North Lake Tapps Park

Check out North Lake Tapps Improvements!

Project Update

After six months of construction, shoreline access and parking improvements were completed in July of 2020. The list of improvements include:

  • New bulkhead which allows for easier water access, and a new pocket beach that gives park visitors an additional way to access the water. 
  • New extended boat ramp for easier water access. This improvement also makes it easier for Pierce County Sheriff deputies to conduct low-water rescues, enhancing visitor safety. 
  • Newly added restroom building, picnic tables, BBQ grills, and coal dumps.
  • New peninsula walking path which ends at a Mt. Rainier viewpoint. 
  • Addition of a rocky shoreline along the pocket beach and the replacement of invasive weeds with native plants along the new walking path.  

Many of the improvements earn high marks for sustainability. The improved bulkhead and boat ramps will reduce maintenance time for backfilling and repairs. Water-efficient irrigation will reduce the amount of water used and will decrease personnel time to hand water. A goose management control device has been added that will reduce personnel time cleaning up goose droppings, which will improve visitor experiences. 


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About the Project

A comprehensive public process in 2016-2017 helped to define goals for the improvement of North Lake Tapps Park, a 135-acre park with healthy forests, views of Mt. Rainier, waterfront access and shoreline amenities. This process resulted in a Master Plan for the site which was adopted by the Parks Board in 2017. Goals for the improvements included diversifying activities in the park and improving shoreline access and parking. 


With the improvements outlined above, the first phase of improvements at North Lake Tapps Park is now complete. Design of future phases, which include improved waterfront walkways and vehicle circulation as well as new play and picnic areas will begin in 2021, with construction anticipated to begin in 2024 or 2025.

North Lake Tapps Park 2017 Master Plan:

Project Contact

Benjamin Barrett
Design and Construction Supervisor
253-798-4081 | email