Tacoma DeMolay Sandspit Park received substantial funding for improvements through a grant from the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO), with a primary goal of providing Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant access from the street level down to the beach. Baumwelt placed accessibility at the center of the design approach, addressing significant site constraints while maintaining the natural character of the sandspit environment.
The park features more than 40 feet of vertical elevation change between the parking area and the shoreline—conditions that historically limited access for many visitors. Through careful grading and alignment, Baumwelt designed an efficient system of switchback pathways that meets ADA accessibility requirements while working within the site’s topography. The pathway network provides a continuous, barrier-free route from the uplands to the beach, balancing slope, landings, and user comfort while preserving views and the park’s coastal setting.
Beyond accessibility improvements, the project included a wide range of new park amenities to support recreation and visitor use. These improvements include two new park restrooms supported by a new on-site septic system, a large picnic shelter, expanded parking, improved wayfinding, and a redesigned drop-off area to better manage circulation for both park visitors and those launching hand-powered watercraft.
Additional features include new forest trails and a marine trails campground that supports overnight use by paddlers traveling along the Puget Sound water trail system.
The completed improvements significantly expanded access to one of the region’s unique waterfront parks while creating a more welcoming and functional destination for visitors of all abilities. By integrating accessibility, recreation infrastructure, and thoughtful site planning, the project demonstrates Baumwelt’s ability to resolve complex topographic challenges while delivering inclusive and enduring public spaces in partnership with PenMet Parks.