Chapter 7 Existing Parks and Open Spaces
Current Conditions and Proposed Projects
This section provides a brief overview of the general condition and major maintenance needs of each City park. The major maintenance items described are identified and prioritized annually as part of the Capital Asset Management Program (CAMP). This section also identifies new capital projects and other actions that are proposed for each park during the plan’s 20-year planning horizon. It also indicates when these actions are proposed for implementation in the plan’s 20-year Capital Investment Strategy. Funding for both capital and major maintenance projects is requested annually through the Capital Facilities Plan (CFP) process.
Neighborhood Parks
8th Avenue Park (3000 8th Ave NE)
Soils in this 4-acre undeveloped park are contaminated from past agricultural uses. It is not open for public use as this time.
Proposed Action: Potential park development (2022-2035).
Bigelow Park (1220 Bigelow Ave NE)
This 1.9-acre developed park is generally in fair condition. The restroom/shelter is nearing the end of its design life and needs to be replaced. The fencing in the park is in poor condition. The playground was replaced in 2005 and is in good condition.
Proposed Action: There is $250,000 budgeted in 2019 to replace the restroom and shelter as part of OPARD’s Capital Asset Management Program. There is also $214,000 for park fencing projects budgeted in 2019. The park’s fencing will likely be replaced as part of that project.
Burri Park (2415 Burbank Ave NW)
Improvements to this 2.3 acre park were made as part of an Interim Use and Management Plan in 2008.
Proposed Action: Potential park development (2022-2035).
Decatur Woods Park (1015 Decatur St. SW)
This 6.3-acre park was developed in 2004, and it is in good condition. No major improvements are planned at this time.
Edison St. Parcel (1400 Block Edison St. SE)
This park is 4.5 acre of which 3 acres are classified as “Open Space” and 1.5 acres as “Neighborhood Park.” The park contains over 400 feet of Indian Creek and is undeveloped.
Proposed Action: Potential park development (2022-2035).
Evergreen Park (1445 Evergreen Park Drive SW)
Improvements to this 4-acre park were made as part of an Interim Use and Management Plan in 2008. The park is in good condition.
Proposed Action: Potential park development (2022-2035).
Friendly Grove Park (2316 Friendly Grove Rd NE)
This 14.5-acre park, constructed in 2002, consists of a 9.7-acre “Open Space” (a wetland and buffer) and a 4.8-acre area classified as “Neighborhood Park.” Overall the park is in good condition but the playground was constructed in 2002 and is nearing the end of its design life.
Proposed Action: There is $265,000 budgeted for playground replacement in 2017 as part of OPARD’s Capital Asset Management Program.
Harry Fain’s Legion Park (1115 20th Ave SE)
This 1.3 acre neighborhood park is in fair condition. The playground was installed in 2005 and is still in good condition. The small shelter is serviceable but starting to show signs of age. No major improvements are planned at this time.
Kettle View Park (1250 Eagle Bend Dr. SE)
This 4.8 acre neighborhood park was opened in 2011 and is in excellent condition except for some drainage problems on the playfield. Staff will assess what it would take to improve the playfield.
Proposed Action: Prior funds have been allocated for a bike shelter and interpretive signage. In addition, if time and resources allow, maintenance staff will implement drainage improvements to the park.
Lions Park (800 Wilson St. SE)
This 4-acre developed park is in good shape. The playground was replaced in 2010, and in 2012 the shelter was replaced as well as the restroom roof. The tennis court needs to be resurfaced.
Proposed Action: There is $135,000 budgeted for tennis court resurfacing in 2019 as part of OPARD’s Capital Asset Management Program. This surfacing project may include Lions Park.
Log Cabin Road Park (2220 Log Cabin Road SE)
This 2.3-acre neighborhood park was purchased in 2010. It is undeveloped.
Proposed Action: Potential park development (2022-2035).
Margaret McKenny Park (3111 21st Ave SE)
Improvements to this 4.2-acre park were made as part of an Interim Use and Management Plan in 2007. The park is in good condition.
Proposed Action: At the time of this plan’s writing, a playground installation project was being planned with prior funding. Potential park development (2022-2035).
McGrath Woods Park (2300 Cain Rd. SE)
An Interim Use and Management Plan for this 4-acre park was implemented in 2009. The park is in good condition.
Proposed Action: Potential park development (2022-2035).
Olympic Park (1300-block Olympic Dr. NE)
This .6 acre area was dedicated as a park as part of a plat in 1925. It currently has an alley running through it and is undeveloped as a park. Since this area has limited potential for use as a park but carries maintenance obligations, the City recently met with adjacent neighbors to propose to them the idea of re-platting the area to incorporate the former park property into their lots.
Sunrise Park (505 Bing St. NW)
In this 5.7-acre park, 4.8 acres are developed and 0.9-acres are undeveloped. The developed portion of the park is in very good condition with a relatively new restroom (2010) and a new playground (2015).
Proposed Action: The Plan’s “Long Range Options (2022-2035)” section of the Capital Investment Strategy budgets $200,000 for a new shelter in 2022-2035.
Woodruff Park (1500 Harrison Ave NW)
This 2.5 acre developed park is in good condition and no major improvements are planned.
Community Parks
Artesian Commons (415 4th Ave E)
This 0.2 acre urban courtyard was designated a city park in 2013. The asphalt surfacing of this park is in poor condition and the park has few amenities at this time.
Proposed Action: There is $60,000 for park improvements budgeted in 2021 as part of OPARD’s Capital Asset Management Program.
East Bay Waterfront Park (313 East Bay Drive NE)
This park contains over 500 feet of Budd Inlet shoreline habitat. The wooden overlook structures at this 1.9-acre developed park have reached the end of their design life and are in need of replacement.
Proposed Action: There is $80,000 budgeted for overlook replacement in 2021 as part of OPARD’s Capital Asset Management Program.
Harrison Avenue Parcel (3420 Harrison Ave NW)
In 2009, the West Olympia Community Visioning Group (CVG) and the City of Olympia began exploring a partnership to purchase and develop a public plaza in West Olympia. Under a Memorandum of Understanding and with a $5,000 donation of earnest money from the CVG, the City purchased the 24-acre Harrison Avenue Parcel in 2011. In 2012, OPARD partnered with CVG to develop a concept plan for the park which included an amphitheater, environmental learning center, a satellite maintenance center, trails, and open space. The park currently remains undeveloped. A site analysis established that significant developable space exists on the parcel along with several acres of wetlands that connect to the larger Grass Lake wetland complex. The CVG remains active and invested in a partnership with the city and the City looks forward to continuing its valuable partnership with CVG as it pursues future park development phases in the future.
