Pierce County Parks Update – March 2026

By Travis Curry, Regional Trails Planner, Pierce County Parks

Spring is almost here so let’s gear up to get back on the trails! There’s a lot of exciting action in the Pierce County trails system. 

Parkland Community Trail 

Construction is underway on the first phase of the Parkland Community Trail. Pierce County Parks broke ground on the Parkland Community Trail on September 27 at Sprinker Recreation Center. We expect to open the trail in late summer 2026. Sign up for updates at www.PierceCountyWA.gov/ParklandCommunityTrail to receive notifications about construction progress and an upcoming ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate this important project. 

The Parkland Community Trail will run 1.8 miles from Sprinker Recreation Center (Sprinker) to the north side of Tule Lake Road on the southern edge of the Pacific Lutheran University (PLU) Campus. Built in partnership with Pierce County’s Planning & Public Works Department, this project represents a new type of trail in unincorporated Pierce County. The trail will be built in the road right-of-way with a buffer from the street, offering a safe, accessible route for all users. The route aligns with the findings of Action Mapping Project’s youth engagement in the Parkland community and is the first phase of trail investments designed to enhance active transportation infrastructure in this dense neighborhood that has very few sidewalks or bike lanes.  

Phase 2 is in the planning stage and will connect the trail through PLU to Washington High School and Keithley Middle School, with more extensions under evaluation. 

Pipeline Trail Phase 2
We’re taking the next step in development of the Pipeline Trail. Built in partnership with Tacoma Public Utilities and the City of Tacoma, the Pipeline Trail will run approximately ten miles from Tacoma to South Hill. The City of Tacoma opened the first segment several years ago and Pierce County opened Phase 1 of the extension last summer. The existing trail totals 5.8 miles, starting in East Tacoma and going all the way into rural Pierce County at Orangegate Park. 

Phase 2, which includes the southern terminus of the trail in the South Hill community, is in design now. Phase 2 will run from Fruitland Ave near the SR-512 underpass to Heritage Recreation Center and connect to the Nathan Chapman Trail. Phase 2 will connect three schools and three parks with a safe and inviting active recreation and mobility space for all ages and abilities! We anticipate breaking ground on Phase 2 in late 2026, so keep an eye out for more details! 

Phase 3 will connect Phase 1 and Phase 2. Design of Phase 3 is scheduled for 2027-2028. For more information, visit www.PierceCountyWA.gov/PipelineTrail.

PROS Plan Update
We’re working hard to advance other park and trail projects throughout Pierce County as defined in our Parks, Recreation, and Open Space (PROS) Plan. The PROS Plan is a 20-year roadmap, updated every six years, to review our current systems, identify gaps in the system, and plan for future needs. It guides the improvement, expansion, and management of the parks system throughout the County. With our population on the rise, it’s essential for our parks and programs to evolve and expand to meet the needs of our growing community. 

The plan was developed over two years, with expected adoption in April 2026. Thank you for reviewing and contributing to the Draft Plan! We processed your feedback, and we are preparing to present the updated plan to the County Council for adoption. 

Please visit www.PierceCountyWA.gov/PROS to review the updated plan and learn more about additional engagement opportunities. 

Featured in photo: Construction along the Parkland Community Trail.