Title
Rebecca Howard Master Plan Update
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Receive an update on the Rebecca Howard Master Plan process.
Report
Issue:
Whether to receive an update on the Rebecca Howard Master Plan process.
Staff Contact:
Sarah Giannobile; Associate Planner; Parks, Arts and Recreation; 360.753.8020
Presenter(s):
Paul Simmons, Director of Parks, Arts and Recreation
Background and Analysis:
In 2018, the City of Olympia purchased 0.34 acres in downtown Olympia for potential economic development purposes. In the summer of 2020, with City Council direction the focus for the site shifted from economic development to peace and healing. The hope was 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 primary focus 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.
The City is currently to finalize a contract with a design consultant to complete a master plan for the park. Colloqate/ABLE were selected as the consultant and their mission is to design spaces that promote racial, social and cultural equity.
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 that is dedicated to celebrating and honoring our Black and African American community members - past, present, and future. This master planning process will collaborate with local African American and Black community members to identify people and stories to uplift and brainstorm ideas for meaningful representation in the design features.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
A stakeholder group of interested neighbors, community members, Library staff, and City staff was formed in 2020 and has met periodically to discuss the possibilities for this space. Community representatives were from the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee (PRAC), Media Island International, the Olympia-Timberland Library, Fertile Grounds, Women of Color in Leadership, Campfire Coffee, and adjacent neighbors.
Financial Impact:
There has been $500,000 identified in the CFP for the purpose of finalizing the concept plan and starting the design for the project. Part of the Consultant’s scope of work will be to provide a cost estimate for development of the final site design so we can move forward with the development of a funding strategy.
Options:
1. Receive the update.
2. Do not receive the update.
3. Receive the update at another time.
Attachments:
Olympia Area Black Pioneers Brochure
Rebecca Howard Park Master Plan Request for Qualifications (RFQ)