Tacoma Park To Close As City Removes Homeless Camp

TACOMA, WA — People's Park, in Tacoma's Hilltop neighborhood, will close Tuesday as city and Metro Parks crews begin clearing a homeless encampment, citing "significant health and safety issues." The city posted a 72-hour notice to vacate on Friday. According to a news release, shelter capacity has been confirmed for 38 people who were living in the park.

A temporary emergency homeless shelter opened nearby in December, amid concerns about the growing encampment. Enforcement of updated Metro Parks code, banning walled structures including tents, was put on hold last year until more shelters could be built. The city said it would begin enforcing the code on Tuesday night after the park closes for the day.

"The city will assist individuals experiencing homelessness with this transition through referrals to available sheltering, transportation and the storage of personal belongings," the city said in a statement. "It is the City's and Metro Park's goal to connect all people in People's Park with safe and healthy sheltering options and to restore the park, so that all people can safely access and enjoy it."

The city anticipates the park will remain closed through early next week, but portions may be closed off longer as cleanup efforts continue.