AHBL provided civil engineering, landscape architecture, land use planning, and land surveying services for this park and trails project in Tacoma. Oak Tree Park contains 25-acres of historic Garry Oak habitat.

The recently completed first phase of this project included the design and construction restored a one-acre former gravel quarry into a camas meadow. AHBL worked to simplify the trail system throughout the 25-acre site, all the while providing accessible routes. The project applied the United States Access Board’s Accessibility Standards for Federal Outdoor Developed Areas to determine appropriate path widths, running and cross slopes, and material selection to achieve functional surfaces for all abilities.

AHBL found that referencing the United States Access Board’s standards was beneficial during the permitting process with the City of Tacoma. AHBL was able to reference specific design criteria among the accessibility standards that clarified questions posed by City staff, helping keep the project on schedule.

• Owner: Metro Parks Tacoma
• Sub-contractor: Earthwork Services