The Cards

Hearts – Supportive Services

Photography by Kendra Rice

	MuzeWorks 4 Veterans Families, and community come together through music at the MuzeWorks 4 Veterans SoundVet Jam. Together they share friendship, stories, and the benefit of collaborative creative expression. MuzeWorks 4 Veterans is an initiative that brings together Music, Art, Writing, and Creative Expression, to support military connected individuals by providing them with opportunities to participate in the creative process. MuzeWorks 4 Veterans hosts their Pierce County SoundVet Jam every 3rd Wednesday at Lakewold Gardens. Learn more about MuzeWorks 4 Veterans See photo location
	Mountain View Community Center At the Seeds of Change Community Dinner, Edgewood, Milton and Fife residents enjoy delicious choices as they build connections across generations. Mountainview Community Center hosts the weekly Dinner, and also offers activities for youth, adults, and seniors that encourage social connection and active lifestyles. The Center strengthens local community life by providing a shared space for education, recreation, and civic engagement. Learn more about Mountainview Community Center See photo location
	Eloise's Cooking Pot Food Bank Access to food through Eloises's Cooking Pot provides stablility for people in East and South Tacoma who face economic hardship. It's named after the founder's Grandmother, Eloise, who is described as a woman of humble means who would share whatever food she had by providing a hot meal to anyone in need. Eloises's Cooking Pot distributes groceries, prepared meals, and other essentials to people facing food insecurity. Through partnerships and volunteers, it helps ensure residents have reliable access to nutritious food. Learn more about Eloise's Cooking Pot See photo location
	Madigan Foundation Breakthroughs in medicine depend on a commitment to research like that at the Department of Clinical Investigations at Madigan Army Medical Center. The Madigan Foundation supports the Department of Clinical Investigations because this research trains the next generation of military physicians. The discoveries made here don't stay on base. They advance medicine for soldiers, their families, and for patients here in Pierce County and beyond. Learn more about Madigan Foundation See photo location
	L'arche Tahoma Hope Farm & Gardens With the support of dedicated volunteers working together in agriculture and shared spaces, L'Arche Farm and Gardens helps participants build relationships and meaningful opportunities for belonging. L'Arche Farm and Gardens is part of the L’Arche Tahoma Hope community supporting people with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities. The farm provides inclusive employment, gardening, and community-building activities. Learn more about L'arche Tahoma Hope See photo location
	Puyallup Tribal Language Program Road signs like these in front of the Puyallup Tribal Administration Building revitalize knowledge of the Twulshootseed language. They are just one of many projects by the Puyallup Tribal Language Program. The Puyallup Language Program was created to revitalize Twulshootseed. Efforts are currently underway to implement day to day use of the language. The emphasis is to get individuals to start using language for communication. The language begins to come alive as people change out English for Twulshootseed in day-to-day speech. Learn more about the Puyallup Tribal Language Program See photo location
	Community Health Care School-Based Health Center at Bethel Middle School Dental appointments are available weekly for students, their families and staff of the Bethel School District. Even students without health insurance can access medical care, which means avoiding missing school when sick and getting support to succeed in their classroom by having quick and consistent access to health care while at school. The Community Health Care School-Based Health Center at Bethel Middle School provides accessible healthcare services directly within a school setting. Students can receive medical care, mental health support, and preventive services during the school day. By removing transportation and cost barriers, the center helps improve health outcomes and student well-being in the Bethel School District. Learn more about the Community Health Care School-Based Health Center at Bethel Middle School See photo location
