First Creek Community Space

Tacoma | Washington

What We’re Doing
Transforming underused spaces into vibrant parks for students and neighbors.

Our Goal
Increase access to nature-rich community spaces in Tacoma

Support Our Work in Washington

Two children climbing on rocks in a playground.

First Creek Community Space by the Numbers

720

Students benefitted from this renovated space

2,246

people live within a 10-minute walk

“This is a place to build trust, strengthen community, and inspire the next generation of explorers.”

At TPL, we’re working to connect all Washington residents to the outdoors—especially in communities that need it most. Tacoma’s Eastside community had a large lot that sat vacant for years between the Eastside Community Center, Swan Creek Park, and First Creek Middle School.

Fenced off and unwelcoming, TPL worked with students, neighbors, and local partners to reinvent this space into a community hub for everyone to enjoy. Listening to feedback during engagement sessions, their priorities were clear: people wanted a dynamic and adventurous place to climb, play, and explore.

In partnership with The North Face, TPL created a unique park space centered around two impressive climbing boulders. Since the park opened in 2021, First Creek Community Space has introduced hundreds of kids to rock climbing. The boulders have become a popular destination for First Creek Middle School students and other community organizations like the Boys and Girls Club. Now open to everyone, the park connects the heart of the Eastside community to the benefits of nature through green space, climbing boulders, miles of nature trails in Swan Creek Park, and to a regional bike path.

About This Project

Get Directions

Get in Touch with Our Washington Team

Seattle Office

1218 Third Avenue
Suite 1700
Seattle, WA, 98101
(206) 587-2447
northwest@tpl.org

Wenatchee Office

18 N. Wenatchee Avenue
Second Floor
Wenatchee, WA, 98801
(509) 888-0844
northwest@tpl.org

Mitsu Iwasaki

Associate Vice President and Northwest Director

mitsu.iwasaki@tpl.org