Point Ruston's Silver Cloud Hotel Progress

The News Tribune is reporting progress is being made on building the Silver Cloud hotel at Point Ruston, along with several other hotel projects in the Tacoma area.  Read more here.

Fort Nisqually Closing For Soil Replacement

Exit 133 is reporting (here) that Fort Nisqually at Point Defiance Park will close during January and February early next year. The closure will allow the Department of Ecology to send in crews to replace soil as part of their Tacoma Smelter Plume clean up program.

Swanky Holiday Sip~N~Shop Tomorrow

If you are looking for some fun local shopping this Saturday, stop by The Blue Octopus art gallery at 5013 N. Pearl Street. Artist Kerry Cole offers the only champagne tasting room in the state, along with wonderful unique gifts. Here are the details from Kerry:

Saturday 12/5 12-6pm:

Swanky Holiday Sip~N~Shop til you drop at The Blue Octopus

Carefully curated, hand crafted, unique + gift-able wares.

Wine and Champagne Tastings $5 (Flights of Champagne from $15 up)

Deals on Case, Bottle, Growlers and gift sets.

Get your holiday mojo started with us this weekend!

--
Warm Wishes,
Kerry Cole
The Blue Octopus
(253)226-0166

follow us on facebook
www.theblueoctopus.com
www.colesfineart.etsy.comwww.kerrycolefineart.com

Pizza! Pizza!

The News Tribune reports that Farrelli's Wood Fire Pizza is the latest restaurant with plans to open at Point Ruston by next summer. This will be Farrelli's largest store with two stories and outdoor seating. Read more here.

Defiant Indeed

The Goldfish Tavern at the entrance to Point Defiance Park is about to be reborn as the Defiant Goldfish. New owners Corey Webb and Adam Dopps have certainly defied the odds to get the tavern open after several setbacks.  The News Tribune reports they hope to open this month. Read more here.

Ruston Celebrates The Holidays

Here are the Ruston community Christmas events for your holiday pleasure:

• Tree Lighting: Saturday, December 5th, 6pm at N. 51st and Winnifred (in front of Don's Market)
• Santa Visit: Saturday, December 19th from 11am until 1pm at City Hall (5117 N. Winnifred). Santa arrives on the bright red fire engine after a noisy trip thru town with sirens blaring. Bring the kids and a camera for pictures.
• Toys for Tots and Food Drive: Ruston Fire and Police sponsor this annual gift-giving. Bring your unwrapped gift and non-perishable food to City Hall by December 19th.  Or leave it clearly marked on your front porch on the 19th and a firefighter will pick it up by 1pm. Blankets and clothing are suggested for the elderly. Ruston families receive priority for the donations, so if you know of a local need email rustonfire@rustonwa.org. Requests are kept confidential.

Review of Point Ruston's Movie Theater

Our longtime neighbor, Don Doman and his wife, offer their opinion on the new Century Theater experience down the hill at Point Rustpn. You can read it here.  Don and company have been offering reviews of local restaurants and attractions for years. This trip was a short one for them, and it sounds like they enjoyed it.

Will It Last?

The News Tribune's columnist Matt Driscoll focused his latest commentary on the new movie theater at Point Ruston. You can read his thoughts here...

Nautical Flag Etiquette

The new nautical flag poles at Point Ruston's Grand Plaza caused some questions when the flags were first raised. Although the American flag was placed in the proper location, it was not the highest flag in the set. On nautical flag poles, the position of highest honor is the flag at the front of the vessel, at the front of the vertical tee. The flag at the top of the pole is used to display the vessel's club flag; in Point Ruston's case the Seahawk 12th Man flag. The arrangement has been modified since the initial placement, with no flag on the top of the pole for now. It's an interesting lesson in protocol...

Ruston Chevron Now UPS Access Point

A new location is available for UPS services just in time for all your holiday gift sending and receiving. The Ruston Chevron at 5043 N. Pearl Street is now a UPS Access Point. You can drop off prepaid packages for shipment and order items to be sent to the store rather than having them left on your front porch. The UPS driver may redirect your package to the store if you are not home as well.

Given the rash of thefts during recent holiday seasons, it's a welcome local option. The Access Point services are available from 6am until 6pm. Call the station manager Gary with more questions at (206) 856-3590.

Honor Our Past: Opinion

My reaction to some of yesterday's Cinemark theater opening speeches.As always, I welcome your thoughts...

