Happy Friday Newsletter 2.13.26

Posted on by Ande Dunn

Neighborhood News

  • New Playgrounds Coming to Tacoma
    • Five new play areas are coming to Tacoma this year as renovations continue in the coming months. One of the new playgrounds opened in late January at Oakland Madrona Park. Both new play areas at Cloverdale and the North Slope District parks are expected to open by late spring. South Tacoma is in the planning stage for Alderwood Park, and the community is voting on preferred equipment for Lincoln Heights Park. Renovations are funded by a 2014 voter-approved bond.
  • STW First Friday
    • The business community of South Tacoma Way (STW) is launching First Fridays with a monthly, full-day, community-wide event on the first Friday of every month around the 54th Street and South Tacoma Way intersection. It invites the public to explore STW and discover new favorites in food, shopping, and more. Many local businesses are offering promotions to draw in the community and support the district’s growth.
  • Lichen Crochet Project
    • The Lichen Crochet Project was created by Tacoma-based artist Teresa Owens and is a community project to recreate lichen on two or three large panels using handmade wool pieces. The finale will be a public event at the Tacoma Nature Center in October 2026. You can help create the lichen forms with all supplies provided. Check the Weekly Volcano calendar for upcoming dates and locations.
  • Clean Water Act Settlement with TEMCO
    • Communities for a Healthy Bay has reached a Clean Water Act settlement with TEMCO that will strengthen stormwater controls at the grain export facility, address grain and dust pollution, and invest in habitat restoration across South Puget Sound. This highlights CHB’s pairing of community engagement with science, advocacy, and legal enforcement to achieve lasting environmental protections.
  • WIAA Mat Classic Returns to Tacoma Dome February 19 – 22
    • The WIAA Mat Classic Returns to the Tacoma Dome this February as part of a multi-year agreement to host several state championships in Pierce County through 2028. With the draw of athletes and spectators, the 2025 Mat Classic estimated financial impact our the area was over $6.3 million. With thousands of people expected to attend this years event, the Classic remains one of the most anticipated events of the school calendar. Tickets are available at ticketmaster.com.

Local Governance

  • Pierce County Launches Sustainability 2030 Board
    • A new internal board has been launched to focus on reducing the county’s greenhouse gas emissions and increasing operational resilience in response to climate change. The Sustainability 2030 portion of the county’s Resilience and Climate Action Plan calls for reducing greenhouse gas emissions to below 45 percent of 2015 levels. The recently updated plan emphasizes land conservation, climate resilience, expanded partnerships, and growth of the green economy. The plan also advances flood-resilient infrastructure, urban forestry planning, extreme heat mitigation, and salmon recovery coordination. The initiative supports land conservation with a goal of preserving 100,000 acres of working farms, forests, and habitat by 2044.
  • Public Hearing on March 4 on Comprehensive Plans and Land Use
  • You Could Save a Life Safe Driving Campaign
    • The City of Tacoma launched a new safe driver campaign aimed at reducing crashes and improving safety for pedestrians. The campaign supports Vision Zero and Safe Routes to School goals. The “you could save a life” tagline shows how everyday driving choices prevent injury and highlights simple, actionable steps that support safer streets. New weekly topics will be posted to social accounts through March and include not blocking crosswalks, giving bicyclists at least three feet of space, stopping for school buses, and more. https://www.facebook.com/mobility253/
  • City of Tacoma Announces Finalists for City Manager
    • At the February 10 City Council meeting, the Council announced the finalists in its search for the next City Manager. The finalists selected are Kyun Kim and Yolanda Lewis. You can meet the finalists on February 26 at 4pm at the Tacoma Dome. They will deliver brief presentations regarding their qualifications and vision for the role, followed by a Council-led Q&A session. The event will also be streamed. Learn more about the finalists and updates at tacoma.gov/cmrecruitment.
  • Tacoma Voters to Decide $155 Million Parks Bond in April
    • Tacoma voters will consider a $155 million parks bond measure in a special election on April 28 that would fund upgrades and improvements at more than 40 parks and community centers citywide. Parks Tacoma officials say the proposal would not increase current property tax rates, as it would continue the existing bond rate of $0.45 per $1,000 of assessed value. If approved, the bond would support more than 100 projects over the next six to eight years, including playground replacements, community center renovations, improvements at Point Defiance Park and Ruston Way, pedestrian bridges at Titlow and Swan Creek parks, redevelopment of Dash Point Pier, and updates at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium and Northwest Trek. Parks Tacoma’s previous 2014 bond funded 152 projects totaling $198 million, and officials say a new bond is needed to address aging facilities and maintain the city’s park system. The measure will appear on the April 28 ballot, and applications to serve on the “For” and “Against” voters’ pamphlet committees are due by February 17.

