Melanie Jan LaPlant Dressel Park

A New Waterfront Destination

Melanie Jan LaPlant Dressel Park, located along the Thea Foss Waterway in Tacoma, Washington, opened to the public on April 11, 2024. The park spans 0.75 acres and was developed at a cost of $4.7 million.

It is named in honor of Melanie Jan LaPlant Dressel, a prominent Tacoma banking leader and community figure who passed away in 2017.

Playful Design with Industrial Heritage

The park's design incorporates elements that reflect the area's industrial past while providing modern recreational facilities. A notable feature is a 37-foot climbing tower with a curvy slide, offering children a challenging and engaging play experience.

The tower is designed to encourage both physical activity and problem-solving skills.

Amenities and Landscape

In addition to the play structures, the park includes an event pavilion and a plaza area. Native plants are incorporated into the landscape, serving both aesthetic and practical purposes by helping to filter stormwater runoff.

The park's layout allows visitors to enjoy views of the waterfront, including the port, marina, and Mount Rainier.

Cultural Significance

Melanie's Park pays tribute to the cultural significance of the land to the Puyallup people. Interpretive signs and Coast Salish basket weaving motifs are integrated into the park's design, with some features labeled in Lushootseed, the Coast Salish language indigenous to the area.

Waterfront Connections

The park forms part of a larger vision to create a continuous walkway along the Thea Foss Waterway, connecting various waterfront attractions from the Museum of Glass to Thea's Park.

While the park offers views of the water, there is no direct water access due to environmental protection measures in place.