The talk of the dirty, polluting, smelly, dangerous, evil that once lived down the hill still bothers me after all these years. The superior bragging that sets us up as so much smarter, so much more sophisticated, so much more righteous than our fathers. How "we closed down the smelter". How we have "transformed this blight". How it's a new community with new people - implying they are better than the old.

Yes, it is a wonderful change. It is worth celebrating. But the bashing of the old in order to build up the new isn't needed. It's an insult to the men and women who built this town. To the hard laborers who toiled for a century, making a better life for their children and our world. These honest, decent people loved this town - and loved the smelter. They were proud of the copper they produced. Every time we "new" people flip on a light or start a car, we rely on the copper their contemporaries provide for us.

It's a different world now than it was when the smelter was born. We've conquered many childhood diseases. We understand the environment better. Perhaps our founding father's should have known there would be a city surrounding the smelter someday. Perhaps they should have understood the impacts of using a taller stack to disperse emissions. But they didn't. I don't believe that makes them or their work a blight.

I'm not saying one is all bad or or the other all good. It's more complex than that. But I wish we could look beyond our egos and somehow celebrate this glorious new season without degrading the people or industry that made this season possible. I wish we could embrace the future while honoring the past. It will be a different world a hundred years from now. Let's hope our children's children see value in what we leave them and honor the history we make for them.

It's Open - Come On Down!

The Cinemark movie theater officially opens to the public tomorrow. A "ribbon cutting"  ceremony was held today with local dignitaries, but instead of cutting a ribbon, they tore a movie ticket. Restaurants from the Point Ruston development provided samples of their food and grand speeches were given. The fountain at the Grand Plaza is now open as well, with a spectacular light display after dark. The stairs will remain closed until a handicap ramp can be completed, but the plaza is open from the top with plenty of parking. Head on down and enjoy.

Entrance plaza

Speeches and food

In addition to 8 regular theaters (all with plush recliners) the Extreme theater features over 25 surround-sound speakers.

Inside Extreme theatre

Birthday party room available

Speeches

More Yummies Available At Point Ruston

The News Tribune featured details about the newest eatery at Point Ruston yesterday. Dolce Si is an Italian bakery and cafe, now open at the far end of the Copperline building. Stop by on your way to a movie or after you explore the new Grand Plaza. Read more here...

Movies Start Thursday At Point Ruston

The new movie theater operators relased this statement today:

Cinemark Announces Grand Opening of New 9-Screen Theatre in Tacoma, WA

New Century Point Ruston and XD Theatre Features Luxury Lounger Recliners, NextGen Cinema Design Concept and a Cinemark XD Auditorium

 

November 17, 2015 01:30 PM Eastern Standard Time

 

PLANO, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Cinemark Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CNK), a leader in the motion picture exhibition industry, will open a new 9-screen theatre in Tacoma, Washington, on Thursday, November 19, 2015. Located at 5057 Main Street at Ruston Way, the Century Point Ruston and XD will feature Cinemark’s NextGen cinema design concept, Luxury Lounger recliners, and a Cinemark XD: Extreme Digital Cinema auditorium. The theatre will offer guests large wall-to-wall screens, enhanced sound systems, and digital presentation in every auditorium.

The new complex will open with the highly anticipated movie THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY, PART 2 and over the next few weeks will be exhibiting a variety of blockbusters including STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS, THE GOOD DINOSAUR, THE BIG SHORT and ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: THE ROAD CHIP.

“Point Ruston is an exciting development and the perfect location on the South Sound to launch our new state-of-the-art theatre,” stated Mark Zoradi, Cinemark’s Chief Executive Officer. "With amenities like an impressive Cinemark XD auditorium and comfortable Luxury Lounger recliners, the new Century Point Ruston and XD theatre will quickly become recognized as the preferred entertainment destination in the Tacoma area.”

At the Century Point Ruston and XD guests will experience the comforts of a brand new NextGen theatre which boasts the latest cutting-edge technology and customer-preferred amenities including:

• Cinemark Luxury Loungers that are electric-powered, plush, oversized recliners with footrests and cup holders
• Enhanced viewing environments with wall-to-wall screens available in all auditoriums
• Cinemark XD: Extreme Digital Cinema auditorium – the number one, private label Premium Large Format (PLF) in the world
• 4K digital projection powered by Barco projectors; RealD 3D capability in several auditoriums
• Complete surround sound systems in each auditorium that will enable customers to enjoy the movies as the filmmakers intended
• A full serve concession stand featuring popcorn, soft drinks and favorite candy brands
• A Cinema Café featuring coffees, pastries, assorted teas and drinks
• Online and kiosk ticketing available
• Reserved seating

Moviegoers can download the Cinemark app to view show times and purchase tickets on-the-go. Guests can also use CineMode and earn rewards for being courteous during the movie. Cinemark fans are invited to stay connected through Cinemark’s social media channels: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. Finally, customers can sign up online to receive free, weekly show time emailers that contain online coupons for discounts at the concession stand and other weekly special offers at cinemark.com.

