Title
Approval of the Rebecca Howard Park Development Plan
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Move to approve, as recommended by the Community Livability and Public Safety Committee (CLPS), the Rebecca Howard Park Development Plan.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve the Rebecca Howard Park Development Plan.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve 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 Plan was brought to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee in October of 2025. The Advisory body recommends the plan for approval.
Following PRAC’s recommendation the Olympia Arts Commission received a briefing and gave their unanimous endorsement of the plan.
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. The planning process included incorporating solar panels into the roof of the café and a rain capture system for watering plants.
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. The planning process included a steering committee and Community Design Advocates from the local black community. The design reflects Olympia’s Black culture and shares the stories of local Black and African American community members who shaped and continue to shape Olympia.
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 vision and possibilities of this space.
Financial Impact:
The Park Development Plan process cost $310,000 and was funded with Impact Fees. One of the main objectives of the Park Development Plan was to obtain a cost estimate of the final site design so we can move forward with a funding plan. The planning level estimate range for the park is $5.6 to $6.6 million dollars. This project will be completed in phases (main park, building and festival street). We will be seeking grant matches to help fund these different phases along with future Impact Fees.
Options:
1. Move to approve the Rebecca Howard Park Development Plan.
2. Move to approve the Rebecca Howard Park Development Plan pursuant to City Council recommended modifications.
3. Do not approve the Rebecca Howard Park Development Plan.
Attachments:
Draft Rebecca Howard Park Development Plan
PRAC Approval Letter
OAC Endorsement Letter