	Rainier Foothills Wellness Foundation Care Van Anyone in Buckley, Wilkeson, Carbonado, and Greenwater needing non-emergency transportation can get moving with a lift from the Care Van. Volunteer drivers help people get to the local hospital, pharmacies or local medical offices, and the hydraulic lift for large wheelchairs lowers barriers to health care. Rainier Foothills Wellness Foundation Care Van is a mobile health program that brings medical services directly to communities. The van provides preventive care, health screenings, and referrals for people who may face barriers to traditional healthcare access. By traveling to neighborhoods and community sites, it expands healthcare access across Pierce County. Learn more about the Rainier Foothills Wellness Foundation Care Van See photo location
	Carbonado Volunteer Fire Department Volunteers make the difference when it comes to responding to emergencies in Buckley, Wilkeson, and Carbonado. With only a few full-time firefighters, at the end of the day people count on volunteers to ensure help arrives. Carbonado Volunteer Fire Department is a volunteer-run emergency response organization serving the town of Carbonado and surrounding rural areas. Volunteers provide fire protection, emergency medical response, and disaster assistance. Learn more about the Carbonado Volunteer Fire Department See photo location
	S.A.V.E Thrift Store Finding the perfect outfit can be just the spark for a new job - or a great date night. Thanks to donations and volunteers, young people from the Gig Harbor and Key Penisula areas get leadership and service opportunities while supporting local families with affordable goods. The Peninsula High School S.A.V.E. Thrift Shop is a student-run thrift store connected to Peninsula High School. The shop sells donated items to raise funds for student activities and community needs. Learn more about S.A.V.E. Thrift Store See photo location
	Asia Pacific Cultural Center At the annual Korea Day, one of many celebrations at the Asia Pacific Cultural Center, traditional entertainment, food, and art foster cross-cultural connection and inclusion . Asia Pacific Cultural Center (APCC) is a nonprofit cultural hub that promotes understanding of Asian and Pacific Islander cultures. The center offers educational programs, arts events, and services for people of all backgrounds. By celebrating traditions from dozens of cultures, APCC nurtures community. Learn more about Asia Pacific Cultural Center See photo location
	Tacoma Community House The Talk Time event at Tacoma Community House (TCH) provides an opportunity for adult English Language Aquisition learners to practice their conversational English skills with community volunteers. Since 1910, TCH has endured as a pathway to change leading to generations of self-sufficient people and a region welcoming of immigrants and refugees. Tacoma Community House provides education, employment, immigration, and social services to immigrants, refugees, and other residents in the Puget Sound region. Its programs help people gain job skills, learn English, and navigate new systems and cultures. The organization promotes economic mobility and inclusion for diverse communities. Learn more about Tacoma Community House See photo location
	The Mustard Seed Project Bingo offers fun and connection for people of all ages. Events like games, educational opportunties, and exercise classes are just a part of how The Mustard Seed Project supports community on the Key Peninsula through programs for older adults that promote independence and quality of life. Services include transportation, wellness programs, community meals, and information resources for seniors and caregivers. The organization also develops housing and community spaces that allow elders to age in place. Learn more about The Mustard Seed Project See photo location

Diamonds – Public Nature

Photography by Jack George

	DeMolay Sandspit Park The Sandspit is a place where two shores nearly touch — a natural partnership between land and water that has drawn people together on the edge of the Narrows for generations.   Tacoma DeMolay Sandspit Nature Preserve is a narrow peninsula of land along the Tacoma Narrows in the Titlow Beach neighborhood, managed by Metro Parks Tacoma. The preserve offers public shoreline access, wildlife viewing, and launching points for non-motorized watercraft. It takes its name from the DeMolay organization, which historically used the site. The Sandspit is one of the few remaining undeveloped shoreline parcels in urban Tacoma. Learn more about DeMolay Sandspit Park See photo location
