<h1 style="text-align: center;">Tacoma, <em>Seattle</em></h1>
<p>Most recognized for its world famous glass art and magnificent natural surroundings, Tacoma is a vibrant urban city full of rich history and culture. Located in Pierce County, Washington, Unites States and ranked the second-largest city in the Puget Sound Region (population of around 1 million people)&mdash;Tacoma is the hub of the commerce movement for the South Sound region. The progression of suburbanization and divestment caused a significant decline for this city in the mid-20th century, but renovation of the downtown area in the 1990s provided some recovery. The addition of the University of Washington Tacoma; the invention of the Tacoma Link, the first contemporary electric light rail service in the state; and an investment in art and history museums has aided in restoring the economy of this city.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Metro Parks Tacoma, a community organization established separately from the city government, oversees the parks and recreational services within and around Tacoma. The organization preserves over fifty parks and open spaces in Tacoma. Point Defiance Park is located in Tacoma and is by far one of largest urban parks in the country (a massive 700 acres). One can venture through the picturesque Five Mile Drive and enjoy of a variety of the park&rsquo;s attractions, such as Camp Six, Fort Nisqually, Owen Beach, and the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium. The park also contains several historic structures, including the Pagoda, which was initially built as a streetcar waiting room and now functions as a rental space for weddings and private parties.</p>
<p>The Museum of Glass displays the iconic stainless steel cone, which is located near the Thea Foss Waterway. Along with being the city&rsquo;s most distinguishable structures, it also serves as a symbol of renewal and regeneration of the city. Historical museums are a prominent feature that this city is dedicated to preserving. Tacoma Art Museum, which was founded in 1935, was restored in 2003 and now resides on Pacific Avenue in Tacoma. The Museum of Glass, Washington State History Museum and Tacoma Art Museum have formed a holy trinity and now make up what is known as the &ldquo;museum district&rdquo;. America&rsquo;s Car Museum, which houses the rare automobile collection of Harold Lemay, made its debut in 2012. Lemay&rsquo;s collection is classified as the world&rsquo;s largest and 500 automobiles are kept in consistent rotation.&nbsp;</p>