Owen beach has been a long time naturistic escape for many Tacoma citizens. People come to connect with nature and get away from the city hustle and bustle.

It's been revealed that there are plans to completely remodel the beach area, adding multiple buildings, play structures, a boat launch and an open field. The reasoning being "to progress Tacoma further and take care of the encroaching forest surrounding the beach". The plans show the hill being flattened out to create room for the buildings and field, completely destroying the beautiful area of forest right next to the beach.

Not only would this take away one of the only natural beaches left in Tacoma, animals would no longer be in abundance at and near the beach. The water would be polluted by the boats, driving away the seals and destroying the surrounding forest would drive away deer and other important wildlife. 

It seems as if Metro Parks is attempting to recreate a similar environment to Ruston way, which many people were also upset by. The construction is planned to start mid-February and there have been no official announcements or polls asking people of Tacoma if this is a remodel they're wanting. Not only have they not informed people of the impending construction, Owen beach will be completely closed into the summer. 

Please let Metro Parks know that new bathrooms and better accessibility are things many can and will support , but completely destroying a favorite getaway is not what is best for the people or the land. 

I know thousands of people have many of fond memories at Owen beach and having this safe haven turned into a bustling community would be a heartbreaking goodbye to the simplistic nature and beauty that Owen Beach and Pt. Defiance holds.