Doreen Beard-Simpkins

About the Author

Doreen Beard-Simpkins is a passionate historian and photographer whose deep connection to the Pacific Northwest has shaped her evocative explorations of local heritage. With a keen eye for the interplay between nature and community, she captures the essence of Tacoma's landscapes in her acclaimed work, Tacoma's Parks (Images of America (Arcadia Publishing)). Drawing from years of research and personal wanderings through the city's verdant spaces, Beard-Simpkins illuminates the stories behind these cherished green havens, from their early development to their role as vital community anchors today. Her writing blends meticulous historical detail with vivid imagery, inviting readers to rediscover the beauty and significance of public parks in urban life. A longtime resident of Washington state, she continues to advocate for preservation and appreciation of the region's natural treasures through her engaging narratives.