Proposed Action: This plan budgets $1,141,000 in 2016 for a one mile-long paved bicycle/pedestrian trail from the Kaiser Rd. Entrance in Grass Lake Nature Park through the Harrison Avenue Parcel to Harrison Avenue.
Heritage Park Fountain (330 5th Ave SW)
The mechanical system for the fountain is now approximately 20 years old and suffers from frequent mechanical breakdowns. (See p. 35 for more details).
Proposed Action: There is $398,000 budged for a fountain mechanical system upgrade in 2017 as part of OPARD’s Capital Asset Management Program.
Isthmus Parcels (505 & 529 4th Ave W)
The City purchased 2.3 acres on the Isthmus for a potential park in 2013. This site is currently undeveloped. (See p. 36 for more details)
Proposed Action: The Community Renewal Area process and future City-led focus area planning will inform OPARD’s level of involvement in the Isthmus area. OPARD supports redevelopment and the continual removal of blight and will likely have a significant role in the Isthmus area based on previous investments and strong community support for expanded parks in this area. The Plan’s Capital Investment Strategy identifies $4.6 million in MPD funds in 2017-2021 to support a high priority project. An Isthmus park development project is one of four projects identified as a high priority project to utilize these funds.
LBA Park (3500 Amhurst St. SE)
This 22.6-acre developed park is in fair condition. Roofs on several structures need to be replaced as well as park security lighting and a retaining wall between fields 3 and 4.
Proposed Action: The plan budgets $580,000 for upgrades to existing fields in 2017. A site has not yet been identified for these upgrades. The Plan’s “Long Range Options (2022-2035)” section of the Capital Investment Strategy also budgets $700,000 for upgrades to existing fields. There is $60,000 budgeted for a retaining wall and $100,000 for security lighting in 2019 and $95,000 for roof replacement in 2021 as part of OPARD’s Capital Asset Management Program.
Madison Scenic Park (1600 10th Ave SE)
This 2.2 acre partially-developed park is in fair condition but does not have many amenities. The hillside trail was improved in 2012 and is in good shape.
Proposed Action: There are prior funds allocated for a minor park improvement project, the details of which will be determined through a public planning process.
The Olympia Center (222 Columbia St. NW)
The Olympia Center is home to OPARD and Senior Services for South Sound (SSSS). It contains two fully-equipped and certified commercial kitchens, a large event room with stage and private entrance, a ceramics room, and nine meeting rooms. The Olympia Center has had recent upgrades in flooring, exterior painting, roof and HVAC system. It has also undergone energy efficiency upgrades, reducing the overall carbon footprint of the facility. Aesthetic and technology upgrades are critical to keeping the facility relevant for building tenants and users. There are no major projects planned during this planning horizon.
Proposed Action: As this facility is going to approach 30 years of operation during this planning cycle, planning should begin for major renovations or replacement of The Olympia Center. Funds have not been identified for this project.
Percival Landing Park (300 4th Ave W)
Percival Landing is 3.38 acres and is one of Olympia’s three marine waterfront parks. It is located on Budd Inlet on the southernmost tip of Puget Sound. This popular park and tourist destination is in the heart of downtown and is a hub for festivals, gatherings, social interaction and public celebrations. The Budd Inlet shoreline at the park provides habitat for juvenile fish and other marine life. The Landing includes a 0.9-mile boardwalk extending along the eastern shoreline of West Bay from the Fourth Avenue Bridge to Thurston Avenue. Built in three phases from 1977 thru 1988, the Landing is deteriorating. In 2011, the City replaced about 700 feet (of approximately 5,000 feet of existing boardwalk) leaving over 4,000 feet of original wooden boardwalk remaining. While annual inspections and follow-up repairs have served as a “Band-Aid” for the past several years, marine engineers have cautioned that these types of repairs will become more and more expensive as the structure ages.
Proposed Action: This plan budgets $17,000 for annual inspections and $140,000 annually for a maintenance reserve fund to be utilized for ongoing repairs. The plan’s Capital Investment Strategy identifies $4.6 million in Metropolitan Park District funds in 2017-2021 to support a high priority project. The plan identifies the Percival Landing Bulkhead Replacement Project as one of four projects that could utilize a portion of these funds. This was proposed to provide a cash match for a $900,000 state grant. The Plan’s “Long Range Options (2022-2035)” section of the Capital Investment Strategy budgets $8,175,000 in 2022-2035 for Phase 2, Section A design and construction.
Stevens Field (2300 Washington St. SE)
OPARD leases this 13-acre park from the Olympia School District. The park is in generally in good condition; however the outfield fencing is reaching the end of its design life and needs to be replaced.
Proposed Action: OPARD has matching funds budgeted and has been selected for a Recreation and Conservation Office grant to replace one of the infields at Stevens Field with a synthetic surface. The plan also budgets an additional $580,000 for upgrades to existing fields in 2017; a site has not yet been identified for these upgrades. The Plan’s “Long Range Options (2022-2035)” section of the Capital Investment Strategy also budgets $700,000 for upgrades to existing fields. The fencing will also likely be replaced as part of a park fencing project budgeted for 2019 as part of OPARD’s Capital Asset Management Program
Ward Lake Parcel (2008 Yelm Highway SE)
In 2007, the City purchased this 9.1 acre undeveloped site along the shores of Ward Lake to give Olympia its first freshwater swimming access. In addition to 351 lineal feet of freshwater shoreline, this undeveloped park has several acres consisting of a relatively flat upland grassy field. A master plan process in 2012 identified that due to steep slopes and ADA access requirements, full development of the site would cost approximately $12 million. That same year there was a significant algae bloom causing the lake to be closed to swimming. Due to limited resources, high development costs, and water quality concerns, the project was placed on hold at that time. The Washington Recreation and Conservation Office contributed funds towards the purchase which mandates timely development of the site and limits flexibility to divest the property. In 2014, the Olympia Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee recommended that OPARD move forward with developing the upland area of the site as a community park.
