Title
Artesian Commons Update
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Receive the report, and provide feedback and direction for staff regarding the identified policy questions.
Report
Issue:
Whether to receive a summary of the park history and a status update regarding the Artesian Commons.
Staff Contact:
Paul Simmons, Director, Parks, Arts & Recreation Department, 360.753.8462
Presenter(s):
Paul Simmons, Director, Parks, Arts & Recreation Department, 360.753.8462
Background and Analysis:
The Artesian Commons property was initially purchased by the City of Olympia in 2010 with two primary purposes: to protect the last remaining publicly accessible Artesian Well, and to provide overflow parking for City Hall. Subsequently, following a "Project for Public Spaces" workshop in 2011, the property was designated as a future park. The hope at the time was to discourage negative behaviors on the property by introducing new positive behaviors.
After several months of ongoing community meetings, the park opened in the spring of 2014. Although the design budget was limited, the vision and hope for the park was that it would become a food truck destination with community groups using the space for events and activities. Unfortunately, that vision never fully materialized, and the park has continued to struggle with a presence of drug dealing, substance abuse, and aggressive and violent behaviors.
Each year the Parks, Arts, and Recreation Department has continued to make investments in the evolving design of the park, increased levels of maintenance, and has continued to increase programming in the space. In 2016, the Ranger and Well Host positions were introduced to provide a positive presence in the park. The City has also invested in ongoing programs at the park, most notably contracting with The Bridge Music Program to host a summer concert series.
The Artesian Commons has become a gatherin...
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