The new Century Point Ruston and XD Theatre will have a variety of Grand Opening activities planned for the week. On Wednesday, November 18^th the theatre will have its “Ticket Tearing” ceremony to officially open the building. The lunchtime event will be catered by a number of Point Ruston’s local restaurants. At 4:30 later that day, the Double Feature of THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY PARTS 1 AND 2 will show for select prize winners. Beginning Thursday, November 19^th, the first 50 people to purchase at ticket at the theatre on Thursday – Sunday will receive a Cinemark Swag bag filled with movie-themed and Cinemark-themed items. The bags will be limited on a first-come, first-served basis. Finally, various radio remotes will round out the weekend.

ABOUT CINEMARK HOLDINGS, INC.
Cinemark is a leading domestic and international motion picture exhibitor, operating 507 theatres with 5,746 screens in 41 U.S. states, Brazil, Argentina and 12 other Latin American countries as of September 30, 2015. For more information go to investors.cinemark.com.
 
ABOUT POINT RUSTON
Situated along nearly one mile of Puget Sound waterfront, Point Ruston is a new, resort-inspired village with panoramic views of the South Puget Sound, the Olympic Mountains, and Mount Rainier. Point Ruston’s entertainment, dining, and shopping district will include 75+ street-level shops and restaurants including the luxury nine-screen Century Theatres, a specialty grocer, and a four-star, full service Silver Cloud Hotel. Point Ruston is the place to experience the best of the Pacific Northwest lifestyle.

Contacts

Cinemark USA, Inc.
James Meredith, 972-665-1680
communications@cinemark.com
or
Frank Gonzales, 972-665-1043
Marketing Manager
fgonzales@cinemark.com

Fort Nisqually Future Plans

You're Invited    Public Meeting to discuss Fort Nisqually Living History Museum's long-range plans: Wednesday, Nov. 18 6:00 p.m. Metro Parks Headquarters 4702 S. 19th St.

About the Process    With the Point Defiance Park Master Plan Update nearly finished, Metro Parks planners are moving forward as promised and asking the public to participate in more detailed work for several focus areas within the park. Up next: Fort Nisqually Living History Museum. A public meeting will be part of a process to help Metro Parks develop long-range capital improvement and programming for the Fort. The meeting will take place in the Metro Parks Board Room, 4702 S. 19th St. Metro Parks' consultant Weatherhead Experience Design Group, which has worked with the Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI), EMP Museum, and Chicago History Museum, will help lead the conversation. A steering committee also has formed to help guide the process. Additional public meetings will be announced after the Nov. 18 meeting. We'd like your input! Anyone who wishes to give input but can't attend may call Chief Planning Manager Fraser at (253) 305-1019 or email him at dougf@tacomaparks.com. Information about the process and other aspects of Point Defiance Park planning also will be available through DestinationPointDefiance.org.

Ruston School Fully Occupied

Catholic Community Services has signed the lease and begun the renovations to the Ruston School building to bring their Family Preservation unit to town. The lease was approved by the council on August 18th and includes $50,000 of improvements. The 36-month lease brings over $4,300 a month income for the use of all remaining vacant space in the building. The Mary Joyce Community Center remains, but the rest of the old school is now being used.

Defiant Goldfish Indeed

The Defiant Goldfish is hiring - aiming for an opening by mid-December. The former Goldfish Tavern at the entrance to Point Defiance Park has had some setbacks, but appears to be on track to open soon! Read more here...

Industrial Legacy

The News Tribune has another story about the environmental cleanup efforts in the greater Tacoma area, part of dealing with new standards applied to historic industrial operations. You can read more here...

More Coming At Point Ruston

More buildings are coming on line at Point Ruston. By mid-month, the 9-plex movie theater will open with parking, the Grand Plaza and spectacular fountain display; with several new restaurants to follow soon. More at The News Tribune here...

