Title
Approval of a Resolution Authorizing a Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program Grant Application to the Recreation and Conservation Office for Rebecca Howard Park Phase I
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve a resolution authorizing a Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program Grant Application to the Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) for Rebecca Howard Park Phase I.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve a resolution authorizing a Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program Grant Application to the RCO for Rebecca Howard Park Phase I.
Staff Contact:
Tammy LeDoux, Finance & Policy Coordinator, Parks Arts and Recreation, 360.753.8053
Sarah Giannobile, Parks Planner, Parks, Arts and Recreation, 360.753.8020
Presenter(s):
None - Consent Calendar Item
Background and Analysis:
The Parks, Arts and Recreation Department is preparing an RCO grant application for the current funding cycle. The application is due July 15, 2026, and is required to include formal City Council authorization.
The Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program (WWRP) is our state’s largest public funding source for outdoor community projects. It provides matching funds to create new parks, protect wildlife habitat and preserve working lands. The WWRP is funded every two years as part of the state’s Capital Construction Budget. If successful, the grant would reimburse the City $500,000 towards Phase 1 development of Rebecca Howard Park.
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 open space in Olympia. This park is located in Olympia’s downtown and has bus service and bike routes nearby.
Climate adaptive and drought-resistant native plants will be included in the planting design to help create a low-maintenance landscape.
Equity Analysis:
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 grant totals $500,000. The grant match will be a combination of impact fees and Metropolitan Park District funds, SEPA fees, and grants.
Options:
1. Move to approve a resolution authorizing a Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program Grant Application to the Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) for Rebecca Howard Park Phase I.
2. Do not approve the Resolution. Staff would be unable to pursue this grant opportunity.
3. Take other action.
Attachments:
Resolution
RCO Resolution
Sample Grant Agreement