Point Defiance Flower And Garden Show

History
Point Defiance Park: Celebrating More Than 100 Years of Growth
In the 103 years since its inception as a city park, Point Defiance has sparkled as the crown jewel fo the area's public parks. Point Defiance has provided Tacoma with an urban oasis, a forested refuge, and a beloved gathering place.

In 1866, the U.S. government designated as a military reservation the 640 acres that now comprise Point Defiance Park. On March 3, 1905 the government granted title of Point Defiance to the City of Tacoma. By this time, visitors who arrived from downtown Tacoma on the streetcar could enjoy a conservatory, zoological exhibits, and a boat pavilion on the beach.

Formal planning for the park began in 1911. Sidney J. Hare's plan guided park development through the 1930s. During the Great Depression, federal work relief programs—such as the Civilian Conservation Corps and the Works Progress Administration—accomplished several major projects at the Park, including a new boathouse and the restoration of Fort Nisqually.

In the 50s and 60s, a number of attractions were added to the park, including the Children's Farm Zoo, Never Never Land (a children's storybook attraction), and Camp 6, a logging museum.

From 1958 to 1974, Gardeners' Paradise Days was held in the same area of the park that the new Point Defiance Flower & Garden Show will occupy. More than 30,000 people attended that show each year. Many local garden club members remember Gardeners' Paradise Days fondly and feel it was a loss to the community when the popular show ended.

Today, visitors to Point Defiance Park can enjoy a wide variety of recreational activities and amenities. The rich history of the park is a testament to the forward-looking people of a century ago who sought to preserve this land for future generations.