New Bakery and Treats at Point Ruston

The News Tribune confirmed today that a new Italian bakery and ice cream shop will open in a few weeks at Point Ruston. Dolce Si Sicilian Bakery And Cafe will feature genuine gelato and pastries from the old country. More details here...

Progress On Movie Theater

One sure sign of progress is when things get visible from the outside. Workers have been busy inside the new Century Theater movie complex at Point Ruston for over a year, but this week brought signs on the exterior. This is really happening, folks! Just a short jaunt down the hill for a nice dinner and movie will be available soon!

New Childcare Center In Ruston

Our new neighbor posted these details about their new childcare center opening soon on Pearl Street. Open house will be held this Saturday. Stop in and say hello!
_______________
Hello, from Stepping Stones Learning Academy! We are a new childcare center in Ruston, Opening in Nov 2015! We would like to invite everyone in the neighborhood to attend our open house this Saturday,

October 10, from 11-4pm,
our address is: 4939 N Pearl St. Ruston WA, 98407

We are seeking to build long-standing friendships and partnerships in the community, so we would deeply appreciate you mentioning our new business or open house event on your business page, in order to help spread the word to neighborhood families.

Please take a look at our Facebook page (steppingstoneslearningacademy) to find all our information! We hope to see you on Saturday!

Stepping Stones Learning Academy
Owner and Director
Tierra Tate
Caleb Tate
253 876-5131

Volunteer At Point Defiance

                                                                                                                                     

 

October 5, 2015

 

Contacts:         

Julie Parascondola, Regional Parks Manager, (253) 305-1060; juliep@tacomaparks.com

Michael Thompson, Public Information Officer, (253) 305-1092; michaelt@tacomaparks.com

 

Volunteers put more eyes, ears on Point Defiance Park

Parks Watch Program started to help maintain visitor safety, protect park’s resources

 

Visitors to Point Defiance Park might soon notice some diligent people in lanyards and yellow safety vests walking the trails, viewpoints and parking areas. They’re volunteers with the new Park Watch Program, which began this summer to help maintain safety.

 

A core group of about 20 people have received training to notice and discourage car break-ins, vandalism, and other park rule violations such as smoking, drinking, feeding of wildlife and unleashed dogs. Besides human behavior, they’ll check for fallen trees and other naturally occurring potential hazards.

 

“Park district staff already check for problems on a regular basis,” said Julie Parascondola, regional parks manager for Metro Parks Tacoma. “Park Watch will put even more attention on Point Defiance, help keep people safe, and protect the park’s resources.”

 

Volunteers receive training and sign an agreement to follow Park Watch rules. Among the rules: Avoid confrontations with the public, report regularly to parks staff, and call 911 in case of emergencies. Patrols will be on trails, viewpoints, parking lots and other outdoor areas used by the general public.

 

Park Watch is formally part of Metro Parks’ thriving CHIP-In volunteer program, directed by Richard Madison. CHIP-In includes a districtwide Park Patrol Group program, which helps staff keep an eye on several locations throughout the city. Staff and citizens had discussed setting up a similar watch for Point Defiance Park, and this year’s master plan update process for the park “re-energized” interest, Parascondola said. 

 

For the next few months, the core group of volunteers and Metro Parks staff will refine procedures and other program details.

 

“It’s a dedicated group,” Parascondola said of the volunteers. “People love Point Defiance Park, and the citizens in this program were looking for a way to help keep it safe and enjoyable.”

 

Volunteers welcome

 

In 2014, almost 5,800 people contributed nearly 181,000 hours of service to the park district. Some volunteers assist with active living programs such as Specialized Recreation and Adaptive Sports, some serve on advisory councils, others help interpret 1850s life at Fort Nisqually Living History Museum and still others assist at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium.

 

The CHIP-In program – the name stands for Citizens Helping to Improve Parks – started in 2003 and helps district staff maintain more than 2,500 acres of parks and green space, gardens and more. There are several focus areas:

·         Park volunteers

·         Natural area stewards

·         Park patrols

·         Garden volunteers

 

To volunteer for CHIP-In, call (253) 202-5978, email chipin@tacomaparks.com or visit ChipInForParks.com.

To explore more ways to contribute to the community through Metro Parks, visit MetroParksTacoma.org and click “Get Involved.”