Proposed Action: Existing funds remaining from the original master planning process are available to assess whether this property remains the best option for providing an outdoor swimming opportunity in Olympia. There is also $1 million budged in 2021 for a phase 1 development project should OPARD continue to pursue development of this site. The Plan’s “Long Range Options (2022-2035)” section of the Capital Investment Strategy also budgets $9,350,000 in 2022-2035 for a community park project.
West Bay Park and Trail (700 West Bay Drive NW)
In this 17-acre park, 8.6 acres containing the proposed West Bay Trail corridor are designated “Open Space”, 6.4 acres are classified as “Community Park”, and 2 acres are classified as “Neighborhood Park.” West Bay Phase 1 construction was completed in 2010 and includes a hand-held boat launch, panoramic viewpoint, trails, landscaping, habitat enhancements, and interpretive exhibits. This portion of the park is in good condition. The remainder of the park is undeveloped.
West Bay Trail is a proposed 1.5-mile trail corridor along the West Bay Shoreline from Deschutes Parkway to Raft Avenue (near the West Bay Marina). This trail would link to the proposed Percival Canyon Trail via Deschutes Parkway. The City currently owns the portion of the corridor between the 5th Avenue Bridge and through the northern portion of West Bay Park (just north of Brawne Avenue). (For more detailed information on this trail corridor, see p. 3-45 of the Thurston Regional Trails Plan.)
The City, Port of Olympia and Squaxin Island Tribe are currently working with a consultant to conduct a habitat and environmental restoration study of West Bay which includes West Bay Park and Trail in the study area. One of the goals of the study is to provide guidance on shoreline restoration that could be incorporated into the next phase of West Bay Park. The City is continuing to clean up environmental contamination on the site and has secured a matching grant from the Department of Ecology to do so.
Proposed Action: This plan budgets $450,000 for environmental cleanup and $300,000 for Phase 2 design in 2017, $300,000 for a restroom in 2020, and The Plan’s “Long Range Options (2022-2035)” section of the Capital Investment Strategy budgets $5,000,000 for Phase 2 development in 2022-2035.
Yashiro Japanese Garden (1010 Plum St. SE)
This 0.7-acre developed park is in fairly good condition although there are some drainage and irrigation issues. While no major improvements are planed during this planning horizon, maintenance staff will pursue solutions to these issues as time and resources allow.
Yauger Park (3100 Capital Mall Dr. SW)
This 39.8-acre developed park is one of Olympia’s three athletic field complexes. The playground was replaced in 2011 and is in good shape. The skate court and lighting systems are showing signs of age however.
Proposed Action: The plan budgets $580,000 for upgrades to existing fields in 2017. A site has not yet been identified for these upgrades. The Plan’s “Long Range Options (2022-2035)” section of the Capital Investment Strategy also budgets $700,000 for upgrades to existing fields. OPARD’s Capital Asset Management Program budgets $412,000 in 2016 to replace lighting on two fields, $165,000 in 2021 to add lighting to the Alta St. parking lot, and $120,000 in 2021 for a skate court rehabilitation and upgrade project.
Yelm Highway Parcel (3535 Yelm Highway SE)
Soils in this 3.5-acre undeveloped park site are contaminated from past agricultural uses and the site is closed to public use.
Proposed Action: The Plan’s “Long Range Options (2022-2035)” section of the Capital Investment Strategy budgets $250,000 for an environmental cleanup in 2022-2035.
Open Spaces
Bigelow Springs (930 Bigelow Ave NE)
This 1.3-acre open space is in good condition. There is a perennial spring at the park which flows 100 feet through a small stream channel into a catch basin at Bigelow Street.
In 2014, neighborhood volunteers rehabilitated the trail system and springs seating area. No major improvements are planned at this time.
Chambers Lake Parcel (4808 Herman Rd. SE)
This 46.2-acre undeveloped park site consists of 36.9 acres of “Open Space”, 7.3 acres of “Community Park”, and 2 acres of “Neighborhood Park” classification. Over 2000 feet of Chambers Lake shoreline, approximately 20 acres of wetlands and open water, and deciduous forests provide significant aquatic and wildlife habitat at the site. The park is in good condition.
Proposed Action: The Plan’s “Long Range Options (2022-2035)” section of the Capital Investment Strategy budgets $2,000,000 in 2022-2035 to develop the park.
Cooper Crest Parcel (3600 20th Ave NW)
The Cooper Crest Parcel contains a small tributary of Green Cove Creek surrounded by a mature forest. A short nature trail runs through this 13.4-acre open space. The site is in good condition and no major improvements are planned.
Garfield Nature Trail (620 Rogers St. NW)
This 7.4-acre open space is developed with a nature trail through a ravine following Garfield Creek, which outlets to Budd Inlet in the undeveloped portion of West Bay Park. The trail forms an important pedestrian connection to West Bay Park, connecting a large residential neighborhood to the waterfront. The trail in generally in fairly good condition but some of the bridges and boardwalks are showing signs of age.
Proposed Action: There is $155,000 budgeted for boardwalk and bridge replacements throughout the park system as part of OPARD’s Capital Asset Management Program. The boardwalks and bridges in the park will be assessed as part of this project. As bridges and boardwalks are replaced, efforts will be made to eliminate steps wherever possible to make the trail more barrier-free.
Grass Lake Nature Park (700 Kaiser Road NW)
This 172-acre park, purchased in 1991, consists of 170 acres of open space and 2.5 acres of neighborhood park. The park contains a large wetland complex and a diversity of other habitats that form part of the headwaters of Green Cove Creek. This is the city’s most important open spaces for wildlife and aquatic habitat value. It has no developed facilities and fairly primitive, narrow soft-surface trails. The master plan was completed in 1997. A portion of the proposed 10 to 14 mile Capitol to Capitol trail which would connect Capitol Forest with the Washington State Capitol Campus is proposed to pass through the park. (For more detailed information on this trail corridor, see p. 3-61 of the Thurston Regional Trails Plan.)
