County parks: Inequities hurt low-income neighborhoods

When asked about the underfunded Pierce County Parks maintenance department in a recent radio interview, County Executive Bruce Dammeier pointed to Chambers Bay as an example of how well parks are being maintained.

It is troubling that the only park he pointed to with pride is in one of the wealthiest neighborhoods. Chambers Bay is maintained in part by Pierce County, but largely by KemperSports. And it is free to visit.

Spanaway Park, in contrast, serves a high number of poor and minority families, is understaffed and struggling to offer basic maintenance services. And they charge $3 per car for entry.

So many people struggle to make ends meet, and it is inappropriate that the Parks Department creates another difficult financial decision.

No one should have to wonder if they have money to go to the park for a picnic, take a walk or just finally get out of the house.

Chambers Bay is beautiful, but it is not the norm for the under-funded and under-staffed Pierce County Parks.

This story was originally published June 4, 2020 at 11:31 AM with the headline "County parks: Inequities hurt low-income neighborhoods."