Point Ruston's Mike Cohen Loses Lawsuit

The News Tribune reported yesterday that Point Ruston developer Mike Cohen lost a major lawsuit recently. One of the investors in his Apex complex sued Cohen for $2.3 million after the development was sold at a loss in 2014. The jury for the civil trial found Cohen violated state securities law. A judge is set to finalize the judgement on Oct. 9th. Read more at the News Tribune here...

Winnifred Street Schedule

Mayor Hopkins provided this schedule on Friday via the Nextdoor site for the work on Winnifred Street this week. Contact Town Hall with any questions at (253) 759-3544.

New Way To Connect

Mayor Hopkins mentioned an intriguing new way for the neighborhood to connect in the latest city newsletter. It's called Nextdoor. It links neighbors with space to share services, babysitting, news on local crimes and more. Just head to https://nextdoor.com, enter your address and you'll be connected to neighbors living near you. It sounds like a great way to build community!

Winnifred Street Project

The resurfacing Winnifred Street continues, and is expected to be complete before the end of the year. The project includes new sidewalks and re-landscaping the median. Road bed soils will be replaced with stronger material that can handle the stress of modern traffic and asphalt will be to current codes. This should prevent any of the large pot holes that were common along this street.

You can view the full plan details via this link. And just to remind us of what used to be, here is a photo from the 1940's when Winnifred Street was still young.

Public Hearing: Point Defiance Improvements Agreement

Citizens have another chance to comment on the "Destination Point Defiance" plan, this time before the Tacoma City Council. The council will hear comments on their agreement with Metro Parks that enables Parks to manage the permits for individual projects under a comprehensive plan rather than multiple permits. More information is available at www.cityoftacoma.org/planning and clicking on "Point Defiance DRA".

Downtown To Defiance

Ruston Way will be closed from 9am until 1pm tomorrow, Sunday September 13th for the annual Downtown To Defiance event. Everyone is encouraged to get out of their cars and walk, run or bike the Tacoma waterfront. There will be free activites and food trucks along the way, and lots of beautiful scenery to boot! More details at www.DowntowntoDefiance.com.

Tacoma Could Manage All Permits At Point Ruston

The News Tribune has an update on the prospect of Tacoma taking over the permitting at Point Ruston for both Ruston and Tacoma. Ruston would still do their own inspections, but other work would be provided by Tacoma. You can read the details here....

New Paint

One of Ruston's graffiti magnets got a new coat of paint this weekend, and a new message...

Point Defiance Master Plan Vote Delayed

Update on next steps for Point Defiance Park Master Plan To better align with the City of Tacoma's technical processes, Metro Parks staff are recommending a postponement of the Park Board's vote on the Point Defiance Park Master Plan Update from Monday, Aug. 24, until early November. Our planners and consultants have been working closely and productively with City of Tacoma staff throughout the process. To read more, please visit DestinationPointDefiance.org.

Possible New Tenant For Ruston School

The Ruston City Council discussed negotiations that are underway with Catholic Community Services to rent a good portion of the empty space at the Ruston School building. The current plan is to move their Family Preservation unit to Ruston, bringing 20 to 22 employees in mostly administrative roles. These services focus on foster families, with kids generally age 10 to 12 years old. The family services are provided at their home, so very there is very limited interaction with clients at the offices. Catholic Community Services hopes to add $50,000 in tenant improvements to the space and brings much needed revenue to this city asset. After discussion that included assurances of the limited scope of client services from the building, the council authorized the mayor to finalize the lease and proceed.

National Night Out

If you enjoy your neighbors and want to take a stand against crime, then National Night Out Against Crime is for you. Ruston will hold two outdoor potluck dinners next Tuesday, August 4th to mark the event. The Ruston Police Department provided the following details:

National Night Out is this coming Tuesday the 4th. There will be two NNO gatherings as in years past. One will be in the 5200 block of N Highland St and the other will be in the 5300 block of N 49th St. This is a great event to come meet your police and fire personnel as well as your neighbors. The events usually begin around 6PM. Hope to see you all there!

Rust Mansion For Sale

If you have an extra $1.7 million, you can purchase a piece of local history. Ruston founder, William R. Rust, never lived in Ruston, choosing instead to build two mansions in Tacoma's Stadium district. One of those grand homes is for sale. The News Tribune has a great article today about the historic luxury home and about Rust's life. You can read the article here...

