Discover Wright Park in Tacoma: A Historic Gem

Hands down, Wright Park in Tacoma is one of the best parks in the city, right up there with the biggest park in town—Point Defiance. Wright Park is ideal for a leisurely stroll, feeding the animals or taking your kids to the playground, but it has one special feature that makes it unique among all the parks here—the W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory. The park is located between downtown Tacoma and the Stadium District, making it the best green space for those living in the more urban parts of the city.

Things to Do at Wright Park

One of the most scenic areas is the duck pond, which features a fountain and islands in the middle, as well as a bridge at the center. Many paths around the park circle the pond. Ducks, seagulls, and goldfish inhabit the space. Although it’s no longer legal to feed the animals at the park, you can still relax on a bench or in the grass to enjoy the beautiful scenery. Along with the waterfowl, the squirrels in the park are notably friendly and often approach visitors looking for a snack.

The park is also an excellent place for outdoor activities. The sports courts include basketball courts, horseshoe pits, and areas for lawn bowling. For children, there is a playground as well as a sprayground, a fun paved area equipped with structures that spray mists and jets of water.

A fascinating aspect of Wright Park is its collection of statues and public artwork. Entering from the Stadium District/North Slope Side on Division Street, you will encounter the Greek Maidens, one of the most well-known statues in the park. Created by Italian sculptor Antonio Canova and positioned in 1891, these statues were affectionately nicknamed Annie and Fannie. Additionally, two other statues made of similar materials and also donated in 1891 include the Fisherman’s Daughter, located by the pond, and the Lions, situated at the South Yakima entrance to the park.

Wright Park also showcases several bronze statues. Nearby the conservatory is a bust of Henrik Ibsen, a Norwegian playwright and poet, which was dedicated in 1913 and originally commissioned by Tacoma’s Norwegian community. In the southwest part of the park, near the community center, stands The Leaf, a statue of a young girl with an old man crafted by artist Larry Anderson, who also created another sculpture called Trilogy, found on the pond, depicting three children running together.

The W. W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory, a botanical garden at the heart of the park, is open to the public and features between 300-500 plant displays year-round, with seasonal displays frequently changing. This conservatory is a wonderful site for a romantic stroll or an educational visit with the kids. Constructed in 1907, it consists of 3,000 panes of glass and is recognized on numerous historic registers, both locally and nationally. While there is a suggested donation of $5 for entry, enforcement is usually absent, as the structure relies on donations for operational support. The typical hours are Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Wright Park hosts several events and festivals each year. Notably, the Tacoma Ethnic Fest takes place in late July, featuring international music, food, vendor booths, and plenty of entertainment for all ages. Other regular festivals held in the park include Music and Art in the Park and an Easter egg hunt during spring.

The conservatory also schedules numerous events throughout the year, including plant sales in spring (May) and fall (September). Live classical music is offered in the conservatory on the second Sunday each month. Additionally, seasonal events such as a Valentine’s Day celebration, a Halloween event, and a December holiday gathering are hosted.

Where Is It?

Wright Park is situated at 501 South I Street, Tacoma, Washington. The park is bordered by Division Street, 6th Avenue, S G Street, and S I Street.