Point Ruston

Point Ruston, just minutes away from Franke Tobey Jones, is a 97-acre property split between Tacoma and Ruston located on the former Asarco site. Millions of dollars were spent cleaning it up to make it ready for redevelopment. Construction began in 2006, and it has evolved into a mixed-use, walkable community. It also serves as the “missing link” between the Ruston Way waterfront and Point Defiance Park, bridging the two with paths lined with benches, and art installations.

The neighborhood has playgrounds, cafes, restaurants, a movie theater, colorful art murals and wonderful walkways along the water. It has that summertime feeling of visiting a charming beach town.

History

The Point Ruston residential and commercial development sits on property that once housed the Asarco copper smelter plant for about a century. An exhibit in The Copperline Apartments highlights the history of the site and the cleanup project. The names “Copperline” and “Stack Hill” actually come from the history of the area. Free and open to the public, the exhibit showcases smelter artifacts; newspaper clippings; and photographs that show hot furnaces, workers, and what the plant looked like.

Recreation

Many people are drawn to Point Ruston’s scenic “waterwalk” trail along Commencement Bay. Its smooth surfaces and the view of Mount Rainier and the Olympics make this a perfect place for jogging, biking, rollerblading or taking a stroll. The pathways are decorated with artwork, including a giant octopus mural.

Kids

Green, orange, and white, the Point Ruston ferry big toy and swings create hours of fun for tots. It’s located near Point Ruston’s Grand Plaza, where there is also a sprayground. A perfect place to spend a sunny afternoon, the sprayground utilizes fountains and geysers for a fun way to keep kids cool — and adults, too! The sprayground is free and open daily during summer from noon until 10 p.m., with a cool light show after dark.

Dining

• Two Town Pub and Cafe
• The Jewel Box Cafe
• Dolce Si
• WildFin American Grill
• Blue Octopus Gallery and Champagne Bar
• Farrelli’s
• Stack 571 Burger and Whiskey Bar
• Mio Sushi
• Ice Cream Social
• Fish Brewing Company