org Spring Rose Pruning March 3 9 am-12 pm Point Defiance Rose Garden Consulting rosarians from Tacoma Rose Society and Metro Parks staff will demonstrate rose-pruning techniques. Free MetroParksTacoma.org Rose Garden Sale March 24 9 am-2 pm Point Defiance Pagoda Sponsored by the Tacoma Rose Society, the sale will feature roses along with other plants and an eclectic mix of garden treasures. Proceeds benefit the Point Defiance rose garden. Free MetroParksTacoma.org April Spring Break Superstars April 2-8 10 am-4 pm Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium Spend Spring Break with the Superstar animals of Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. Animals will receive special enrichments, and there will be fun for visitors, too. Free with admission. pdza.org 10 am-1 pm Help with pruning and get answers about growing and caring for hardy fuchsias. Free MetroParksTacoma.org Sewing to Sowing April 14 11 am-4 pm Fort Nisqually Living History Museum, Experience springtime in the 1850s. Play 19th century games and learn traditional skills and crafts from historical interpreters in 1850s attire. $0-$10 FortNisqually.org Spring Fling at Portland Ave April 14 10 am-1 pm Portland Avenue Community Center, 3513 E. Portland Ave Celebrate the arrival of spring at this free community festival. MetroParksTacoma.org/Portland $3 suggested donation Orchid Talk Jan. 13, Apr. 14 W.W. Seymour Conservatory, 316 S. G St., in Wright Park Get tips and information about growing orchids. $3 suggested donation Heritage Skills Workshop Jan. 6, Feb. 3, Mar. 17 Fort Nisqually Hands-on workshops dive into the processes of beekeeping, sausage making and historic sewing. FortNisqually.org STAR Center Indoor Movie Series Jan. 12, Feb. 9 Mar. 9, April 6 STAR Center, 3873 S. 66th St. Free STARCenterTacoma.org Coffee with the Birds Feb. 3, Mar. 3, Apr. 7 Bring your coffee mug and learn about the birds of Point Defiance Park. $5 Slug Celebration Walk Mar. 24, Apr. 21 From local heroes to invading enemies, get to know the gastropods also known as slugs and snails. Free Second Sunday Music Jan. 14, Feb. 11 Mar. 11, Apr. 8 W.W. Seymour Conservatory 316 S. G St., in Wright Park Enjoy live acoustic music among the lush tropical floral displays. $3 suggested donation Forest Mindfulness Jan. 7, Feb. 4 Mar. 4, 10; Apr. 8 Learn to slow down and experience the forest in a new way. Jan. 6, 16; Feb. 8 Mar. 3, 10, 13; Apr. 5, 11 Bloodworks Northwest is making it more convenient to donate. Locations and times vary. Visit the website to schedule your donation time. MetroParksTacoma.org/GiveBlood Celebrate the arrival of Spring! These free indoor community festivals feature fun activities for families including games, prizes, bounce houses, arts & crafts and more. FREE! Spring Fling & Health Fair at People s Center February 24 1-5 pm 1602 MLK Jr. Way Spring Fling at Norpoint April 7 10 am-12 pm 4818 Nassau Ave. N.E. Spring Fling at Portland Ave April 14 10 am-1 pm 3513 E. Portland Ave Spring Fling at STAR Center April 28 11 am-1 pm 3873 S. 66th St Presented by
MetroParksTacoma.org Board of Park Commissioners Andrea Smith Aaron Pointer Jessie K. Baines Jr. Erik Hanberg Tim Reid Executive Director Shon Sylvia General Information (253) 305-1022 TTY (253) 759-9286 Metro Parks Headquarters 4702 S. 19th St. 98405 Mon-Fri 7:30 am-5:30 pm Adaptive Recreation...(253) 404-3955 Aquatics...(253) 591-2042 Athletics...(253) 305-1025 Customer Service...(253) 305-1022 Facility & Picnic Rentals...(253) 305-1090 Inclusion Requests & Assistance...(253) 404-3950 Parks & Building Services...(253) 305-1050 Specialized Recreation...(253) 404-3950 Partner support helps us to provide the highest quality park and recreation experiences possible. Learn more about business partnership opportunities at MetroParksTacoma.org/Partners. Metro Parks Tacoma strives to create an atmosphere of accessibility in our diverse community. If you have comments and suggestions to help us meet your expectations, please call Marty Stump: (253) 305-1078.