Proposed Action: $1,141,000 in funding currently exists for a phase 1 development project in 2016 which would allow for the design and construction of a 10-foot-wide, 6,100-foot-long, paved pedestrian pathway from the current Kaiser Road trailhead to Harrison Boulevard. This plan also budgets $1 million in 2021 for a project which would connect the trail system to Cooper Point Road. These two projects would serve to complete the portion of the Capitol to Capitol trail that runs through the park.
McRostie Parcel (1415 19th Ave SE)
No improvements are planned for this 0.2-acre undeveloped open space.
Mission Creek Nature Park (1700 San Francisco Ave NE)
In this 36.8-acre park, 32.8 acres are classified as “Open Space” and 4 acres as “Neighborhood Park” classification. The park contains a large portion of the significant wetland complex at the headwaters of Mission Creek and has a mix of young and mature forest in the uplands. The “Neighborhood Park” portion of the park is undeveloped. Improvements to the “Open Space” component were made as part of an Interim Use and Management Plan in 2007. Both portions are in good condition and no major improvements are planned. A habitat assessment for the park was completed in 2015 by Public Works Environmental Services that identified restoration opportunities at the park.
Olympia Woodland Trail (1600 Eastside St. SE)
This paved, multi-use trail extends from the main trailhead at the intersection of Eastside Street and Wheeler Avenue to the Chehalis Western Trail. It is 10 feet wide and 2.5 miles long. The trail follows Indian Creek for a portion of its length and provides a potential habitat connectivity corridor. Olympia Woodland Trail Phase 3 would extend the trail from the Eastside Street trailhead through the edge of Watershed Park ending at Henderson Boulevard. Phase 4 would extend from Henderson Boulevard to the southwest, paralleling I-5 and terminating at Tumwater Historical Park. The first two phases of the trail were built utilizing strong partnerships with the Woodland Trail Greenway Association, Washington Department of Transportation, and Thurston Regional Planning Council. The City will seek to continue and expand these partnerships moving forward with Phases 3 and 4. (For more detailed information on this trail corridor, see p. 3-41 of the Thurston Regional Trails Plan.)
Proposed Action: This plan budgets $350,000 in 2018 for Phase 3 design and the Plan’s “Long Range Options (2022-2035)” section of the Capital Investment Strategy budgets $4.5 million for Phase 3 construction in 2022-2035. The plan budgets $5.3 million for open space/trail acquisition in the “Long Range Options (2022-2035)” section of the plan, some of which could be utilized for Phase 3 and/or 4 Right of Way acquisition. The City will pursue partnerships and grants for Phase 4 planning efforts.
Priest Point Park (2600 East Bay Drive NE)
In this 313.5-acre developed park, 284.5 acres are classified as “Open Space”, 25 acres as “Community Park”, and 4 acres as “Neighborhood Park.” The park contains small “pocket estuaries” where Ellis and Mission Creeks flow into Budd Inlet. The 1.5 miles of undeveloped marine shoreline are unique within the City and provide significant habitat value and public access to Budd Inlet. While the playground and two of the picnic shelters are in good condition, the other two shelters, all of the restrooms, and the park maintenance headquarters have all reached the end of their design lives and are in need of replacement or major renovation. The Open Space is in fair condition. Invasive plants, particularly English ivy, remain a concern and will continue to be addressed via the Parks Stewardship program.
Proposed Action: As part of OPARD’s Capital Asset Management Program $124,000 is budgeted for Kitchen #1 (Rose Garden) reconstruction in 2016; $50,000 for septic system repairs in 2017; $110,000 for Restrooms 2 & 3 renovation, $130,000 for replacing Shelter #2, $130,000 for replacing the shelters in the upper loop and $190,000 for replacing restroom #1 in 2018, $55,000 for lighting replacement in 2019; and $870,000 as partial funding for replacing the maintenance headquarters in 2020. There is also $155,000 budged in 2016 for boardwalk and bridge replacements throughout the park system. The boardwalks and bridges at Priest Point Park will be assessed as part of this project.
Trillium Park (900 Governor Stevens Ave SE)
This 4.5-acre developed open space is in good condition and no major improvements are planned.
Watershed Park (2500 Henderson Blvd SE)
This 153-acre developed open space is in good condition but the boardwalks and bridges are starting to show some signs of age.
Proposed Action: There is $155,000 in 2016 budgeted for boardwalk and bridge replacements throughout the park system as part of OPARD’s Capital Asset Management Program. The boardwalks and bridges in Watershed Park will be assessed as part of this project. An undeveloped portion of the park on the southwest side of Henderson Boulevard has been identified as a potential area for off-road bike trails for which the plan budgets $200,000 in 2017. The Plan’s “Long Range Options (2022-2035)” section of the Capital Investment Strategy also budgets $500,000 for improvements to the Watershed Park trailhead.
Wildwood Glen Parcel (2600 Hillside Dr. SE)
This is a 2-acre undeveloped open space and no major improvements are planned.
New Neighborhood Park Land and Development
10 Neighborhood Park/Open Space Acquisitions
In order for there to be a neighborhood park within walking distance to nearly all Olympia residents, 10 new combination neighborhood park/open spaces will be acquired. While the exact size and configuration will vary depending on land availability, the concept is that each site would be approximately 5 acres in size with two acres utilized for the active neighborhood park portion and 3 acres of forest or other natural area utilized as a passive open space. This is similar to Decatur Woods, McGrath Woods, Burri and Evergreen parks, all of which have both an active and passive component. In areas where five acres are not available, smaller parcels will be considered.
Proposed Action: $1.7 million is budgeted in 2017 for 5 combination neighborhood park/open space acquisitions. The plan also budgets $4.5 million for LBA Woods acquisition, a portion of which would serve as one of the combination neighborhood park/open space sites. The Plan’s “Long Range Options (2022-2035)” section of the Capital Investment Strategy also budgets $2 million for the remaining four sites.
5 Neighborhood Park Development Projects
Olympia currently has eight undeveloped neighborhood park sites and four neighborhood parks that are partially developed with interim improvements. The plan calls for fully developing five neighborhood parks over the plans 20-year planning horizon.
Proposed Action: The Plan’s “Long Range Options (2022-2035)” section of the Capital Investment Strategy budgets $6.9 million for developing 5 neighborhood park sites.
