Melanie Jan LaPlant Dressel Park

A Fresh Waterfront Gem

Perched along the Thea Foss Waterway in Tacoma, Washington, Melanie Jan LaPlant Dressel Park opened its gates on April 11, 2024. This 0.75-acre space, developed with a $4.7 million investment, opened recently to the public.

The park honors the legacy of Melanie Jan LaPlant Dressel, a cherished Tacoma banking leader and community champion who passed away in 2017. Her dedication to the community shone through her service on numerous boards including the Washington State Historical Society, Mary Bridge Children's Foundation, and Tacoma Art Museum.

Industrial Heritage Meets Modern Play

The park combines Tacoma's industrial roots with modern play elements. A standout feature is the 37-foot climbing tower with a winding slide that offers a challenge for more adventurous visitors. Getting to the top is half the fun - you'll need to navigate through a maze of nets and plastic platforms that particularly appeal to elementary-aged kids and teens looking for a challenge.

No worries if you're visiting with little ones - a gentler tot slide sits on a nearby hill, well-suited for younger explorers taking their first adventures.

Beyond Play

Beyond the climbing structures, the park offers a thoughtfully designed event pavilion and a welcoming plaza area with several picnic tables, including one oversized option for larger gatherings. The landscape incorporates native plants that not only look beautiful but serve a practical purpose by helping filter stormwater runoff.

You'll appreciate the clean, heated restrooms (a true park luxury!) and the abundance of benches when you need a moment to catch your breath. Kids also love scrambling over the climbing logs and exploring the large bridge structure that invites imaginative play.

Honoring Indigenous Roots

The park includes acknowledgments of the land's significance to the Puyallup people. As you wander through, you'll notice interpretive signs and Coast Salish basket weaving motifs woven into the design. Some features are even labeled in Lushootseed, the Coast Salish language indigenous to this region.

These cultural elements add an educational dimension to the recreational experience.

Views That Take Your Breath Away

The park is part of the waterfront walkway that connects the Museum of Glass to Thea's Park.

The park offers views of the waterway, boats, the bridge, and on clear days, Mount Rainier in the distance. The active train line nearby adds an unexpected bit of excitement, especially for young train enthusiasts who light up at the rumble of passing locomotives.

Getting There

You'll discover the park easily accessible from downtown Tacoma. There's a small gravel parking lot right next to the park, but it's worth noting that additional parking in the area typically comes with a fee.

One thing to note: while you can enjoy beautiful water views from the park, there's no direct water access due to environmental protection measures in place. But the views alone are worth the visit!