	Wright Park Wright Park's great trees are a record of decisions made more than a century ago to plant, tend, and make room for beauty in the middle of a growing city.   Wright Park is a 27-acre urban arboretum in the heart of Tacoma. Established in 1886 and featuring over 700 labeled trees from around the world, the park includes the W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory, one of only three Victorian-era conservatories remaining on the West Coast. Managed by Metro Parks Tacoma, Wright Park serves as a living museum of trees and a beloved green refuge in a dense urban neighborhood. Learn more about Wright Park See photo location
	Wheeler-Osgood Waterway A lifeline, before it became a landmark. This stretch of the Thea Foss Waterway one of the places where community truly began here in Pierce County. Often referred to as the Wheeler-Osgood Waterway, this area marks the original mouth of the Puyallup River, where freshwater once met the saltwater of Commencement Bay. Along this waterway, near what is now roughly 13th to 15th Street and Dock Street stood a village site of the spuyaləpabš, the Puyallup people, whose name means "people from the bend at the bottom of the river." For generations, this meeting of river and bay sustained a center of trade, gathering, and community life. Industrial development, river rerouting, and land infill later reshaped the landscape to support the growing port, altering its form but not its significance. The story remains beneath the surface, carried by the water and the people who continue to call this place home. Learn more about the history of the Wheeler Osgood Waterway Learn more about the Puyallup Tribe See photo location
	Nelson Nature Park Green spaces like Nelson Nature Park can feel like contested ground. Pressed-in by development on all sides, their survival often depends on neighbors being willing to preserve them.   Nelson Nature Park is a natural space in the rapidly developing city of Edgewood featuring a half-mile walking path through wetland and forest areas. The park preserves a pocket ofwildlife habitat, stormwater filtration, and a place for residents to experience nature close to home. Learn more about Nelson Nature Park See photo location
	Morse Wildlife Preserve The Morse Wildlife Preserve exists because of a gift — land donated to ensure that the balance between human activity and wild habitat would be protected long after the donors were gone.   Morse Wildlife Preserve is a 90-acre natural area in Graham. Owned by Forterra, the grounds are mangaged and maintained by a group of dedicated volunteers affectionately referred to as "The Morse Force". Tahoma Bird Alliance also provides on-site educational and programming support. The preserve protects prairies, wetlands, and forests that support native wildlife including birds of prey, deer, and amphibians. Morse Wildlife Preserve is open to the public on the second Sunday of each month from April to October, so make sure to check the dates in the Visitor Guide before you head out. Learn more about Morse Wildlife Preserve See photo location
	Foothills Trail The Foothills Trail emerged as a solution for how to reimagine abandoned railroad lines as community recreation spaces. The effort started in 1984 when a Buckley physician and a community visionary organized the Foothills Rails-to-Trails Coalition to assist Pierce County Parks in building the trail.    Today the Foothills Trail includes a 24-mile paved multi-use trail extending from Puyallup to Buckley along a former railroad corridor. The trail snakes through farmland, forests, wetlands, small towns, and over scenic bridges as it approaches the foothills of Mount Rainier. The paved sections are suitable for walking/running, bicycles, in-line skates, and wheel chairs. Learn more about the Foothills Trail See photo location
	Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually Wildlife Refuge The Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually Wildlife Refuge is a place of justice restored. A tidal estuary that was diked and farmed for decades, the land was reclaimed and returned to wildness through one of the largest estuary restorations in Pacific Northwest history.   Covering nearly 3,000 acres, the refuge is a diverse mosaic of habitats, including salt marsh , marine waters, riparian forest, freshwater wetlands, grassland, and upland forest. It's also a critical stop on the Pacific Flyway and home to hundreds of bird species, salmon, and wildlife. In 2015 the refuge was named for the late Nisqually tribal leader and treaty rights activist Billy Frank Jr. The grounds are open year-round from sunrise to sunset offering different wildlife viewing opportunities with each season and tidal stage. Learn more about the Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually Wildlife Refuge See photo location
