What it takes to operate our Tacoma Power Parks

Few understand the incredible task of caring for our four Tacoma Power Parks. Alder Lake Park is in Pierce County, while Mayfield, Mossyrock, and Taidnapam parks are in Lewis County. Each park has amenities, specific challenges, and irreplaceable public resources. New challenges occurred due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but our dedicated park staff persevered in offering a quality outdoor experience for park visitors. We decided to shine some light on what it takes to maintain our parks. What exactly goes into managing our parks? There are many moving parts beyond apparent garbage removal, general maintenance, and campsite clean-up. Our park crews and camp hosts are the eyes and ears of our parks.

“This could not happen with one person. It’s a team effort,” said John Lambert, assistant manager of the Cowlitz River Project in Lewis County.

Our volunteer camp hosts are part of what makes our park experience unique. Some of our hosts have been visiting these areas since before we established our parks! “They are our park ambassadors. They socialize with the public and inform those curious about local hikes, how fishing has been, and some local history,” said Krisandra Sarber, park supervisor at Taidnapam Park. It takes a team effort to manage the parks themselves and provide excellent customer service to campers and visitors. Many of our park visitors are return customers looking to experience fresh air and have some fun. Our parks offer various engaging activities for families beyond jumping in the water, and Tacoma Power always seeks to improve them. In 2020, the utility installed a nine-hole disc golf course at Mossyrock Park. It was such a success that they extended it to 18 holes! The utility recently completed upgrades to some of its restrooms at Mossyrock Park to make them ADA accessible and convert some to individual family units. They are still in the process of upgrading the bathrooms at Mayfield Lake Park. Both parks recently received new playground equipment that appeals to all age groups – like a music circle complete with a xylophone! Mossyrock Park has a new concessionaire, and Taidnapam Park offers summer activities for kids (unless there are Covid-19 protocols that prohibit them). “Our staff usually puts on what we call ‘kids’ days,’ which is when some of our staff put together fun activities for the kids on Saturdays during the busy season. Some examples would be sprinklers, kids’ water table, hula-hoops, rock painting, musical pool noodles, joke time, and a little ninja warriors’ course,” said Krisandra Our employees are always looking for ways to ensure that our campers have a fantastic experience. These recreational opportunities are yet another benefit of Tacoma’s clean, renewable hydroelectric energy.