Point Defiance Park Waterfront Phase I

The Waterfront Phase 1 project, located adjacent to Point Ruston and the Washington State Point Defiance/Tahlequah Ferry in Tacoma’s historic Point Defiance Park, included the construction of a new pedestrian bridge, trail, parking, and park amenities. The project also involved the relocation of Tacoma Yacht Club’s parking and access to its boathouse gangways, along with the development of a plaza pavilion, gatehouse building, and storage buildings. Atkinson completed paving for trails, roads, and parking areas, and built a pedestrian bridge spanning Pearl Street and the boat trailer parking lot to improve access between Point Ruston and Point Defiance Park. The 23-acre park is situated on a former superfund site, previously contaminated by the Asarco Lead and Copper Smelter. In partnership with the EPA, KLB Construction excavated and removed 50,000 cubic yards of contaminated material and brought in 200,000 cubic yards of clean material for hillside stabilization. The shoreline was armored, and contaminated soils were capped to protect Puget Sound. Following environmental remediation, clean soils were added, landscaping was completed, and park features including prairie grass, site furnishings, and lighting were installed. The project also included a new Tacoma Yacht Club parking lot, improved marina access, and upgraded gangways to the boathouse docks.ed material.