	Little Mashel Falls Energy in motion, the river finding its own path forward with unstoppable force. That's the inspiration you'll find as you stand at the base of Little Mashel Falls, which at over 90-feet tall, isn't actually so little.    Little Mashel Falls near Eatonville is actually a series of 3 waterfalls where the Little Mashel River drains from the slopes of the Cascades into the Nisqually River. The falls are accessible via a short trail through the Pack Forest area in the foothills of Mount Rainier. The land around the falls has varied ownership including: University of Washington, the City of Eatonville and City of Tacoma. When you visit make sure to follow signs and respect property rights so everyone can continue to enjoy this beautiful natural wonder. Learn more about Little Mashel Falls See photo location
	Charlotte's Blueberry Park Just like a new day dawning after the previous one ends, Charlottes Blueberry Park has seen it's share of sunsets and new beginnings through the years. For years the area was a privately owned farm. Then ind 1968 it was purchased by Tacoma Public Schools and destined to be the site of a new school. As development of housing around Tacoma evolved over the next several decades the school district never build on the land and eventually traded with a Parks Tacoma for a property that is now the site of Manitou Elementary. Local resident Charlotte Valbert and several other neighbors petitioned the Parks Department to keep the park's blueberry bushes for the public to enjoy. They organized, wrote grants, and cleared the land of weeds and other unwanted vegitation. Today Charlotte's Blueberry Park is home to nearly 3,500 blueberry bushes that grow 5 different varities. Picking season runs from July - September and is free to the public. Learn more about Charlotte's Blueberry Park See photo location
	Sequalitchew Creek Trail Sometimes something beautiful grows from the place you'd least expect it. That is certainly the case for the Sequalitchew Creek Trail which starts in the parking lot of DuPont City Hall and ends up on a pebble-covered beach with views of Puget Sound and sourrounding mountains. The Sequalitchew Creek Trail in DuPont follows a forested creek corridor from the town center to the shores of Puget Sound. For generations the Sequalitchew Creek area was territory of Coast Salish peoples including the Nisqually and Steilacoom tribes. Now managed by the City of Dupont, the trail follows the route of the "Dynamite Train" once owned by the DuPont Company. Old tracks from the line are not covered by trees and some run out into the water. The 1.5 mile trail offers wildlife habitat, native plant restoration areas, and dramatic views of the Nisqually Reach. Learn more about Sequalitchew Creek Trail See photo location
	Crystal Mountain It's in the journey up the mountain where the momentum is built. In the same way, it was a group of local skiers and outdoor enthusiasts who came together in the 1950's and began building momentum for the development of a ski area at Pierce County's Crystal Mountain. 824 families from 36 Washington Communities originally invested in development before state government joined in with funding to connect Highway 410 to the mountain. Today Crystal Mountain is Washington's largest ski area with more than 80 runs spread across 2,600 acres. Located on the northeast boundary of Mount Rainier National Park in Pierce County, the resort offers skiing, snowboarding, and a number of summer activities; as well as the Mt. Rainier Gondola, which provides some of the most dramatic views of Mount Rainier available without hiking. Crystal Mountain is a major recreational and economic anchor for eastern Pierce County. Learn more about Crystal Mountain See photo location
	The Mountain təqʷuʔmaʔ, təqʷuʔbəd, Tahoma, Rainier...the people of Pierce County use many names to refer to the mountain that has been an enduring presence watching over our community and providing life-giving waters for as long as anyone can remember. At 14,411-feet this active stratovolcano is the highest peak in Washington State and the most glaciated peak in the contiguous United States. It's glaciers source five major rivers which provide water to Pierce County and surrounding areas. The Mt. Rainier National Park area is an outdoor adventure paradise featuring diverse ecoystesm including supalpine meadows, old growth forrests, and alpine tundra. The park attracts nearly two million visitors annually. Learn more about The Mountain See photo location
