Parkland, Census-designated place in Pierce County, Washington, United States
Parkland is a residential area in Pierce County near Tacoma, centered around Pacific Lutheran University and composed of neighborhoods of varying density. The region sits between Interstate 5 and Mount Rainier, with State Route 7 serving as the main transportation corridor.
The area was established in the 1890s by Norwegian-American immigrants from the Midwest, who founded Pacific Lutheran University as the cornerstone of their new community. The university's presence catalyzed residential growth that continues to define the region.
Pacific Lutheran University shapes daily life here, with students and athletic teams actively participating in community events and shaping local activity throughout the year.
The area is easily accessed via State Route 7, which connects from Interstate 5 toward Mount Rainier and passes through multiple commercial zones. Most services and visitor facilities are located near the university campus rather than spread throughout the residential neighborhoods.
Despite its proximity to Tacoma, the area maintains a distinctly suburban and rural character with open green spaces between residential homes. The university campus itself functions as an enclosed community that remains relatively hidden from the surrounding neighborhoods despite its significant presence.
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