Spraygrounds (Water Play Features)
A sprayground is a recreation area for water play that has little or no standing water. While they are not a substitute for a swimming pool, they are enormously popular in warm weather among young children. They provide a fun, outdoor water activity at a fraction of the cost of a pool and without the need for lifeguards as there is no risk of drowning.
Proposed Action: This plan budgets $473,000 for a sprayground in 2016 and $525,000 for a second sprayground in 2018.
New Community Park Land and Development
LBA Woods Acquisition
“LBA Woods” refers to two undeveloped wooded 74-acre and 72-acre parcels adjacent to LBA Park in Southeast Olympia. In July, 2015, the City entered into an option to purchase the 74-acre Morse-Merryman parcel. While a goal is to preserve as much open space as possible, a portion of the site could be utilized for athletic fields. Additional efficiencies are presented by the parcel’s location adjacent to the existing developed support facilities at LBA Park. Field investigations indicate that athletic field drainage problems currently being experienced at LBA Park can be solved in a cost-effective manner by draining these fields into a former quarry excavation located nearby on the parcel.
Proposed Action: This plan budgets $4.5 million in 2017 for acquisition of the 74-acre Morse-Merryman LBA Woods parcel.
Future Land Acquisition
In order to protect the City’s negotiating position, it is not always possible or desirable to identify specific parcels to acquire for future parks in a parks plan. Each parcel requires a willing seller and considerable negotiation in order to secure a purchase and sale agreement. In recognition of this, the plan includes a Land Acquisition fund in 2017. This fund is to be utilized for open space and/or community park acquisition opportunities that would further the goals and policies of the plan and help achieve the plan’s Level of Service Standards. The City would utilize the following criteria to evaluate potential purchases with this fund (listed in no particular order):
• Willing seller
• Good value
• Good location
• Limited environmental concerns
• Good recreation and/or habitat value
• Property would help achieve park Level of Service Standards or is an important trail corridor
• Property is in an underserved part of the community
• Reasonable development costs
• Reasonable maintenance costs (both while undeveloped and once fully-developed)
• High City Council and community priority
Proposed Action: This plan includes a Land Acquisition fund in 2017. Some of these funds could go towards the acquisition of athletic-field oriented community park property.
New Community Park Development
In order to meet both existing and future athletic field needs, the plan calls for both upgrades to existing athletic fields and development of new athletic field community parks (see p. 68 for a detailed community park needs analysis).
Proposed Action: The plan budgets $580,000 in 2017 for upgrades to existing athletic fields. The plan budgets $250,000 in 2018 for an athletic field park design and $900,000 for phase 1 development in 2019. The Plan’s Capital Investment Strategy identifies $4.6 million in MPD funds in 2017-2021 to support a high priority project. Soccer Fields are one of four projects identified as a high priority project to utilize these funds. The Plan’s “Long Range Options (2022-2035)” section of the Capital Investment Strategy budgets $3.5 million in 2022-2035 for an athletic park Phase 2 development project including lit, synthetic turf fields and $700,000 for upgrades to existing fields.
Arts Center
The need for an arts center first became evident in a 1989 Needs Assessment Study for the Olympia Arts Commission. This need has continued to be a topic of public interest with numerous annual requests for exhibition space, working studios, and rehearsal space, as well as requests for venues to gather, learn, and teach.
Over the years, Olympia citizens have shaped a vision for an arts center that is lively, open, and accessible to all segments of the community. It would be a place to view, express, experience, learn, and make all forms of art. Public gallery space could host exhibitions by area artists, youth, or traveling shows of national note or historical significance. Exhibitions would be augmented with strong education and outreach programs and allow for ongoing partnerships with area schools and universities. Central gathering places inside and outside the facility could provide a venue for workshops and rehearsals.
In 2007, a Market and Feasibility Analysis for a Community Arts Center was completed by Economics Research Associates. Based on their findings, an Arts Center of 14,000 square feet is the model most financially sustainable for Olympia based on community need, economic analysis, and case studies of other arts centers. This clearinghouse for arts information and promotion, for education and creation, would include 5,000 square feet of exhibition space, 1,500 square feet of classrooms and workshops, a 250 square foot retail space, and a 2,000 square foot restaurant or café. We envision the Arts Center as the hub of the widely diverse collection of art disciplines and styles in our community. It would be a place where artists go to meet, where children and adults go to learn, where the community comes to view art, and where visitors stop in to be directed to art in our community.
There has also been an ongoing effort to provide workforce artist housing in the community. The Olympia Artspace Alliance was established as a non-profit organization in 2011 to create, foster and preserve affordable live and work space for artists and arts organizations in Olympia. While art centers and artist housing are different structural entities, in some communities, partnerships have allowed arts centers and workforce artist housing to co-exist in the same location.
Proposed Action: The Plan’s Capital Investment Strategy identifies $4.6 million in MPD funds in 2017-2021 to support a high priority project. An Arts Center is one of four projects identified as a high priority project to utilize these funds. The Plan’s “Long Range Options (2022-2035)” section of the Capital Investment Strategy budgets $1.5 million for an arts center in 2022-2035.
Increased Arts Programming
OPARD’s current Arts Program operates with just 1.25 FTE. In order to build this program and fulfil the goals set forth in the Municipal Arts Plan and the Comprehensive Plan, more staffing will be necessary.
Proposed Action: OPARD will work with the Olympia Arts Commission in 2016 to develop a strategy for evaluating new goals and policies that could be carried out with additional staffing. The Plan’s Capital Investment Strategy budgets $50,000 annually beginning in 2017 for increased arts programming staff.
Recreation Center
As The Olympia Center approaches 30 years of operation, planning efforts should begin for major renovations or replacement of The Olympia Center. This could include a swimming pool, ice rink, indoor athletic facilities and/or additional recreation amenities.
Proposed Action: The plan budgets $300,000 in the “Long Range Options 2022-2035” section for this planning effort.
Aquatics Center/Swimming Pool
In the random sample survey conducted for this plan, when asked what the most needed recreational amenity not currently offered was, “swimming facilities” was the number one response. Neither Olympia nor any of its adjacent jurisdictions has a municipal swimming pool. There may be opportunities for OPARD to partner with neighboring jurisdictions, the school district, local health care providers or and/or other partners to make the construction and operation of an aquatics center financially feasible.
Proposed Action: The plan budgets $100,000 in 2018 for an aquatic center feasibility study.