	Swan Creek Park Swan Creek Park is still becoming what it will be. Parks Tacoma and Pierce County have partnered on a restoration project that includes reforesting the ravine and adding engineered log jams that will help reduce erosion creating a better habitat for salmon and a safer experience for visitors. Swan Creek Park is a 373-acre natural area park in Tacoma's Eastside neighborhood featuring a salmon-bearing stream, wooded canyon, upland forest, paved and natural trails, community garden, dog park, picnic shelters, and mountain bike trails. The park is surrounded by dense residential neighborhoods and provides a wild, forested escape within Tacoma's urban core. Learn more about Swan Creek Park See photo location

Spades – Civic Spaces

Photography by Mike Johnson

	PenMet Parks/Outdoor for All Adaptive Cycling Let's ride! Outdoor for All's adaptive cycling program at PenMet Parks Recreation Center offers hand cycles, tandem bikes, and other adaptive equipment so people of all abilities can enjoy recreational cycling. PenMet Parks and Outdoor for All partner to provide trained volunteers, adaptive equipment, and a welcoming environment that removes barriers to outdoor recreation for people with physical and developmental disabilities. Learn more about PenMet Parks Recreation Center See photo location
	Wapato Hills Park Basketball Court Pass, drive, or shoot? On the basketball court, decisions get made fast. At Wapato Hills Park, those decisions happen in the open air sourned by a crowd of cherry blossom trees that bloom a vibrant pink in the early Spring. In addition to the iconic basketball court, Wapato Hills Park in South Tacoma features trails, picnic areas, a playground, and sports fields, and a spray plaza. The park sits within a residential community and provides a year-round gathering space for South Tacoma residents of all ages. Parks Tacoma manages the park as part of its commitment to equitable access to green space across the city. Learn more about Wright Park See photo location
	Tacoma Dome You know you're home when you see the Dome. The Tacoma Dome's unmistakable silhouette has anchored the south end of downtown Tacoma for over forty years. As one of the largest wood-domed structures in the world, the 23,000 seat venue offers a home for concerts, sporting events, graduations, trade shows, and community gatherings.  Owned and operated by the City of Tacoma, the Dome is both a landmark and a major economic driver for the region, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Learn more about the Tacoma Dome See photo location
	Roy Pioneer Rodeo Rodeo is not for the faint of heart. The Roy Pioneer Rodeo celebrates the region's agricultural heritage as well as the grit, skill, and steadfast spirit of rural Pierce County. It's a tradition held together by people who don't back down from a challenge.   One of Washington State's oldest and most beloved rodeos, the rodeo is held on two separate weekends each summer in the small town of Roy. The NPRA-sanctioned event draws competitors and spectators from across the Pacific Northwest for bull riding, barrel racing, calf roping, and more. Learn more about the Roy Pioneer Rodeo See photo location
	Parks Appreciation Day @ Fort Steilacoom Park Neighbors coming together in support of the places they love is what Lakewood's Parks Appreciation Day is all about. Every year, City of Lakewood staff and community volunteers team up to clean up the city's parks. The effort includes picking up trash, pulling weeds, and light landscaping Lakewood's largest park is Fort Steilacoom Park. At 340-acres Fort Steilacoom features and expansive trail system, sports fields, an orienteering course, drone/rc flight area, off-leash dog parks, picnic shelters, playgrounds, and Waughop Lake. Learn more about Parks Appreciation Day and Fort Steilacoom Park See photo location
	Graham Pierce County Library Free access to knowledge, resources, and connections enriches lives. That's why libraries play such an important role in helping communities thrive. Pierce County Library System operates 19 branch locations, providing equitable access to information and services across one of Washington's most geographically diverse counties The Graham Branch of the Pierce County Library System serves the rapidly growing Graham-Kapowsin community in southeastern Pierce County. In addition to books and digital resources, the library offers programs for children, teens, and adults, and serves as a community gathering space. Learn more about the Graham Pierce County Library See photo location
