Crews have hauled off the last of the contaminated soil and are preparing to receive the topsoil for new grass and plantings.
Development of the parks first 4 acres, off West Bay Drive, is scheduled for completion in January. It will feature open spaces, trails and improved intertidal and riparian habitat areas.
Its great because now its starting to look like a park, said Kip Summers, the citys project engineer.
Summers said crews removed between 4,000 and 5,000 cubic yards of contaminated soil, the biggest task associated with the cleanup. The last truckload left Friday.
Local Rotary clubs are separately developing about another acre within the construction zone called Rotary Point, which features a viewpoint and launch area for canoes and kayaks, as their gift to the community. They are raising $175,000 for the project.
The park features views of the Capitol, the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound.
The city has future plans to develop 14 additional acres of the park.
The park is the former location of a lumber mill. The city entered into an agreement with the state Department of Ecology to clean up contaminated areas within the first phase of development.
The total project cost is estimated at $1.6 million. The city secured grants by providing matching dollars using capital funds, impact fees and money from the increase in the utility tax that city voters approved in 2004.
Active Construction of Tacoma is the general contractor.
Christian Hill: 360-754-5427
