People headed to Point Defiance Park this weekend should expect extra traffic and limited parking due to the return of the Point Defiance Flower and Garden Festival.
Metro Parks Tacoma said in a Friday news release that people traveling to Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, Fort Nisqually or Owen Beach on Saturday and Sunday should consider using the Mildred Street entrance.
There also could be delays for people planning to take the ferry to Vashon Island, the agency said.
“Free parking is limited but available at the boat launch, parking lot B near the ferry dock, and on streets in the surrounding neighborhood,” the news release states. “ADA-accessible spots will be made available on a first-come, first-served basis near the Lodge crosswalk. A drop-off area will also be available in front of the Point Defiance Pagoda.
“Paid parking can be found at Point Ruston, with a short walk over Wilson Way to reach Point Defiance. Metro Parks Tacoma strongly encourages visitors to both the festival and other attractions in the park to take advantage of alternative means of transportation, including Pierce Transit routes 10 and 11, Razor scooters and e-bikes, and various rideshare options.“
A map showing parking and traffic impacts is at metroparkstacoma.org/fgf-traffic/.
The Flower and Garden Festival is returning to the park after a 15-year absence.
It is being held near the park’s main entrance and brings lectures, demonstrations, garden tours, food trucks, live music and a beer and wine tasting garden.