Dickman Mill Park
Dickman Mill Park Map
About Dickman Mill Park in Tacoma
Dickman Mill Park is a 2.9-acre public park located along Ruston Way on the Commencement Bay waterfront in Tacoma, Washington. The park sits on the site of the former Dickman Lumber Mill, which operated from 1889 to 1977 and was one of the longest-running sawmills on Tacoma's waterfront.
Opened to the public in 2001, Dickman Mill Park preserves and showcases elements of Tacoma's industrial past while providing recreational space and shoreline access. The park's centerpiece is a restored 15-ton mechanical head saw, which was used to cut lumber at the mill. This massive artifact stands as a tangible link to the city's timber industry heritage.
In 2021, the park underwent a $2.9 million expansion and improvement project. This renovation added new features while enhancing the park's historical interpretation and environmental aspects. A weathering steel sculpture called the "Ghost Log" was installed, representing the old-growth timber processed at the mill and incorporating cultural elements honoring the Puyallup Tribe's connection to the land.
The park offers visitors direct access to the beach and Commencement Bay. A widened shoreline trail and a new viewpoint overwater trail allow for scenic walks along the water's edge. The expansion also included the creation of a large irrigated grass area for passive recreation activities.
Environmental considerations were a key part of the park's design. The project involved removing industrial debris from the shoreline, restoring nearshore habitats, and introducing native plants like dune grass and gumweed to enhance the coastal marsh. A relic saltwater wetland on the site was relocated and recreated as a tidal estuary, reminiscent of the area's pre-1850s shoreline.
Dickman Mill Park is designed to be accessible to all visitors, with ADA-compliant ramps and surfacing throughout. Interpretive signage provides context about the site's historical and environmental significance, allowing visitors to learn about Tacoma's past while enjoying the present-day amenities of this urban waterfront park.