	Puyallup Farmer's Market Communities thrive when systems support the mutual benefit of everyone involved. Farmer's markets offer this type of mutual benefit by bringing local producers and consumers together where exchange is personal and rooted in place.   The Puyallup Farmers Market has been bringing community together around fresh, locally grown food since 1982. Hosted by Puyallup Main Street Associaiton, the market runs on Saturdays from spring through fall with outdoor and indoor spaces in Pioneer Park and Pavillion. With nearly 200 vendors offering fresh produce, baked goods, artisinal breads, handmade goods, flowers and more, it's a great experience for all ages. Learn more about the Puyallup Farmer's Market See photo location
	Sprinker Skate Park From the moment you drop in at the top of the ramp skating is pure momentum. At Sprinker Skateboard park, skatebkeoarders, inline skaters and BMX bike riders of all ages and skill levels keep that energy moving.   The Harold E. LeMay Skateboard Park at Sprinker Recreation Center in Spanaway is one of the largest public skate parks in the state. With street-style obstacles, bowls, ramps, and rails the park provides free, open access to outdoor recreation and is a popular gathering spot for youth across the South Hill and Spanaway areas. Learn more about Sprinker Skate Park See photo location
	Downtown Wilkeson A small historic town in Eastern Pierce County, Wilkeson's downtown is a place that has seen its chapter close more than once. Coal mines exhausted, industries moved on yet the town remains, holding its history while still writing the next chapter. With weathered brick and sandstone buildings reflecting its origin as a coal mining and quarry town, Wilkeson boasts 5 locations listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It's also home to Carlson Block whose wood-fired pizzas have earned recognition as the best in the state. Wilkeson is a gateway community to Mount Rainier and the Carbon River area, drawing visitors interested in history, hiking, and rural Pierce County character. Learn more about Downtown Wilkeson See photo location
	Melanie Jan LaPlant Dressel Park A park named for a community leader who sparked change wherever she went — Melanie Dressel Park is proof that a single person's dedication can make a lasting difference for their community. Situated near the base of the 11th Street Bridge on a former steam plant site, was named in honor of Melanie Dressel, longtime CEO of Columbia Bank and a dedicated civic leader in Tacoma until her death in 2017. Through her board service for a number of local nonprofits, Melanie recognized the need for local families to recreate on the Foss Waterway, and put the wheels in motion to make it a reality. Melanies park provides green space, a unique play area with slides and climbing structures, a picnic pavilion, and interpretive signage featuring stories of the sites history. Learn more about Melanie's Park See photo location
	Eastside Community Center After losing her 17 year-old son to gun violence in 2011, Eastside Tacoma resident, Shalisa Hayes, turned her grief into momentum by leading an effort to fulfill his dream of having a community center in his neighborhood. With the support of community Shalisa successful lobbied local government and private donors to build the 55,000 square foot Eastside Community Center which opened to the public in 2018. Today Eastside Community Center provides affordable recreation, youth programs, a recording studio (named in honor of Billy Ray), and fitness facilities to residents of East Tacoma and surrounding neighborhoods. The center's aquatics program offers swim lessons, open swim, and water fitness for all ages. As aParks Tacoma facility, Eastside Community Center is committed to reducing barriers to recreation and building momentum for young people in the Eastside to thrive. Learn more about the Eastside Community Center See photo location
	Puyallup Tribe Powwow The Powwow is a celebration of endurance for Indigenous peoples who continue to hold their culture, language, and traditions since time immemorial.    The Puyallup Tribe of Indians hosts an annual powwow over Labor Day Weekend, and in 2026 hosted a special World Cup Powwow as part of their role as an official host for the global soccer event. These multi-day, family-friendly events welcome community members and visitors to experience Native culture through intertribal dance, songs, regalia, competition and community connection. The Puyallup Tribe has stewarded these lands for thousands of years and today operates one of the largest tribal governments in Washington State, with extensive programs in health, education, housing, and cultural preservation. Learn more about the Puyallup Tribe of Indians See photo location
