Title
Rebecca Howard Park Briefing
Recommended Action
Information Only. No action requested.
Report
Issue:
Update on Rebecca Howard Master Plan process including background and status of hiring Design Consultant.
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 housing. Then 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.
The City is currently working on hiring a Design Consultant to complete a master plan for the park.
Comprehensive Plan or Parks, Arts & Recreation Plan Connection:
Parks, Arts & Recreation Plan: GR11 Olympia Parks, Arts and Recreation is an industry leader in equity and inclusion, where ALL people feel safe and are provided equitable access to engage in parks, art and recreation services.
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 stakeholder group of interested City Staff and community members was formed and met periodically to discuss the possibilities for this space. Community representatives were from Media Island International, the library, Fertile Grounds, Women of Color in Leadership, and adjacent neighbors.
Options:
Information only.
Financial Impact:
Part of the Consultant’s scope of work will be to provide a cost estimate of the final site design so we can move forward with a funding plan.
Attachments:
Olympia Area Black Pioneers Brochure
Rebecca Howard Park Master Plan Request for Qualifications (RFQ)