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[cid:image001.jpg@01D04155.B9257610] February 5, 2015 Michael Thompson, public information officer, (253) 305-1092; michaelt@tacomaparks.com<mailto:michaelt@tacomaparks.com> Citizens Invited to Discuss Point Defiance Park Master Plan Public input again sought for final phase of process Metro Parks Tacoma planners invite citizens to discuss the Point Defiance Park Master Plan. Because the turnout to the January 29 meeting was so high, future meetings will take place at the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium Education Building. The 2014 Capital Bond is the catalyst to advance additional improvements within the park, starting with the refinement of the park's 2008 Concept Plan into a formal Master Plan by summer 2015. The Master Plan process in the first half of 2015 is meant to affirm the shared vision and direction for the park established in 2008. There are four more public meetings scheduled. Each will begin at 6 p.m.: * Wednesday, February 18: This will be a chance for people to learn more about the new Pacific Rim aquarium and other capital projects at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. * Thursday, February 26: Metro Parks planners will talk about improvements and new facilities to support programs and services within the park. * Thursday, March 26: The topics will be pedestrian/bike/vehicular circulation and parking. * Thursday, April 23: Planners will review the draft Master Plan with the public before it is presented to the Park Board. To ensure that a high level of public engagement continues, the park district is providing multiple ways for citizens to give input. All may be found at DestinationPointDefiance.org<http://www.DestinationPointDefiance.org>, which directs to a go-to Web page for news and information about Point Defiance Park projects. Citizens also are welcome to contact Metro Parks staff through telephone, email or letters if they prefer: * Contact Project Manager Doug Fraser at (253) 305-1019 or dougf@tacomaparks.com<mailto:dougf@tacomaparks.com> * Write to: Metro Parks Tacoma c/o Doug Fraser, 4702 S. 19th St., Tacoma, WA 98405 The Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium Education Building is located at 5400 N Pearl St., Tacoma, WA 98407. After entering the zoo's main gate, the education building is to the left. Meeting attendees do not need to pay zoo admission. # # # Established in 1907 by Tacoma voters, Metro Parks Tacoma was the first independent park district created in Washington State.