Arts & Entertainment

  • Tacoma Little Theater and UW-Tacoma Present: Spring Awakening
    • TLT and the UW-Tacoma Theatre Department will present the Tony Award-winning musical Spring Awakening March 6–29, 2026. Directed by Maria-Tania Bandes B. Weingarden, with musical direction by Daniel Wolfert and choreography by Ashley Roy-Simpson, the production brings Frank Wedekind’s 1891 coming-of-age story to life with a contemporary rock score. Set in Germany, the show follows Wendla (Macy Byrd), Melchior (Ayo Alaka) and Moritz (Zym Edson) as they navigate adolescence, repression and the consequences of a society unwilling to answer their questions. The cast features a mix of student and community performers, supported by a full production team including scenic designer Blake R. York, costume designer Krista Lofgren and lighting designer Michelle Weingarden-Bandes. Evening performances begin at 7:30 p.m., with 2 p.m. matinees; visit Tacoma Little Theatre’s website for specific dates and ticket information.
  • 4th Annual TCC Black Artists Exhibition Now Through March 13
    • Curated by a panel of art jurists, the exhibition features work by more than 20 South Sound artists. With media including painting, drawing, photography and glass art, some of the exhibition’s works provide windows into personal history and collective culture. Other pieces are non-representational. Taken as a whole, the exhibition challenges us to take an expansive view of Black art as an abundance of unique expressions drawn from the deep well of vibrant community. You can join weekly Gallery Talks to gain a deeper understanding of the art, listen to exhibiting artists discuss their art, inspiration and creative processes. Find the complete schedule at tacomacc.edu/tcc-life/arts-culture/blackartists

Opportunities

  • Business Plan Cohort Applications Open
    • Spaceworks is looking for creative entrepreneurs who want to grow a thriving business and make a positive impact in Tacoma. The Business Plan Cohort 12-week program offers a 1200-dollar stipend for professional business services, a one-year membership to the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber, professional headshots or business portraits, Spaceworks alumni meetups and events, support for grand openings and other events, and commercial lease support. Apply at https://spaceworkstacoma.submittable.com/submit.
  • Spaceworks Seeks Public Art Coordinator
    • Spaceworks is seeking a Public Art Coordinator to lead the Artscapes program, which includes several dynamic and public-facing art projects such as the Woolworth Windows, a citywide rapid mural program, community-based permanent murals, an outdoor video gallery, artist studios, and other special projects. Learn more and apply at https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nH3Dlm90RMDPYlgH0Ls3nL6ZIoXTnnEn/view.
  • Access to Capital: Revolving Loan Fund Workshop
    • Small and microbusiness owners often believe they will be denied for a loan or have been in the past. Understanding what lenders actually look for can make all the difference. The City of Tacoma’s Community & Economic Development Department is hosting a Access to Capital worksop, designed to demystify the loan process and provide clarity around the City’s flexible financing options. The session is Wednesday February 25, 3:00 to 4:30pm at the Downtown Tacoma Public Library. The session will cover key difference between micro and gap loan programs, what is required and how to prepare it, and practical steps to strengthen your application. Space is limited, RSVP at RLF101.Eventbrite.com
  • College, Career and Family Summit February 19
    • High school students and their families are invited to explore life after graduation at the College, Career and Family Summit on Feb. 19 at Pierce College’s Fort Steilacoom campus. Doors open at 5 p.m. for a college and job fair, followed by the main program from 5:30 to 7 p.m. The free event connects students and families directly with educators, employers, service members and entrepreneurs, offering practical tools and resources to help plan for what comes next. The evening will feature student and parent panels, breakout sessions and discussions centered on the “Four E’s of Opportunity”: Enrollment (college or university), Enlistment (armed forces), Employment (entering the workforce) and Entrepreneurship (starting a business). Participants may choose sessions and will receive materials from all four tracks. Dinner and childcare will be provided. Families are encouraged to attend together for this informative and supportive community event.

Recreation

  • Stewardship Work Parties
    • As spring teases its arrival, there are many opportunities to support local green spaces. Ten stewardship work parties are scheduled for February, offering plenty of chances to get out, get moving, give back, and make a positive impact in your community. Whether you join one work party or one a month, you will make a lasting, tangible difference. Find upcoming events at https://piercecd.org/497/Volunteer-Opportunities.
  • Washington Spring Fair Tickets on Sale Now
    • Washington’s biggest celebration of spring returns April 10 to 12 and 17 to 19. Tickets went on sale this week with early bird pricing through February 26. New this year, the Spring Fair is open Friday through Sunday only, with a streamlined experience. Guests will find several new attractions, including the 1900 Food Hall and Rooftop Bar, Fair Value Menus, and more. Visit thefair.com.
  • Norpoint Pool is Closed for Maintenance Until Further Notice
    • The Norpoint pool is closed as the electrical wiring to the main circulation pump is a current fire hazard. The adult spa area will remain open. All swim lessons, water fitness classes and rec swim will be paused until the repairs are complete. Staff will contact those who registered for swim lessons to issue refunds. A reopening date will be shared via the website as soon as systems are tested and ready. In the meantime, check out People’s Community Center Pool.

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