For over 60 years Tacomans have dreamed of a pedestrian walkway along the water, from the head of the Thea Foss to the beach and trails of Point Defiance.

To bring the dream to life we've formed Walk the Waterfront, a nonprofit organization dedicated to a continuous, accessible, vibrant path along those seven miles. We see so many opportunities emphasizing healthy lifestyles, recreation, business, conservation, culture and history.

We have three simple goals. First, we want the waterfront to drive millions of dollars into the local economy. Second, we want to show how a vigorous urban waterfront can actually improve the eco-health of Puget Sound. Third, we want to complete the dream of a world-class recreation and education resource accessible to and enjoyed by all Tacomans.

To achieve these goals and protect shoreline priorities, we need a community-wide vision for the waterfront. We have nearly 80 percent of what we need already in place. Our next step is a series of conversations with all the stakeholders on the waterfront: the many governments, private landowners, citizen users and nonprofit groups that make up the owner/user "checkerboard." We'll invite these stakeholders to create a shared plan to finish the last 20 percent of the waterfront.

In this process we'll set priorities among opportunities and obstacles.
Do we have places that are ill-lit and unsafe? Dangerous stretches of road? Can we move faster to fix environmental problems? Can some sites be put to even better use? Can the hum-drum become beautiful?

These are the questions. . .

Our community has the answers for what is in the best interest of Tacoma. Please join us in dreaming big.