What should Tacoma’s newest bridge look like? And where should it be built?
In a city of famous bridges, Parks Tacoma wants to know where its next mini-iconic bridge should go. The agency wants to build a new pedestrian and bicycle bridge to span a ravine in Swan Creek Park. It would allow users to connect surrounding communities, schools and elements of the park.
The two locations under consideration are on the park’s west side at East 48th Street and East 51st Street.
Parks Tacoma held an open house and presentation in January. Now, voting is open for the preferred location. Voting closes on Feb 23.
Walkers, joggers, cyclists or just kids walking to school wold use the span that would bridge First Creek in the 296-acre park.
“The hope is that it’s going to unite the community with Swan Creek,” Parks Tacoma’s engagement supervisor Delia Flores told The News Tribune.
Style
Parks Tacoma designers and initial community response seem to favor something more than a brutal concrete overpass. But what, exactly, should it look like?
The agency presented several styles, including a suspension bridge (Tacoma Narrows style) and an above deck arch bridge at its open house at Salishan Family Investment Center in early January.
A survey at Parks Tacoma asks people if they prefer a rustic/nature-based design, a contemporary/urban design or something artistic.
“It can be iconic in so many ways,” Flores said. “It can blend in with nature.”
About the bridge
Funding for the bridge has yet to be secured. The State Department of Commerce provided nearly $400,000 for preliminary studies and schematics. The bridge would have an approximately 250-foot-long span at East 48th Street and 175-foot-long span at East 51st Street between its two towers. Lengths of the run-ups to the towers is variable, Parks Tacoma said.
The current phase will select the optimal bridge location and provide additional field analysis and site testing. It also will create preliminary designs and engineering documents needed for a conditional use permit.
After another public open house in spring, a preferred location will be chosen by Parks Tacoma in June.
“We really want the community to give us feedback on what is important to them,” Flores said.
The park, accessible from multiple entrances, features a salmon-bearing stream, wooded canyon, forest, paved and natural trails, community garden, dog park, picnic shelters and mountain bike trails.
