The City of Tacoma has announced that it has no plans to purchase Pugnetti Park from the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). The park at the corner of Pacific Avenue and South 21st Street was recently the site of the Occupy Tacoma protest. It is currently closed to the public.
“In light of the current budget situation and the fact that the City is currently working to transition many of Tacomas park properties to Metro Parks Tacoma, I cannot recommend we acquire this additional park property at this time,” said Tacoma City Manager T.C. Broadnax.
The City has been approached by the WSDOT regarding purchase of the property, which is estimated to be appraised at approximately $500,000. It is also estimated that ongoing maintenance of the property would cost up to $20,000 per year. The City has also been approached by concerned citizens who believe that the City should lead an effort to save Pugnetti Park.
“We thank the citizens who have contacted us with their interest regarding Pugnetti Park,” said Tacoma Mayor Marilyn Strickland. “We don’t believe it would be prudent at this time to take on a financial obligation of this size, but there may be other partners in the community who could purchase the property.”
