With Wild Waves closing, Tacoma needs a new amusement park | Opinion

Tacoma needs a new amusement park

I think that Tacoma needs an amusement park, especially now that Wild Waves will be closing down at the end of this season. A brand name like 6 Flags would be great! And think of the money it could generate for our community.

Karen Ramage, Tacoma

Thanks for fire bond

I have served with Tacoma Fire for 19 years and have worked at Station 12, serving the Pierce County Fire District 10 community, since 2012. I would like to thank the Board of Fire Commissioners for placing the proposed fire station bond measure before voters this August.

Every day, firefighters depend on their station to be able to respond quickly and safely when emergencies happen. While many Fife area residents see Tacoma Fire crews responding to calls, Pierce County Fire District 10 is responsible for maintaining the station those crews operate from.

Our current station has served this community for many years, but it no longer meets today’s needs. The facility was not designed for modern apparatus, current firefighter health and safety standards, or the demands of modern emergency response.

Upgrades such as modern diesel exhaust removal systems, decontamination areas, and improved station layouts would better protect firefighters—and improve response efficiency. The project would also provide a fire station designed to remain operational during major emergencies, including earthquakes.

I appreciate the board for planning for the future and allowing the community to decide how emergency services infrastructure will be supported in the years ahead.

Kris Hampton, University Place

Show humanity at World Cup

As Seattle prepares to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, local leaders must recognize that many immigrant families in Washington view the event with uncertainty and fear.

The World Cup will bring massive tourism and global attention to our region. However, for undocumented residents, refugees, and mixed-status families, increased security measures and federal coordination can feel less like a celebration and more like a safety risk. Vulnerable communities should never have to choose between cultural participation and personal safety.

Seattle has long promoted itself as an inclusive city, a commitment that cannot disappear under international scrutiny. Safe public spaces, community trust, and civil protections must remain absolute priorities.

Senator Maria Cantwell has championed Seattle’s preparations through federal support, while Mayor Katie B. Wilson has emphasized equity and community-centered leadership. Both leaders now have a critical responsibility to reassure immigrant communities that Seattle will not tolerate profiling or harmful enforcement practices during this historic event.

A successful World Cup shouldn’t just showcase our stadiums and economy; it must reflect our values. If Seattle wants to prove it is a world-class city, it must ensure every family deserves dignity and safety. The world will be watching, let’s show them our humanity.

Alexis Cortes, Edgewood