Community Gardens
Biting into that first juicy tomato grown in the backyard is one of the joys of summertime. With increasing urban density, fewer residents have backyards large enough for a garden or may not have backyards at all. Olympians share the growing nationwide interest in integrating community gardens into their parks systems. Community gardens bring that experience to more people and benefit the community at large. In 2007, OPARD opened its first community garden at Sunrise Park followed by a second community garden at Yauger Park in 2011. Interest continues to grow for more community gardening opportunities.
Proposed Action: This plan budgets $1,000,000 for a Phase 1 Athletic Field complex project in 2021. One of the complementary amenities of that project could be a community garden.
Disc Golf
In 2007, OPARD authorized the South Puget Sound Disc Golf Association (SPSDGA) to construct a disc golf course in Yauger Park as a pilot project. While the course was popular and well-used, there were several reported conflicts between disc golf users and athletic field users. As a result, the course was removed in 2011 when the southern section of the park was reconfigured to accommodate stormwater improvements. There has not been a site identified for a new disc golf course at this time but this is a park use that may be compatible in a new community park.
Proposed Action: This plan budgets $1,000,000 for a Phase 1 Athletic Field complex project in 2021. One of the complementary amenities of that project could be a disc golf course.
Off-Leash Dog Areas
In 2010 Olympia opened its first off-leash dog area at Sunrise Park. The dog area was so popular that it became a victim of its own success. Several adjacent neighbors complained of noise, excessive odor, dust, dander, cigarette smoke, dog feces thrown into their backyards and lack of privacy. OPARD tried to mitigate the impact of the dog area on adjacent neighbors to the best of its ability. Ultimately, in 2013, the decision was made to remove the off-leash dog area and seek a more appropriate site that did not excessively impact adjacent residences. To date, OPARD has not identified an ideal site.
Proposed Action: This plan budgets $1,000,000 for a Phase 1 Athletic Field complex project in 2021. One of the complementary amenities of that project could be an off-leash dog area (separate from the athletic fields) if the site is suitable. Staff will also continue to assess Olympia’s existing park system and any future park acquisitions for potential off-leash dog sites.
Off-Road Bike Park
During the past several years, OPARD has been working closely with the South Sound Bike Park Alliance (SSBPA) to provide off-road biking opportunities in Olympia’s parks. In 2015, OPARD opened its first pump track at Yauger Park. (This small loop trail with dirt berms and rollers is designed for bicycling without the bicyclist pedaling.) The SSBBA has initially identified the portion of Watershed Park on the southwest side of Henderson Boulevard as a good potential site for a mountain bike skills park. Should the City purchase the “Kaiser Heights” property in Southwest Olympia, however, this site might also be a good (or even better) location. Either of these sites would provide a place to mountain bike without having to drive to Capitol Forest or other regional bike parks.
Proposed Action: OPARD will continue to work with SSBPA to expand the existing off-road bike area at Yauger Park. Existing funds are allocated to conduct a feasibility study for a larger off-road bike facility at another site. The study would include an assessment of potential impacts to adjacent neighbors and ways to minimize those potential impacts. This plan budgets $200,000 for the construction of an off-road bike park in 2017.
Pickleball
Pickleball is a sport in which players use solid paddles to hit a perforated plastic ball, similar to a wiffle ball, over a net. The sport shares features of other racquet sports, the dimensions and layout of a badminton court, and a net and rules similar to tennis, with a few modifications. It is rapidly growing in popularity in Olympia and a group of players have been playing several times a week at the courts at Stevens Field and at the Olympia Center. In response to requests from this group, OPARD recently striped two of the outdoor tennis courts at Woodruff Park for pickleball and added striping for an additional indoor court at The Olympia Center.
Proposed Action: OPARD will continue to monitor the growing popularity of this sport and consider striping additional tennis courts for Pickleball as needed. As neighborhood parks are developed, Pickleball courts will be considered during the design process. This plan also budgets $1,000,000 for a Phase 1 (non-field) Athletic Field complex project in 2021. Pickleball courts could be considered as amenities for that project.
Skate Park Expansion
OPARD currently manages an 11,000 square foot skate court at Yauger Park as well as a smaller, beginners skate “node” at Friendly Grove Park. The skate court at Yauger Park is 15 years old and is starting to show signs of age. It is also sometimes at capacity. In order to accommodate the growing numbers of skaters and to be able to provide a state-of-the-art facility, an additional skate court will need to be constructed.
Proposed Action: Prior funds are budgeted to add some modern features to the existing Yauger Park skate court. This plan also budgets $1,000,000 for a Phase 1 (non-field) Athletic Field complex project in 2021. One of the amenities of that project could be a new skate court.
ADA Transition Plan
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 is a civil rights statute that prohibits discrimination against people who have disabilities. It requires that facilities for public use are designed and constructed to be accessible by people with disabilities. Although all new facilities are ADA-compliant, many of Olympia parks and facilities were built before the ADA was passed in 1990. To ensure full compliance, OPARD will prepare an ADA Transition Plan, an assessment of the park system and prioritization of facilities that may be in need of upgrading.
Proposed Action: OPARD will prepare an ADA transition plan and utilize the findings to prioritize ADA upgrades to existing parks.
New Open Space/Trail Land and Development
In the random sample survey for this plan, respondents were asked to rank a series of 13 different potential new projects. The number one response was “Trails” followed by “Natural Open Space.” Clearly Olympia residents have a strong desire for open space and trails in their community.
LBA Woods
“LBA Woods” refers to two undeveloped, wooded 74-acre and 72-acre parcels adjacent to LBA Park in Southeast Olympia. During a series of neighborhood input meetings for this plan, purchasing LBA Woods for open space and trails was by far the number one requested project; it was mentioned by participants at every meeting, and for some meetings it was the predominant theme.
In July, 2015, the City entered into an option to purchase the 74-acre Morse-Merryman parcel to expand its inventory of passive open space and secure additional athletic field-oriented community park acreage, both of which can be accommodated on this site.
Proposed Action: This plan budgets $4.5 million in 2017 for acquisition of the 74-acre Morse-Merryman LBA Woods parcel. The plan also budgets $100,000 in 2018 for interim trail and parking improvements on the parcel(s).
