Parks Tacoma has opened a tender process to find a new operator for Point Defiance Public Marina in Tacoma, Washington, ahead of the expiry of the marina’s current lease agreements on 30 September 2026.
The Parks & Recreation Department issued a request for proposals (RFP) on 24 June, inviting experienced marina management firms to submit bids by 10:00 on 14 July. The selected company would manage the facility on behalf of Parks Tacoma under an initial one-year agreement, with the option of an additional one-year term.
Also known as Breakwater Marina, the public site is located on Commencement Bay within Point Defiance Park. It offers around 155 moorage slips for both short-term and long-term use and includes docks, floats, gangways, utility services, parking areas and pedestrian walkways.
According to the RFP, Parks Tacoma currently leases the marina to the Tacoma Yacht Club, who subleases it to Breakwater Marina, Inc. Both agreements are due to end on 30 September, after which Parks Tacoma will assume responsibility for the marina’s management and operation.
The tender is the first time Parks Tacoma has sought a third-party contractor to manage the public marina. The selected company would handle the marina’s daily administration and operations, including customer service, berth occupancy, financial administration, environmental compliance, maintenance monitoring and waterfront operations.
