Welcome to Parkland
Parkland is a community with deep roots, a lively university campus, and neighbors who look out for one another. At Parkland Smile Dental, we’re proud to be part of it. Our small, tight-knit team believes a trip to the dentist should feel easy, comfortable, and maybe even a little fun.
Dr. Andrew Lee and Dr. Wai Shan Chiu offer a full range of care under one roof, including dental implants and All-on-X full arch restorations, Invisalign, veneers and cosmetic smile makeovers, full mouth rehabilitation, routine cleanings and exams, and cosmetic Botox. We take the time to explain every option so you can choose the treatment that feels right for you. Our team also speaks Spanish, Korean, Cantonese, and Mandarin, so more of our neighbors can feel at home in the chair.
Finding us is simple. From downtown Tacoma, head south on Pacific Avenue (State Route 7) for about eight miles and turn onto 138th Street South. Our office sits just a few blocks off Pacific, with easy access from State Route 512 as well.
A Brief History of Parkland
Settlers began arriving on this stretch of the Nisqually Plains in the 1850s. They found open prairie dotted with Garry oaks, blue camas flowers, small lakes, and winding creeks. The landscape looked so much like a natural park that the name Parkland stuck.
The community took real shape around 1890, when Norwegian Lutheran immigrants chose Parkland as the site for a new school. Local pioneer Ward Smith donated land for the campus and helped recruit Bjug Harstad as its first leader. When the school’s grand main building was dedicated in 1894, a thousand people turned out for hymns sung in three languages, a community feast, and the first glow of the region’s new electric lights. That school grew into Pacific Lutheran University, which still anchors Parkland today.
As the campus grew, so did the town around it. Garfield Street became Parkland’s first business district, starting with a general store that served local homesteaders. A butcher shop and candy store soon followed, and the upstairs of the butcher shop became a gathering spot for spirited political debates that ran late into the night.
Parkland also played a part in a much bigger story. Emma Smith DeVoe, a leader of Washington’s women’s suffrage movement and a colleague of Susan B. Anthony, made her home here. Her work helped Washington grant women the right to vote in 1910, a full decade before the 19th Amendment. Her Parkland house still stands as a reminder of the community’s place in history.
Living and Working in Parkland
Today, nearly 40,000 people call Parkland home, and it’s easy to see why. The community offers a welcoming mix of established neighborhoods, newer homes, and local businesses, all with views of Mount Rainier on clear days. Pacific Lutheran University brings concerts, athletics, lectures, and a steady stream of energy to the area, while Joint Base Lewis-McChord and the greater Tacoma job market are just a short drive away.
Families appreciate the public schools, neighborhood playfields, and regional parks nearby, along with quick access to State Route 512 and Interstate 5. Whether you’re a student, a military family, or a longtime resident, Parkland offers a comfortable, affordable place to put down roots.
The Must-Sees of Parkland
Discover these local favorites, all within minutes of our Parkland office:
- Pacific Lutheran University: Stroll the wooded 156-acre campus to see historic Harstad Hall, spring cherry blossoms, and the PLU Meadows, where camas blooms and mountain views keep you company. The campus is just about a mile north of our office.
- Garfield Street: Parkland’s original main street is now a walkable strip of cafes, eateries, and shops next to campus. Stop by 208 Garfield for a cozy meal or a cup of coffee.
- Gonyea Playfield: Just minutes from our door, this neighborhood park offers a playground, open fields, and a basketball court for an easy afternoon outing.
- Parkland Prairie: Get a glimpse of the landscape that gave Parkland its name along this accessible nature trail through restored native prairie.
- Sprinker Recreation Center: Open since 1976, this Pierce County favorite features an indoor ice rink, tennis courts, climbing rocks, and one of the largest outdoor skate parks in Western Washington.
- Spanaway Park and Fantasy Lights: This lakeside park offers swimming beaches, trails, and paddleboard rentals in the summer. During the holidays, it transforms into the dazzling Fantasy Lights drive-through display, a beloved local tradition.
Schedule Your Visit With Your Parkland Neighbors
When you’re looking for a dentist in Parkland, WA who will treat you like a neighbor, Parkland Smile Dental is here for you. Whether you need a routine cleaning, a brighter smile, or a complete restoration, Dr. Lee, Dr. Chiu, and our team will walk you through every step with patience and a smile of our own. Call our office or send us a message today to schedule your appointment. We can’t wait to meet you!