Kaiser Woods
“Kaiser Woods” refers to 74-acres of wooded parcels west of Ken Lake in Southwest Olympia formerly proposed for the Kaiser Heights development. In August, 2015, the City entered into an option to purchase the “Kaiser Woods” parcels. “Kaiser Woods” could be a good site for off-road bike trails, pending an analysis of the potential impacts on adjacent neighbors; this area could prove Olympia residents an opportunity for mountain biking within Olympia City Limits.
Proposed Action: This plan budgets $800,000 in 2017 to purchase the “Kaiser Woods” parcels.
West Bay Woods
“West Bay Woods” refers to the area of undeveloped, forested parcels in West Olympia in the Schneider Creek watershed. In late 2014, City Environmental Stewardship staff collaborated with the Olympia Coalition for Ecosystems Preservation (OlyEcosystems) to conduct wildlife habitat enhancement on a 4.5 acre site located near the intersection of Rogers St. NW and Dickinson Ave. NW. This site is of particular value as wildlife habitat because it is some of the last breeding and nesting habitat for the Pacific great blue heron (Ardea herodias fannini) found within Olympia city limits. The City has since been working closely with OlyEcosystems to identify other priority parcels for conservation in this area. In addition to habitat preservation, acquisition of some of the parcels in this area could provide good opportunities for people to experience nature in their neighborhood and important trail connections from the neighborhood down to West Bay Drive and West Bay Park.
Proposed Action: The plan includes a Land Acquisition Fund in 2017. Some of these funds could go towards the acquisition of priority West Bay Woods parcels.
Neighborhood Park/Open Space Sites
The 2010 Parks, Arts and Recreation Plan put forward a goal of having all residences within walking distance (one-half mile) of a neighborhood park. With the strong value that Olympians put on open space, this plan expands that goal to have both a neighborhood park and an open space within walking distance to all residents. As part of the planning process for this plan, staff conducted a GIS analysis to determine which areas of the community were not walking distance to either a neighborhood park or an open space (See Map 6-1). Through this analysis it was determined that 10 combination neighborhood park/open space sites were needed to achieve this goal.
Proposed Action: This plan budgets $1.7 million in 2017 to purchase 5 combination neighborhood park/open space sites. The plan also budgets $4.5 million in 2017 for acquisition of “LBA Woods,” a portion of which would service as the open space for that area. The Plan’s “Long Range Options (2022-2035)” section of the Capital Investment Strategy budgets $2 million for four additional combination neighborhood park/open space sites.
Land Acquisition Fund
The plan includes a Land Acquisition Fund in 2017 to be utilized for open space or community park acquisition opportunities. See p. 87 for a discussion of this fund.
Long Range Open Space/Trail Acquisitions
The plan identifies funds for 54 acres of as-yet-to-be-identified open space/trail corridors to maintain the plan’s Level of Service Standard for open space.
Proposed Action: The Plan’s “Long Range Options (2022-2035)” section of the Capital Investment Strategy budgets $5.4 million for open space/trail acquisition. At $100,000 per acre, this would be approximately 54 acres.
Potential Trail Corridor Projects
The Thurston Regional Trails Plan identifies several regional trail priorities within the Olympia planning area; these are described below. All of these trails are long-term priorities for the City. When complete, these trails will help foster the goal of an interconnected system of parks and trails, which will result in greater use and appreciation of the parks themselves. Many of these trail corridors would also serve as multimodal transportation options, providing alternatives to driving. It is difficult to plan trail corridor acquisition; all of the routes will require either railroad abandonment or multiple property owners willing to sell.
Capitol to Capitol Trail
The Capitol to Capitol Trail is a proposed east-west route that uses existing, planned and proposed trails and on-street facilities to create a recreational corridor between the State Capitol and the State Capitol Forest. (For more detailed information on this trail corridor, see p. 3-61 of the Thurston Regional Trails Plan.) A portion of this proposed trail corridor runs through Grass Lake Nature Park and is discussed on p. 83.
Chambers Lake Loop Trail
This is a 3-mile recreational trail around the western shore of Chambers Lake that would connect on either end with the Chehalis-Western Trail. (For more detailed information on this trail corridor, see p. 3-29 of the Thurston Regional Trails Plan.)
Downtown Railroad Trail
This proposed 2-mile trail corridor is the railroad right-of-way owned by Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) that runs from Heritage Park through the train tunnel under downtown Olympia, and then along the Union Pacific line to the Tumwater city limits. It then continues on as the proposed East Olympia Trail through Tumwater, eventually connecting with the Chehalis-Western Trail. (For more detailed information on this trail corridor, see p. 3-57 of the Thurston Regional Trails Plan.) This corridor is still used for rail transport, so BNSF would need to abandon this line before it could be pursued as a recreational trail.
Olympia Waterfront Route
Sometimes referred to as “The Big W,” this is a collection of multiple on-street facilities, recreational shared-use trails, parks and sidewalks that would link West Bay Park, Percival Landing, the Port of Olympia, East Bay Park, and Priest Point Park.
Olympia Woodland Trail
Phases I & II of The Olympia Woodland Trail are complete and Phases III & IV remain to be completed. (See p. 84 for a detailed discussion of this trail corridor.)
Percival Canyon Trail
This is a proposed 2.5-mile trail corridor along Percival Creek from Deschutes Parkway to R.W. Johnson Boulevard/21st Avenue. From R.W. Johnson Boulevard, the trail corridor becomes the Black Lake Trail and then the Gate-Belmore Trail. Together, these trails would provide a non-motorized trail connection from Olympia to western Thurston County. They would also link to the proposed West Bay Trail via Deschutes Parkway. The Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad bed is the preferred alignment for this trail. However, the corridor is actively used for train transport, so acquisition and development of this corridor hinges on abandonment of the rail line. (For more detailed information on this trail corridor, see p. 3-73 of the Thurston Regional Trails Plan.)
West Bay Trail
This is a proposed 1.5-mile trail corridor along the West Bay shoreline from Deschutes Parkway to Raft Avenue (near the West Bay Marina). (See p. 81 for a detailed discussion of this trail corridor.)
The following trails provide important linkages and are thus included in this plan, although they are not identified in the Thurston Regional Trails Plan.
