Title
Meet Olympia Parks, Arts & Recreation Department (OPARD) Director Sylvana Niehuser
Recommended Action
Information only. No action requested.
Report
Issue:
Opportunity for introductions among Arts Commissioners and new OPARD Director.
Staff Contact:
Stephanie Johnson, Arts Program Manager, Parks, Arts & Recreation, 360.709.2678
Presenter(s):
N/A
Background and Analysis:
Sylvana Niehuser was hired as OPARD Director in October 2025, having previously served the City as Director of Parks Planning and Maintenance.
Director Niehuser comes to the position already well versed in values and goals of the City and OPARD, having participated in developing multiple Park Plans, and most recently, as the OPARD representative on the current Comprehensive Plan development team.
This agenda item is an opportunity to meet Sylvana, hear about her vision and goals for the department, and learn from Commissioners about their interests as well.
Climate Analysis:
Parks and open space are key components of the City’s climate resiliency and OPARD efforts in park and facility design, and fleet and infrastructure improvements follow best practices in concert with the City’s Climate Change Response program.
Equity Analysis:
In addition to the City-wide Belonging and Equity Action Team (BEAT), OPARD has its own Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (EIB), committee, whose mission is to center equity, inclusion, and belonging in our people, programs, policies, and places-cultivating a workplace and community culture rooted in fairness, connection, and shared accountability, guided by data and community voice.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
N/A
Options:
N/A
Financial Impact:
N/A
Attachments:
N/A