Wright Park, often referred to as Tacoma's Central Park, began its rich history in 1886. Charles B. Wright, president of the Tacoma Land Company, donated the original 20 acres to the city. The park was initially designed by Bavarian landscape architect Edward O. Schwagerl and later expanded under E.R. Roberts. By 1910, land acquisitions brought the park to its current 27-acre footprint.
The park is renowned for its Victorian-era historical features. In 1891, local resident Col. Clinton P. Ferry donated European statues to the grounds. These included the iconic Greek Maidens—whimsically nicknamed "Annie" and "Fannie" due to the nearby Annie Wright Seminary and Fannie Paddock Hospital—and the white stone Brussels Lions that still guard the 6th Avenue entrance.
Another crown jewel is the W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory. Opened in 1908 through a gift from the former Metropolitan Park Board president, its Victorian-style, 12-sided glass dome remains a prominent landmark.
Over the decades, the park evolved into a vibrant community gathering place, growing an impressive 27-acre arboretum. Today, Wright Park holds over 600 mature trees representing 145 species—many over a century old—preserving its legacy as a beloved historical sanctuary in the heart of Tacoma.
It is the Wright time to go to Wright Park.