SAMI Now At Camp 6

The News Tribune is reporting that the Science And Math Institute (SAMI) trailers are now set up at the former Camp 6 location at Point Defiance Park for the next year. Construction of the park's new storm water system has begun in earnest at the former location next to the go carts. A new, permanent school for the SAMI students will be constructed at the zoo. The new building will be used for educational classes for both the zoo and SAMI. The new facility is scheduled to open by 2017. Officials will be hosting an informational session about the new building Friday morning at 10:45am at Owens Beach as part of their Explore The Shore program.

Winnifred Street Construction

The reconstruction of the tree-lined Winnifred Street boulevard started in earnest yesterday with the removal of several trees, some of which were dead or diseased. The project includes new streets, sidewalks and upgrading the medians. Construction is expected to last through early fall.

Not all the neighbors are happy with the scope of the project. The city council decided that the tree in the yard at N. 52nd and Winnifred would be removed as part of the work, over the protests of the home owner.

Rust Memorial

The News Tribune has a nice, in-depth article in today's paper about the new art in downtown Ruston. The bust of the town's founder, W.R. Rust and his many contributions to the greater South Sound are highlighted. You can read it here...  And if you want to order your own brick for the upcoming plaza around the memorial, you can order it here...

Property Values Rise

The News Tribune is reporting (here) that property values are back up to their 2010 values. Values rose 5.9% last year in Ruston, after a 9.21% increase in 2014. Property taxes can only be raised by 1% per year, so residents won't see the same increase in taxes but for those wanting to sell it's a nice trend.

Rust Sculpture In The News

The new historical art at town center is getting some mention in the press lately. The Tacoma Weekly did a nice story about Helen Rust-Watts visit last month. Ms. Watts is the granddaughter of William R. Rust, the founder of our fair town. She stopped by to view the new bust of her grandad along with several other local dignitaries. And sculptor Paul Michaels is featured in this article from Key Peninsula News.

Point Ruston Update

More restaurants are planning on opening their doors soon at the development down the hill.  Ranging from burgers to Italian, the place will be a destination. More details at The News Tribune here...

SAMI Move Starts Today

Contacts:         

Michael Thompson, Public Information Officer, (253) 305-1092; michaelt@tacomaparks.com

 

SAMI portables in Point Defiance will relocate to former Camp 6 Site starting Monday

Public advised to plan for traffic disruptions on Five Mile Drive – move anticipated to take several days

 

Tacoma Public Schools will begin moving the portable classrooms used by the Science and Math Institute (SAMI) from the Triangle area of Point Defiance Park to the former Camp 6 Site beginning Monday, June 29.

 

The move will take several days and the public is advised to expect traffic disruptions at the park’s Mildred Street entrance and along Five Mile Drive between the entrance and the former logging museum site.

 

Waterfront Phase 1 construction is scheduled to begin the week after Independence Day as the  City of Tacoma launches work to create a stormwater treatment facility. The new stormwater facility is designed to protect the health of Puget Sound by filtering pollutants from the runoff of the neighboring 754-acre watershed which currently flow directly into the sound. Contaminated soils will be excavated from the area in conjunction with the construction.

The urgency of these Waterfront Phase 1 projects has increased the need to relocate SAMI portable classrooms from the Triangle, located to the right of the Pearl Street entrance. Construction of the treatment facility will reduce parking in this and the relocation of the  will provide temporary boat trailer parking until a larger, improved parking area opens in 2017. 

 

To make way for the construction, Metro Parks and Tacoma Public Schools decided to temporarily move the portables to the former Camp 6 Logging Museum site.

 

After a shared-use environmental learning center opens at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in the 2016-2017 school year, phase-out of the portables from the former Camp 6 can begin.

Metro Parks has a longstanding commitment to use Point Defiance Park for educational opportunities. The SAMI experience in the park has been a success that shows with a 98 percent graduation rate. The park and school districts will continue to explore opportunities to enhance additional environmental learning spaces throughout the park during the detail planning phase. 

 

Waterfront Phase 1, the environmental learning center at the zoo and planning for the former Camp 6 are all part of Destination Point Defiance, a long-term planning initiative to enhance the experience and honor the character of Point Defiance Park. More information is available at www.DestinationPointDefiance.org.

 

# # #

Blue Octopus Hosts Alternative Taste Party

If you are looking for something food and beverage related without the crowds, local art shop (and the only champagne room in the state) is hosting a Taste event to meet your needs. Details about the Blue Octopus party below (5013 N. Pearl) or respond via this link.

