KEEP ON TREKIN’. Mike Randall (left) and Gary Geddes (right) look over the part of Northwest Trek’s 20-year master plan. The recent addition of 107 acares on the north end of the park will be converted into an area for animal and wetland conservation. (Photo BY CLARE JENSEN)
Northwest Trek has created a 20-year master plan to update, restore and enhance visitor experiences at the park.
The long-term plan has been drafted through the architectural firm BCRA and includes a variety of additions and renovations to the park.
As the tram rides are a key feature at Northwest Trek, step one in the plan is to renovate the oldest three of the five total trams within the next year.
The renovations will update the trams in such a way that they will be working and dependable for the next 20-30 years.
“It’s a 1974 body, but they will essentially be a 2007 vehicle,” stated Mike Randall, chair of the Citizen’s Advisory Committee. “We’re taking recycling to the max.”
The Metro Parks Board of Commissioners approved the request Aug. 27, which would use about 75 percent of the $2 million granted by the 2005 Park Improvement Bond for Northwest Trek, and will allow the trams to continue to use propane rather than diesel, which is a more environmentally friendly fuel.
Had Northwest Trek opted to purchase new trams, they would have cost about $1 million apiece and would not use propane fuel, said Cherilyn Williams, public relations coordinator for Northwest Trek.
The next key project of the Trek’s master plan will be to update the tram waiting area by adding restrooms, educational and live animal presentations, as well as re-configuring the main entry complex.
“We’re making it easier to get to and a more interesting waiting area,” proclaimed Gary Geddes, director of zoological and environmental education.
He noted that visitors typically race to get to the tram and don’t necessarily spend much time in the waiting area.
“[The plan] will enhance pre-boarding…the overall visitor experience,” he added.
The master plan will also convert the recently acquired 107 acres on the north side of the park into an animal care and conservation area.
“While the emphasis (of the plan) is on visitor and tram experience, it takes animals to support that,” Geddes pointed out.
The area will primarily be “behind the scenes” improvements in healthcare and conservation facilities for threatened and endangered species, but there will also be recreational and restorative components, according to Geddes.
He also said a “primitive camping experience” will be installed and more than 20 acres of wetlands that were drained by the previous land owner will be restored.
While aspects of the plan will be executed over a 20-year timeframe, the entire plan has been drafted to submit to the Pierce County Planning and Land Commission for review, which is expected to take six to eight months.
During the long period of review, amendments and changes to the draft are expected, and after which it will be presented to the Metro Parks Board for approval.
