McKinley Park has become a place where nature, art, healing, and community come together. Much of that transformation is thanks to the dedication of local residents like Danny Patnode and the volunteers who have poured their time, creativity and love into the park. 

Danny found sanctuary in McKinley Park during some of the darkest times of his life. Rather than simply taking what the park gave him, he chose to give something back. He has put his blood, sweat and tears into cleaning and caring for the park, helping create a place where our community can hike, explore, connect with nature and find a moment of peace.
You can often find Danny at the park with a trash bag in hand, a smile on his face and a willingness to share his story with anyone who stops to talk. He says the park saved him and in return, he continues to show up and help save the park. 

This is the incredible thing about nature and art; it heals us. It can mend us. It can help us put the pieces back together when things feel like they are falling apart. 

The artwork throughout the park isn't simply decoration. These installations have become part of the character and identity of the space.
Created by local artists, these pieces bring color, creativity, conversation and joy to the park. They invite people to stop, look, explore and interact with one another.  

Now, the City of Tacoma is planning to remove these art installations from McKinley Park.
We believe this would mean losing something far more valuable than a collection of individual artworks. We would be losing a piece of the community that has grown around them. 

A place where people have found inspiration, connection and sometimes even healing. 

We are asking the City of Tacoma to reconsider this decision and recognize the value of preserving a space where art, nature and community can thrive together.
McKinley Park belongs to the community of Tacoma and it's residents. Its art has been created, cared for and loved by members of that community. We believe the people who use and cherish this space deserve a voice in what happens to it. 

Please sign this petition to keep art in McKinley Park and show the City of Tacoma that our community treasures these installations and the artistic spirit they bring to our shared spaces.
There is also a petition available to sign in person at the park. If you visit, you may have the opportunity to meet Danny, shake his hand, hear his story and experience the artwork for yourself. You might even find a hidden treasure or two.  

Come see what our community has built.
Let's stand together to protect the art, the nature and the sense of community that make McKinley Park special and preserve it for generations to come.