Title
West Bay Park Recreation, Trail & Restoration Analysis Report Briefing
Recommended Action
Briefing; no action requested.
Report
Issue:
Briefing and discussion on the West Bay Park Report.
Presenter:
Jim Brennan, Principal, J.A. Brennan Associates
Staff Contact:
Laura Keehan, Planning & Design Manager, Olympia Parks, Arts & Recreation, 360.570.5855
Background and Analysis:
Olympia’s West Bay park, restoration, and trail connection have been decades in the making. In October 2017, Olympia hired J.A. Brennan Associates to implement an inclusive design process to develop a master plan that restores habitat function to a disturbed urban waterfront, while connecting locals and visitors to a network of trails, parks, and public art.
Through the design and public process the city narrowed down the design alternatives for continued study to two bookend alternatives as documented in the attached report: Alternative 1 and Alternative 5, with some modifications. Further information, design and analysis are required before a preferred alternative can be selected. One aspect that may affect future decisions is the outcome of the Capitol Lake Restoration Project EIS. While the two bookend alternatives take these potential future shoreline and marine conditions into account, the exact routing of the trail along West Bay remains in flux. This report documents the research, public input, and progress made during this most recent planning effort for West Bay.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Because of this community park’s waterfront location, residents across Olympia have interest in this location.
The Squaxin Island Tribe has significant interest in the shoreline environment of West Bay and participated throughout this planning process.
The Port of Olympia owns the lagoon area adjacent to the park, as well as the parcel directly north of the park, and engaged in the process through their staff.
Options:
Not applicable; information only.
Financial Impact:
This planning project is identified in the 2016 Parks Plan and 2017 Capital Facilities Plan and utilizes approximately $324,000 of park impact fees and SEPA mitigation fees.
Attachments:
Draft West Bay Report