Title
Update on Rebecca Howard Park
Recommended Action
Information only. No action requested.
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Issue:
Receive the presentation and provide feedback.
Staff Contact:
Stephanie Johnson, Arts Program Manager, Parks, Arts & Recreation, 360.709.2678
Presenter(s):
Sarah Giannobile, Associate Parks Planner
Background and Analysis:
In 2018, the City of Olympia purchased a corner parcel in downtown Olympia for economic development. During the 2020 Black Lives Matters protest in response to the murder of George Floyd, the focus for the site shifted from housing to healing to provide a safe place for community members to find peace, connection, and belonging. The property was then transferred over to the Olympia Parks Department to develop into a park.
A stakeholder group of interested City staff and community members was formed to discuss the possibilities for this space, which led to the name Rebecca Howard Park in honor of Olympia's first Black businesswoman in the early years of the Pacific Northwest. Revered and respected for her hospitality, humor and no-nonsense demeanor, Howard was a well-loved Olympia pioneer who managed the boarding house and restaurant which served local regulars and traveling politicians.
The stakeholder group identified five park purpose-and-goal statements to help assist with preliminary design concepts for the site, they included:
1. To celebrate, honor, and recognize the local history and contributions of our African American and Black community members.
2. To provide a safe place for peace and healing, that honors representation and fosters a sense of belonging and inclusion.
3. To promote equity, respect, and learning as we build community together.
4. To find common ground with each other through storytelling, performance and art - especially stories, performances, and art from, or promoted by and led by our African American and/or Black community members.
5. To build strong connections with the surrounding neighbors and organiz...
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