STAR Center and SERA Campus: A Hub for Recreation and Rehabilitation

The STAR Center focuses on universal design to accommodate and welcome individuals of all abilities. The single-story facility will have friendly amenities to wheelchair users and their small children, like lower customer service windows, drinking fountains, lower lockers, private accessible shower stalls and family restrooms. The campus will have accessible trails to enjoy exercise and nature at the same time.

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Senator Murray to Lead Hearing at STAR Center

(Tacoma, WA) Metro Parks proudly welcomes the United States Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs’ Field Hearing, “Washington’s Veterans: Helping the Newest Generation Transition Home” to STAR Center, 3873 South 66th Street , on Wednesday April 4, 2012 beginning at 10:30 a.m. This official U.S. Senate field hearing will explore how the military, veterans, business, and non-profit communities can work together to improve the transition home for those returning to Washington state. In particular, the hearing will focus on improving mental health care, employment opportunities, and community outreach for returning veterans.

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STAR Center and SERA Campus Phase II Project Synopsis

The 75+ acre SERA Campus is home to Gray Middle School; a Boys & Girls Club; and the STAR Center, a new 34,000 square foot multipurpose community center. The next phase will begin in 2012 to address the outdoor amenities and program features of the campus in order to further serve this community. The outdoor features will include a ‘boundless’ playground, sprayground, climbing wall, restroom, and a picnic and event pavilion that will provide the area with a new venue for the successful farmers market, and community garden. The farmers market will provide local produce, jobs and an economic engine for the business district. The goal of this project is to contribute to keeping the community healthy and active, to give children a safe place to access play and to provide economic opportunities to the region.

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Tacoma Titans Paralympic Team Headed to Nationals

(Tacoma, WA) – Metro Parks Tacoma’s National Wheelchair Basketball Association (NWBA) team, the Tacoma Titans, will compete at Nationals March 22-25, 2012. This marks the Titans’ first trip to the NWBA National tournament held at the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Facility in Colorado Springs, CO. Fundraising efforts are now underway to support the team with travel expenses for the eight athletes, two coaches and 16 wheelchairs to be transported to the competition.

The Tacoma Titans are part of Metro Parks’ Adaptive Recreation program, which offers unique competitive and recreational athletic opportunities for wounded war veterans and others with physical disabilities. Named as a Paralympic Sport Club in 2009 by the US Olympic Committee, this program allows Metro Parks Tacoma to train athletes for specific Paralympic events, such as wheelchair basketball.

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STAR Center Beautified with New Public Art

The public is invited to celebrate Tacoma’s newest public artwork, Sempervivum by Tacoma artist Lisa Kinoshita, in a dedication ceremony Saturday, November 10, 2012 at 2:00 pm. Join the Tacoma Arts Commission and Metro Parks Tacoma to learn more about the piece, meet the artist, and enjoy refreshments. The artwork is located on Metro Parks’ new STAR Center on SERA Campus at 3873 S. 66th Street. The dedication will be held in Journey Hall inside STAR Center.

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