By KRIS SHERMAN  •  The News Tribune he grassy bowl still invites picnickers. Owen Beach beckons beachcombers and kids. The forest shelters wildlife and soothes human visitors. But besides the obvious pleasures that lure parkgoers, Point Defiance Park shows warning signs of neglect. Buildings deteriorate, parking overflows, an aging water system can’t muster enough pressure to fight a large forest fire. The park’s list of needs includes $76.2 million in basic repairs and improvements. There is no way to pay for most of them. There’s also no clear vision for a property whose only official master plan dates to 1911. A lack of foresight, political indecision and chronic funding problems have tarnished the park. “The facility is showing its age, and there are more and more challenges that we face every day,” says Jack Wilson, executive director of Metro Parks. We love Point Defiance. We take it for granted. We shouldn’t. Continue reading WHAT NEXT

A blueprint Metro Parks wants a long list of repairs and upgrades for Point Defiance Park. Take a look at color poster. •  Perils & Possibilities (PDF) Volunteers Boosters consider creating a friends group at the Point to raise money and enlist others to help. •  Volunteers will shape future of the Point Improvements Proposed solutions including cost and timelines for ten of the park's current problems. •  10 ways to improve Point Defiance Park Your thoughts Get a pencil and tell us what you love and what you'd change about Point Defiance. You can draw your vision, too. •  Dream and sketch Happenings Keep celebrating the park's centennial with a family movie, a salmon bake at Owen Beach and more. •  Point Defiance Events More Information View the 2003 Point Defiance Park Revitalization as well as information on upcoming meetings on the planning process. •  Point Defiance Master Plan