Feel free to tell the kids to “go climb a tree” at the Fall Tree Festival from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sat., Oct. 16 in Tacoma’s Wright Park.

In addition to tree climbing, kids can create leaf art projects and explore Wright Park through a creative scavenger hunt. The kids’ tree climbing will be supervised by a certified arborist who will bring ropes, harnesses and helmets to help kids climb safely.

While the kids climb and play, adults can stroll along new pathways, relax beside the restored pond, check out the recently refurbished basketball court, horseshoe pits and lawn bowling greens or catch up on work with free wireless internet. Arborists from Metro Parks Tacoma and the City of Tacoma will be on hand to answer tree care questions.

“We want to increase people’s awareness of the value of trees in urban settings,” said Kathy Sutalo, urban forester for Metro Parks Tacoma. “Of course, we also want them to have fun while they’re at the park.”

The urban forest is a crucial part of our ecosystem, providing wildlife habitat, cleaning our air, and protecting our water resources. The legacy of trees left to us by previous generations also adds beauty and interest to the city. Wright Park, located and 6th and I streets, has an especially rich variety of trees, many over 100 years old.
For information on the Fall Tree Festival, call (253) 591-2039 or visit metroparkstacoma.org.

The Festival is sponsored by Metro Parks Tacoma and the City of Tacoma. All activities are free.