The district that runs public parks in Tacoma is now calling itself Parks Tacoma.

After going by the name of Metro Parks Tacoma a good part of its 120-year history, the district changed its name as part of a rebranding effort aimed at increasing the general public’s knowledge and understanding of the agency and its services

By dropping “Metro” from its name, “we want to reflect who we are today and ensure we are creating close connections to the full range of places and programs” offered by the district, said Andrea Smith, president of its governing body, the Parks Board. “Parks are the symbol for what we provide and what people love about us, so we are leaning into that.”

In addition to parks and public swimming pools, the district operates community centers, Meadow Park Golf Course, Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium, and Northwest Trek, a wildlife preserve near Eatonville.

The identity change, including a new website address (parkstacoma.org), officially took effect Jan. 14.