	Tacoma's Chutes & Ladders @ Point Defiance Park The slides at Point Defiance are where futures get a running start. The pure joy you see on the faces of riders of all ages reminds us what we're building a thriving community for.   The Chutes & Ladders play area at Point Defiance Park is a beloved destination for families across Pierce County, featuring large outdoor slides built into the hillside of one of the nation's largest urban parks. Point Defiance Park spans 760 acres and includes forests, beaches, gardens, a zoo and aquarium, and miles of trails. Managed by Parks Tacoma, the park represents over a century of public commitment to preserving natural beauty and creating joyful spaces for all. Learn more about Tacoma's Chutes & Ladders See photo location

Clubs – Shared Stories

Photography by Kenya Shakoor

	Pride Night @ Tacoma Rainier's Take me out the the ball game! Each year in July the Tacoma Rainiers partner with local organizations like Oasis Youth Center and Rainbow Center to host Pride Night. It's an evening of baseball in a welcoming environment celebrating LGBTQ+ inclusivity and acceptance. The stadium comes alive with rainbow colors, and the atmosphere is filled with joy and unity. A portion of ticket sales support Oasis Youth Center. Learn more about Pride Night at the Tacoma Rainier's Learn more about Oasis Youth Center See photo location
	Jerisich Dock Jerisich Dock stands a symbol of Gig Harbor's transformation from a remote fishing village to a modern harbor community. The dock's name is a nod to Croation fisherman, Samuel Jerisich, who helped establish the town as a fishing industry hub. Today the Jerisich Dock complex offers a public dock for transient moorage, seasonal water and pump-out facilities and a life jacket loaner program Learn more about Jerisich Dock See photo location
	Colonial Plaza Gateway Arch The Colonial Plaza Gateway Arch is a steel structure marking entrance to Lakewood’s Colonial Plaza district. Installed in 2023, the arch features etchings with messages from community members serving as a visual symbol of community identity and welcoming visitors to local businesses and events. Learn more about the Colonial Plaza Gateway Arch See photo location
	Tacoma Chinese Reconciliation Park Cambodian classical folk dancers take the stage for Music At The Park, one of the many diverse cultural celebrations that takes place each year at Tacoma Chinese Reconciliation Park. Tacoma Chinese Reconciliation Park provides a place to reflect on the past, ponder the present, dream of the future, and celebrate our cultural diversity and common humanity. The park was established through the work of a citizens committee who wanted to recognize and reconcile the Tacoma Chinese Expulsion of 1885. Designed around the backdrop of a Chinese garden and intended as a place of healing and harmony, the park allows visitors to walk along the interpretive pathways through the sculptured landscape of a Chinese garden and to enjoy the natural beauty of Commencement Bay. Learn more about Chinese Reconciliation Park See photo location
	spuyaləpabš/Puyallup Welcome Figure At 24 feet tall, the spuyaləpabš/Welcome Figure, stands as a symbol of the generous and welcoming culture of Tacoma's first people, the Puyallup Tribe of Indians. Conceptualized and carved by Puyallup Tribal Member, Qwualsius - Shawn Peterson, the Welcome Figure combines tradition and innovation as it was the first of it's kind to include an internal steel structure. While totem poles are often mistakenly identfied with the Pacific Northwest, it's actually the Welcome Figure style that is traditional to this region. Native peoples of Western Washington including the Puget Sound Salish and the Makah, Quinault and Quileute peoples were known to carve welcome figures. spuyaləpabš/Welcome Figure is located near Tacoma's Tollefson Plaza, across from the Tacoma Art Museum, welcoming visitors to the downtown area. Learn more about spuyaləpabš/Puyallup Welcome Figure See photo location
	Nettie Asberry House Nettie J. Asberry was a civil rights icon and Black leader in Tacoma’s Hilltop until her death in the 1960’s. Her service to Tacoma's Hilltop neighborhood was centered around her home located at 1219 South 13th St. This home was where she taught music for over 50 years and started the Mozart Club for youth to expand their musical culture and knowledge of great composers. It's where the Hilltop response to Tacoma's flu pandemic of 1918 was coordinated. And it's where Dr. Asberry founded the Tacoma Colored Women's Club and the first NAACP chapter west of the Rockies The Tacoma Colored Women's Club purchased the house in 2022 and is working to restore the home and create a space for community benefit and Black cultural reclamation Learn more about the Nettie Asberry House See photo location
