Parks Tacoma’s 2026 bond proposal would bring significant new investments to two of the region’s wildlife destinations: Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in Tacoma and Northwest Trek Wildlife Park in Eatonville. The proposed upgrades would focus on modernizing key habitats, enhancing guest experiences, and expanding opportunities for conservation work, while building on decades of care and connection with the community.

If approved by voters on April 28, the bond would support the creation of fresh, dynamic spaces designed to serve both animals and guests for generations to come.

“This bond allows us to build the next generation of habitats for animals and guests alike,” said Alan Varsik, Director of Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium and Northwest Trek Wildlife Park. “While our current spaces have served the community well, this investment would give us the opportunity to create updated environments where penguins, beavers, and other species can thrive, expand our conservation impact, and offer immersive experiences that inspire a deeper connection with wildlife for years to come.”

A New Central Hub and Penguin Habitat at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium

At Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, bond funding would replace the zoo’s current penguin habitat with an entirely new, expanded experience designed to become a welcoming hub and focal point for guests.

The existing penguin habitat, originally designed as a temporary space in 1989, has served the zoo far longer than intended. The bond would allow the zoo to undertake a substantial demolition of the former North Pacific Aquarium building (excluding the restored Tropical Seas Aquarium, which will remain).

This new habitat and its associated guest amenities would combine interactive exhibits and engaging programs to connect zoo guests with the stories of temperate penguins. The design prioritizes the well-being of both penguins and people, creating welcoming spaces where guests of all ages and abilities can discover how deeply our lives depend on healthy oceans. It is intended for guests to be inspired to take meaningful actions to care for and protect oceans, both locally in the Puget Sound and around the world.

By replacing the former North Pacific Aquarium building and the current penguin habitat, the zoo would create:

• A significantly larger penguin habitat featuring diverse environmental elements designed to support a thriving and growing colony of temperate penguins.
• Multiple up-close and accessible viewing areas where guests can observe and connect with penguins throughout the year, including sheltered underwater viewing for an immersive look at penguins in motion.
• Dedicated viewing spaces for penguin nesting and specialty care, offering opportunities for guests to learn directly from penguin caretakers.
• Improved behind-the-scenes facilities to enhance animal healthcare and support new public programs and learning opportunities.
• A redesigned pathway leading to the habitat with a low slope, ADA-accessible route, making it easier for guests of all abilities to reach the penguins and access nearby exhibit areas and amenities, including new, conveniently located accessible restrooms near the zoo’s central hub.

Renewing a Legacy Habitat at Northwest Trek Wildlife Park

At Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, bond funding would replace the wildlife park’s original beaver habitat, which opened with the park in 1975. The new development would reflect modern zoological standards and Northwest Trek’s commitment to animal wellbeing and conservation. The updated habitat would also feature designated viewing areas where guests could observe and learn directly from beaver caretakers during certain animal care activities, creating new opportunities for education and engagement.

The new habitat would continue to be a home for beavers while also providing space for rare western pond turtles, endangered in Washington, and supporting hands-on conservation work. Improved behind-the-scenes facilities would enhance animal healthcare and allow the park to introduce new public programs and learning opportunities. Together, these updates would allow Northwest Trek to expand its role in regional species preservation and education, connecting guests more deeply with the wildlife of the Pacific Northwest.

About the 2026 Parks Tacoma Bond

The bond – which would not raise the current tax rate property owners already pay for parks – would invest in neighborhood parks, keep parks open and safe, create community gathering spaces, enhance sports and active lifestyles, and help people connect with nature and wildlife.

If approved by voters in a special election April 28, the bond would generate up to $155 million for more than 100 projects in at least 40 parks, community centers and zoos across Tacoma. The projects would all be started within the next six to eight years.

Learn more about the bond proposal: 2026 Park Bond – Parks Tacoma