Title
Rebecca Howard Park Development Plan Recommendation
Recommended Action
Recommend approval of the Rebecca Howard Park Development Plan to City Council contingent on the Arts Commission to review plan for art in the park.
Report
Issue:
Whether to recommend approval of the Rebecca Howard Park Development Plan.
Staff Contact:
Sarah Giannobile, Associate Planner; Parks, Arts and Recreation; 360.753.8020
Presenter(s):
Sarah Giannobile, Associate Planner
Background and Analysis:
In 2018, the City of Olympia purchased 0.34 acres in downtown Olympia for potential housing. Then in the summer of 2020, the focus for the site shifted from housing to healing by wanting to provide a safe place for community members to find peace, connection, and belonging. In 2021, the property was transferred over to the Olympia Parks Department to develop into a park. The major goal of this park will be to honor and celebrate the lives of Black and African American members in this community, both past and present, to help bring their stories of perseverance and light to the forefront.
Five park purpose and goal statements were identified to help assist with preliminary design concepts for the site, they included:
• To celebrate, honor, and recognize the local history and contributions of our African American and Black community members.
• To provide a safe place for peace and healing, that honors representation and fosters a sense of belonging and inclusion.
• To promote equity, respect, and learning as we build community together.
• To find common ground with each other through storytelling, performance and art - especially stories, performances, art from, or promoted by and led by our African American and/or Black community members.
• To build strong connections with the surrounding neighbors and organizations.
In 2022, the park was named after Rebecca Howard, an accomplished and respected black businesswoman who owned and operated the Pacific House Hotel from the late 1850’s to the 1870’s. Rebecca was known for her welcoming yet no-nonsense demeanor as she managed the boarding house and restaurant which served local regulars and traveling politicians.
In fall 2024, the City hired a Design Consultant team to complete the park development plan. They assembled a steering committee of local Black community members and hired two members as Cultural Design Advocates to help plan community events and spread the word about this project.
From April to July 2025, five community events were held to share site alternatives and different design opportunities for discussion and feedback. The feedback received was used to create a preferred site plan and the overall park development plan report.
The Rebecca Howard Park Development Plan Report will be sent out to the community for final review before approval.
Climate Analysis:
One of the goals of the Parks Department is to have a park located within a ½ mile of residents which encourages fewer vehicle miles for people to access parks and/or open space in Olympia. This park is located in Olympia’s downtown core and has bus service and bike routes nearby.
Equity Analysis:
Representation and Belonging - this will be the first park in our system the celebrates and honors our Black and African American community members - past and present.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
A steering committee of local Black cultural advocates was formed and met monthly (from Oct. 2024 to July 2025) to discuss the possibilities of this space.
Options:
1. Move to recommend approval of the Rebecca Howard Park Development Plan.
2. Move to recommend approval of the Rebecca Howard Park Development Plan pursuant to PRAC recommended modifications.
3. Do not recommend approval of the Rebecca Howard Park Development Plan to City Council.
Financial Impact:
One of the main objectives of the Park Development Plan is to obtain a cost estimate of the final site design so we can move forward with a funding plan. The cost estimate is being finalized by the Consultant and will be incorporated into the plan and discussed during the PRAC meeting.
Attachments:
Rebecca Howard Park Development Plan Report