One block from Point Defiance Park...The The Blue Octopus will host a Craft Beer/Champagne/Wine garden and offer specials inside the boutique as well. The VietNom Nom food truck will be here Saturday and Sunday 12-sold out. Champagne, Banh-Mi, Egg Rolls and Champagne or Beer in 90° weather? Oh yeah...we have air conditioning! Face painting for the kids in the parking lot, working on Live Music....great atmosphere and fo sho great food

Come See Us!
.
We love you Tacoma!!

Rust Granddaughter Visits

Ruston's founder, William R. Rust, is long since gone. But a few of his family remain. Today one of his two living granddaughters paid a visit from southern California. Helen Rust Watts and her nephew came by town center to view the new bust of her grandfather. Ms. Watts and her sister, along with a great-granddaughter helped make the statue a reality by giving generously to the fund raising efforts.

To honor her visit, several local dignitaries joined Ms. Watts. Pictured are Ms. Watts and her nephew, Bill Baarsma, former mayor of Tacoma and current leader in the Tacoma Historical Society, Ruston council members Jim Hedrick, Jane Hunt, Lyle Hardin and his wife Patti, Ruston-Point Defiance Business District president John Trueman, Cliff Kendall of Wren & Willow who donated the labor for the base,  Loren Cohen of Point Ruston who also contributed to the fund raising, artist Paul Michael and Shari Hart with City of Tacoma. 

The business district is selling bricks to help off-set costs. They will be added to a plaza around the statue. You can purchase your own piece of history via this link.

Business District Banners Flying

After four long years of poking and prodding and begging and pleading and planning, the Ruston - Point Defiance Business District banners are installed on the new light poles along the Ruston side of Pearl Street. Work is underway to get banners on the Tacoma side soon. The project was designed and spearheaded by district members LILT, a local graphics design firm. In keeping with the octopus design started with Point Ruston's mural, the sea-life theme carries up the hill to the business district. With these new colorful banners, hopefully folks will make their way up the hill as well and visit our great shops.

Free Boot Camp At Rust Park

Heidi Grace Kress, local artist, blogger and mom extraordinaire has another talent - she runs boot camps and does training. She is offering a free boot camp at Rust Park all summer, free to anyone who wants to join. She is asking for a head count, so if you want to get in on the fun, contact her on Facebook here.  All the details are below:

Hello!!!

💪🏼Summer boot camp 2015!!!!

The details are as follows:

📍It's free!!
(Some of you have asked me to train you...my plan is to do this program free for all this summer and I'll see where it goes from there.) so...yes...it's free!!
📍We will be holding class Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 10 AM.
📍it starts June 23rd and will go through summer
📍it's at the Rust park in Ruston (north Tacoma) it's right across from my house.
5336 north commercial street
Ruston, Wa 98407
📍kids are welcome!
(It is sitted down low and fully fenced in)
📍bring friends...it's open to all!
📍 it focuses on strength and conditioning with Boot Camp style coaching.
📍be prepared...it'll be tough!😁and... awesome !😀

I'd love to gauge how many of you are going to be there...this is the first year I have been able to accommodate this and I think it's going to be a pretty good sized group! so...text back if you're interested so I can make sure to plan workouts that will accommodate everybody!!

Equipment: I have some equipment and have purchased some for this group...
But...although it is NOT required...it would be helpful if you could come with your own
-kettle bell
- Medicine ball
- dumb bells
- jump rope
- mat
let me reiterate it is absolutely not required that you bring these items!!!

On a separate note there are many people that have been in my classes that I don't have information for but I know you are your friends so please feel free to spread the word!! I'm planning to bring in a couple of guest instructors and do a couple "adventure" workouts too this summer.

Keep in mind I am coming out of two years of injury...some health issues and well...life with four babes...so I'll be getting back in shape and sweating right along with you... I am also more than willing to do a lifting and cardio schedule that you can do on the off days. -let me know if there's interest and I'll prepare that. I promise I'll make it worth your time!

I think that's it...but seriously I am forgetful and love gentle reminders, so if I forgot something please tell me!! I am super excited 😊and look forward to seeing you and reconnecting with you!!

Heidi

Taste of Tacoma This Weekend

The 30th annual Taste of Tacoma starts at our doorstep this Friday, June 26th. Get the "Parking For Sale" signs out of the garage, fill up the water bottles and get ready for the usual ride! The first 300 entrants get a free cupcake from Hello Cupcake - the popular bakery in downtown Tacoma. More details and schedule available at www.tasteoftacoma.com.

