Title
Agenda Item:
Artesian Court Draft Concept Design
Body
Issue:
Update on the Artesian Court project
Staff Contact:
Linda Oestreich, Director of Parks, Arts and Recreation, 360.753.8462
David Okerlund, Planning Program Manager, 360.570.5855
Presenter(s):
Linda Oestreich
David Okerlund
Background and Analysis:
Prior Council/ Committee Review:
February 7, 2012: This concept was presented to City Council as a component of the Downtown Project.
January 30, 2013: An oral project status report was presented to the Land Use and Environment Committee.
Ongoing: Two members of City Council have served on the City Artesian Court Design Team.
Background:
Project Purpose and Vision
The work by the City's Artesian Court Design Team is an extension of the planning effort for this space initiated during the fall, 2011 Project for Public Spaces exercise. This project will create a vibrant, multi-purpose urban courtyard offering a variety of activities designed and managed to be clean, safe and welcoming to all. Circulation and parking improvements will improve access to the artesian well-head. In the future, the artesian interpretive area will provide a space to explain artesian geology and celebrate the artesian phenomenon. The food court will serve as a gathering place for people who live and work downtown- including areas for socializing and dining. The hours of operation of the space have yet to be determined.
Public Involvement
City staff presented the Artesian Court Draft Concept Plan to five organizations and to the owners of the two adjacent buildings. A general public meeting was conducted by the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee (PRAC) at the Olympia Center on March 7, 2013 with about 25 attendees. Throughout the public process, over 100 individual comments were recorded and numerous e-mails were received. The comments were varied- exemplifying the uniqueness and diversity of our community. The public outreach process included meetings with the...
Click here for full text