Unruly crowd prompts new restrictions at this popular Pierce County lake-shore park
Pierce County implemented “no parking” barricades along the shoulders of roads leading to North Lake Tapps Park on Friday to prevent crowding, according to a news release. The Sheriff’s Department will ticket people illegally parked after crowding caused public safety concerns earlier in the week.
North Lake Tapps Park has about 10,000 feet of waterfront access, including a popular sandy swimming area and boat launch with spectacular views of Mount Rainier. The park also has picnic tables, BBQ grills, restrooms, trails and a life jacket self-serve kiosk.
On Friday barricades were installed to mitigate illegal roadside parking and alleviate traffic congestion, Pierce County said. Barricades were to be put up along 9th Street East and 198th Avenue East to the North Lake Tapps Park gate at 2022 198th Ave. E.
A Pierce County sheriff’s deputy will be stationed at the intersection of 9th Street East and 198th Avenue East, with increased patrols ticketing and towing unauthorized cars parked along the barricaded roads, according to the release.
There also will be more law enforcement presence at the gate to control congestion and crowding. Park access will be closed once capacity is reached, the county said.
Pierce County Public Information Specialist Andriana Fletcher told The News Tribune Friday the barricades and law enforcement measures will be in place at least through the weekend and could remain in place throughout the summer. Pierce County Planning and Public Works, the Parks Department and the Sheriff’s Department will evaluate the effectiveness of the new measures and closely monitor the situation, Fletcher said. The duration of the new measure ultimately will come down to the Parks Department’s budget and the results of this weekend, Fletcher said.
The move comes after the North Lake Tapps Park closed unexpectedly Tuesday after “an overwhelming number of visitors” exceeded the park’s capacity, according to the release.
“Despite staff requests, many patrons refused to leave, creating unsafe and unmanageable conditions. Non-compliance and threatening behavior necessitated assistance from the Pierce County Sheriff to close the park and clear the roads,” Pierce County said. “The continuous high number of visitors and cars illegally parked alongside the roads leading to the park has caused a public safety concern.”
The park is open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. with visitors entering on a first come, first served basis. Parking is $7 for vehicles and motorcycles, and $3 for seniors or people with disabilities.
You can also reserve the boat launch online as of April.