Sound to Narrows Race This Weekend

 Metro Parks released the following today:

June 10, 2015

 

Contacts:         

Michael Thompson, Public Information Officer, (253) 305-1092; michaelt@tacomaparks.com

 

Road access into Point Defiance Park will be limited Saturday morning; Vassault Park also affected

 

The 43^rd Running of the Sound to Narrows Race will take place Saturday, June 13, and road access into Point Defiance Park will be limited:

·         Mildred Street entrance: Closed from 6 to 11 a.m.

·         Pearl Street entrance: Closed to all traffic until the last runner/walker is through. Metro Parks anticipates all runners will be out of the park by 11 a.m.

 

Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium and Point Defiance Park will be open during the event Parking can be found nearby in Ruston or North Tacoma. The outer loop gate to Five Mile Drive will open at its regular time of 1 p.m.

 

Vassault Park’s parking lot also will be closed Friday, June 12, and Saturday, June 13, to allow for race staging. The park’s field will be closed all summer to allow turf to grow after last year’s soil remediation program.

 

# # #

 

Established in 1907 by Tacoma voters, Metro Parks Tacoma was the first independent park district created in Washington State.

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Updated Point Defiance Plan

The News Tribune (here) has details about your chance to view the revised plan for Point Defiance Park. The open house will be held at the Pagoda tomorrow (Thursday, May 28th) from 5 til 8pm.

Mayor Hopkins Responds

Ruston mayor Bruce Hopkins responds to the recent criticisms of the city handling of the Point Ruston development in a special article in the News Tribune here.

Ruston Namesake Honored

Town center at 51st and Winnifred is boasting a new piece of art. A bust of William R. Rust has been erected to commemorate the man who led the drive to form the community that now carries his name. Rust was the successful owner and manager of the former smelter when the town incorporated in 1906. He used smelter lawyers to draft incorporation papers and the measure easily won the approval of voters that fall.

The statue was sponsored by the local Ruston-Point Defiance Business District with donations from Rust family, Mary Bridge Foundation and Point Ruston. The project was spearheaded by the late Babe Leher, whose efforts produced several statues in the area. Local artist Paul Michaels worked with Babe to research Rust and then created the bronze bust.

The business district is selling bricks to create a plaza around the bust to fund the project. You can order your own piece of history via this link. Dedication ceremony planning is underway.

What Do You Think?

The University of Puget Sound not only brings bright young students to our area, the university reaches out to the community in many ways. One of those community outreach efforts is having students work with local businesses to apply lessons to a real-world organization. The Ruston-Point Defiance Business District was recently the subject of an analysis by a group of business leadership seniors who looked at ways to improve the district.

The report researched current demographics, market trends, existing conditions and identified several steps to improve life for the district and businesses in our area. The full report is available here. Key recommendations include filling vacancies with businesses that meet local needs, street-scape and storefront improvements and hosting fundraiser events to increase the available budget. The district is actively reviewing the report and looking at ways to implement the recommendations.

Take a look and the report and share your thoughts. Are these ways to improve our area? What other ideas do you have?

Cohens' In The News

Although not directly related to the development down the hill, Point Ruston legal manager Loren Cohen and his wife Holland have settled a dispute with the federal government over a rental unit in an apartment building they own. The Department of Justice took Cohen's to task over their claim that some military tenants owed rent for the full term of their lease when the tenants were given orders to relocate. Federal law releases military members from leases under such conditions. More details available at The News Tribune here...

Imcumbent Council Members Unopposed

Current Ruston council members up for election this fall are assured their seats. The two seats facing election only had one candidate file for each. Council Position held by Jim Hedrick will have another 4 year term come November and Council Position 5 will have Lynn Syler elected to fill out the rest of her appointed term. More listing at the Pierce County elections page here.

Election Season

There are two Ruston council seats up for election this fall. This is the week to file if anyone is interested in running for those positions. Both council member Jim Hedrick and the newest appointed council member Lynn Syler will have to win their seats to remain on the council. Filing fees are only $10 and its always great to have a choice on the ballot. Please consider the joy of civic duty and throw your hat in the ring. More details available at Pierce County elections here...  Applications are due by Friday.

Point Ruston Update

This article in The News Tribune does a great job of summarizing the different approaches between Ruston and Tacoma as they have dealt with Point Ruston. It also outlines the current status of the project and where negotiations stand with the proposal to have Tacoma run the permitting for the entire site. It's a long article but well worth the read...