Mission Creek Nature Park to Priest Point Park Trail
This proposed 0.8-mile trail corridor would connect Mission Creek Nature Park to Priest Point Park. Mission Creek links these two parks, and ideally much of the trail would be located along the creek corridor. Between the two parks, the creek passes through about 20 private parcels. Since it may be difficult to secure a trail easement through all of these parcels, portions of the trail may have to be located on the street.
Woodard Creek Trail
This proposed 2-mile trail greenway begins at Martin Way and runs northward along Woodard Creek to 26th Avenue. Much of this corridor is owned by Providence St. Peter Hospital and representatives from the hospital have expressed interest over the years in providing a public trail corridor in this area. A link from this trail to 8th Avenue Park should be explored.
Yauger Park to Grass Lake Trail
This proposed 1.3-mile trail would link Yauger Park to Grass Lake Nature Park and then continue north to the Cooper Crest parcel. This project is discussed on p. 83.
Proposed Action: To ensure that the City is in a position to act on trail corridor opportunities as they may arise, the plan includes a “Land Acquisition Fund” in 2017, some of which could be utilized for the acquisition of trail corridors.
Neighborhood Pathways Program
Neighborhood pathways are short connections for people walking and biking that connect streets to parks, schools and other streets where no motor vehicle connection exists. These pathways shorten trips for people walking and biking and provide more comfortable, off-street routes. The Neighborhood Pathways Program is implemented by Public Works and was developed as a result of a City Council initiative to improve neighborhood walkability. Since 2010, OPARD typically contributes $25,000 annually to the program for connections to parks and trails. To date, improved pathways connections to West Bay Park, Trillium Park and Decatur Woods Park are complete and a project to connect to the Olympia Woodland Trail is planned for 2016.
Proposed Action: $25,000 is budgeted annually to contribute towards the Neighborhood Pathways Program focusing on connections to parks and trails.
Natural Resource Management
As noted on p. 25, one of the challenges facing Olympia’s park system is effective management of the over 800 acres of natural areas set aside as open space. OPARD has been working closely with the recently-formed Environmental Services division of the Public Works Department in the natural resource management of several park properties. The Environmental Services division has begun writing natural resource management plans for some of Olympia’s parks. These plans will help the department assess whether additional resources may be necessary in order to effectively manage Olympia’s open space system.
Proposed Action: The Department will continue to develop the partnership with Environmental Services in the management of the natural areas within the park system. OPARD also intends to pursue grants to implement future restoration and habitat work on park properties in partnership with other city departments and local organizations.
Existing and Proposed Parks and Open Spaces Map
The Existing and Proposed Parks and Open Spaces Map (Map 7-1) graphically represents Olympia’s future park system. Some important notes about the map are:
• The map shows proposed park and open space locations. The intent is to show generally where a park or open space should be located. The actual location will be determined based on land availability, acquisition cost, and the property owner’s willingness to sell.
• The location and arrangement of the parks is designed to serve the entire Planning Area (including the area within Olympia City Limits and the Urban Growth Area - UGA).
• Names of proposed parks are for reference only and not yet approved by the City Council.
• Proposed improvements for each park and open space are outlined previously in this chapter.
View Existing and Proposed Parks and Open Spaces
New Programs
In addition to parks and open spaces, this plan identifies several new programs to be implemented during the next ten years:
New Arts Programs
The Comprehensive Plan is the City’s main tool to shape the direction and development of our community based on extensive public outreach and response. The goals and policies adopted by Council become action plan and work plan items over the next 20 years to achieve the kind of community Olympians say they want. This most recent Comprehensive Plan included new directions for arts in the community such as:
• Encourage art in vacant storefronts.
• Encourage neighborhood art studios.
• Support art installations that produce solar or wind generated energy.
• Help artists, organizations and businesses identify possible locations in commercial areas for studios and exhibition space.
• Establish an "art in city buildings" program that would host rotating art exhibits.
• Establish and promote a theater and entertainment district in downtown Olympia.
• Create a range of opportunities for the public to interact with art; from small workshops to large community events.
• Encourage early arts education opportunities.
• Pursue a regional community arts center.
• Pursue affordable housing and studio/rehearsal space for artists, including support for, or participation in, establishing or constructing buildings or sections of buildings that provide living, work and gallery space exclusively for artists.
Some of these directions are a shift in emphasis, others are new programs. With a staff of 1.25 FTE, these projects are on top of a currently robust work plan and will be addressed incrementally, as time and staffing allow. More aggressive pursuit of these directives can only happen with increased program staffing.
In addition to the Comprehensive Plan and Parks Plan, the Arts Commission also produces their own annual Municipal Art Plan, which proposes projects which would draw from the Municipal Art Fund and provides a 5-year planning horizon for new public art projects.
New Environmental Initiatives
In the last several years, OPARD has embraced a green mindset, implementing environmentally friendly design, achieving LEED certification for the redevelopment of Percival Landing, conducting extensive environmental cleanup at Percival Landing and West Bay Park, implementing a Pesticide-Free Parks Program, and more. OPARD will continue to lead by example by embracing green technology and practices.
Proposed Action: $450,000 is budgeted in 2017 to complete environmental cleanup at West Bay Park. OPARD will also explore alternatives to gas-powered equipment, and consider reduced maintenance by gas-powered equipment in planning new parks. The Department will continue to research and utilize other means of vegetation management to further reduce chemical applications and will explore making the Pesticide-Free Parks initiative permanent and expand it to other parks. OPARD will explore the potential for adding edible landscaping to parks, and will continue to explore ways to minimize stormwater runoff in parks. The Department will also pursue LEED certification for future park development projects whenever feasible.
Maintenance Facility Needs Assessment
Currently all Parks maintenance operations are based at the Priest Point Park maintenance facility. Approximately 20 full time employees and 20 seasonal employees report to work at this facility. Additionally, almost all maintenance equipment is stationed at the park. The maintenance facility at Priest Point Park is outdated, undersized and inadequate to meet the needs of current operations. As the City adds new parks and facilities, the need for maintenance staff, equipment, and materials will only increase.
Proposed Action: The Department is currently working with a consultant to prepare a planning/feasibility study that will assist the City in identifying the space needs and site requirements for an Operations and Maintenance complex to meet the needs of both Public Works and Parks Maintenance now and into the future.