The biking trail in Swan Creek Park (TNT, 5-3) is off to a great start, but future trails and other improvements to the park hang in the balance of budget negotiations in the state Legislature.

Metro Parks Tacoma has applied for a Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program grant that would increase park access, expand existing trail networks, provide amenities that would attract new visitors and expand the community garden program. We thank Gov. Jay Inslee for recommending $75 million for the WWRP grant program, funding Swan Creek Park. Unfortunately, the House and Senate budgets fall short of this level. …

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Point Defiance is a great destination to visit in the South Sound region. It has the park, the zoo and aquarium, recreational opportunities and a magnificent view of all the natural surroundings. But it’s missing a critical component: improved public access.

Currently three projects are proposed for this area: the development of Peninsula Park (by the Tacoma Yacht Club), a link between Peninsula Park and Point Defiance, and construction of a boardwalk alongside an estuary restoration project. If funded, these projects will allow public access to the waterside, link the park from the city’s downtown and restore marine habitat.

I …

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