	Japanese Language School Memorial Nihongo Gakko Japanese Language School served as a communtiy center and place of cultural learning for Tacoma's thriving Japanese Community from 1911-1942. After World War II and the internment of Japanese citizens, the language school building stood vacant for decades, and deteroirated beyond repair. Today the history of Nihongo Gakko and Tacoma's Japanese community is commemorated by the memorial sculpture, Maru on the UW-Tacoma campus. Plaques near the sculpture tell the story of the school's history. UW-Tacoma has also partnered with families of former Nihono Gakko students to collect and preserve oral histories as well. Learn more about the Japanese Language School Memorial See photo location
	Voz Tacoma Radio Universal (VTRU) Voz Tacoma Radio Universal is a vibrant community radio station dedicated to sharing important events and amplifying conversation around social justice, culture, and community well-being. Since launching with a small team of 5 members in 2017, VTRU has grown to 33 contributers who produce more than 15 weekly shows, both live and recorded. Streaming 24 hours a day 7 days a week, the station offers a diverse mix of music and voices for Spanish-speaking audiences in Tacoma and beyond. Learn more about Voz Tacoma Radio Universal See photo location
	Frontier Park After a long day or at the end of a busy work week local parks provide a space for both recreation and relaxation. Whichever one you're looking for, you'll probably find it at Frontier Park. Situated on Meridian Avenue between Puyallup and Graham, Frontier Park hosts a plethora of unique events including the Pierce County Fair, Highland Games, 253 Night Market, equestrian shows, scouting events, car shows, quarter midget track racing competitions, and more. With 71 acres that include both wooded and turf areas there is plenty of space to spread out a blanket and enjoy a picnic and conversation with friends as well. Learn more about Frontier Park See photo location
	Hilltop Artists Hot Shop Access to unique opportunties can be a spark for growth and transformation. As an independent 501(c)(3) operating inside Tacoma Public Schools, Hilltop Artists has been using glass art to connect young people from diverse cultural and economic backgrounds to better futures since 1994. Through their tuition-free programming that provides facilities, instruction, and materials, Hilltop Artists helps students build a sense of belonging and develop transferrable skills that will help them thrive in school and beyond Learn more about Hilltop Artists See photo location
	Daffodil Festival Parade through Orting Since 1934 the Daffodil Festival Grand Floral Parade has been a staple of springtime in Pierce County. The parade route winds through Tacoma, Puyallup, Sumner and Orting featuring floats, vehicles, marching bands and more from businesses, clubs, schools, and groups across Pierce County. Building on the momentum of the parade, the Daffodil Royal Court which includes 24 high school seniors from participating Pierce County schools, makes appearances across the county throughout the year. These appearances help the Princesses develop public speaking skills and community service experience that will as they prepare for life after high school. Learn more about the Daffodil Festival Parade See photo location
	Tacoma Little Theatre Founded by a group of civic-minded community members in 1918, Tacoma Little Theater has been an enduring presence in the city's arts scene for more than a century. With classes, camps, and productions for youth and adult participants, Tacoma Little Theater provides live theatre and education programs that inspire through stories reflecting the vibrancy of our diverse community. Learn more about Tacoma Little Theatre See photo location
	Zunkuft Mural @ Sumner Performing Arts Center The abstract shapes and enameled iridecent glass panels of the Zunkuft mural at Sumner High School’s Performing Arts Center embody the creativity young people have the opportunity to express through the visual and performing arts. Zunkuft means "future" in German and here in Pierce County, we know that providing our youth with opportunties like performing arts helps build a thriving future for all of us. Learn more about the Zunkuft Mural at Sumner Performing Arts Center See photo location