Thursday, October 1, 2026
A development plan for Rebecca Howard Park features public art throughout the property, offering new opportunities for artists to showcase Olympia’s Black history and culture.
Designed with guidance from the city’s Black community, the park plan incorporates art throughout its layout, offering multiple spaces for murals, sculptures, performances and storytelling installations.
The Olympia Arts Commission expressed support for the project during a meeting on Thursday, Dec. 12.
Commission members praised the park’s innovative approach to representation, community engagement and creative opportunities. Commissioners agreed to draft a letter to the Olympia City Council underscoring the park’s focus on showcasing African American artists, entrepreneurs and community builders.
“This is about more than just creating a park,” Commissioner Sergio Garcia said. “It’s about visibility, representation and honoring the rich cultural contributions of Olympia’s Black community.”
Associate Parks Planner Sarah Giannobile presented the completed park development plan, saying the design goes beyond traditional green spaces.
The plan draws inspiration from "Sankofa," a word and symbol from Ghana representing the importance of understanding the past to move forward.
The plan features a circular layout meant to symbolize connection and continuity, reflecting both historical roots and future possibilities for the community.
The design emerged from an intensive engagement process that included nine steering committee meetings between October 2024 and July 2025, with input from Black community members, cultural advocates and design consultants.
Giannobile said the park’s central feature is its integration of public art. She introduced a digital storytelling website documenting local Black history, which artists can use as inspiration for site-specific installations.
Potential art opportunities include:
The park’s multipurpose community hub is going to replace an existing 1930s building, providing space for workshops, youth-led education, creative programming and small performances.
City planners are exploring public-private partnerships for a café space, which would also serve as a venue for rotating art displays and pop-up events.
Recognizing the complexity of large-scale urban projects, the park is going to be built in phases. The city plans to dedicate 1% of construction funding to support artistic elements as development proceeds.
Giannobile described plans for Rebecca Howard Park as more than a physical space.
“This is a platform for storytelling, healing and celebrating the rich cultural contributions of Olympia’s Black community," Giannobile said.
The commissioners praised the project for centering Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) artists and community narratives. Garcia called it an important step for visibility and representation in public spaces.
12 comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here
flowerkwilter
Please give the address of the park. The "where" of the "who, what, when where, why" rule of journalism should be at the beginning of the article so the reader can orient him/herself, at least I know that helps me to immediately understand the article. Thank you!
Friday, December 26, 2025 Report this
chrispc2u
Exactly what mawoltjer says below. You should be using and checking for the 5 Ws in every single article you send out. In your last park announcement I mentioned the same thing. WHERE is the new park going to be?? It’s basic journalism 101. Get with the program folks.
Saturday, December 27, 2025 Report this
wolfmanner
Same old crap from the DEI crowd.
Saturday, December 27, 2025 Report this
VDRAKE2
Asking the editor to preview the 5W's is rediculous. This is a speculative article about something that's "in the works." it does not warrent accusations of DEI, (not that you have ANY IDEA OF WHAT THAT means or you'd not be making statements like that!) Nor does tearing down THE JOLT for perceived short comings on ONE ARTICLE. I'm certain Google will know and if not get in your car and attend a CITY COUNCIL MEETING, better yet the phone number for planning and zoning is readily available!
Saturday, December 27, 2025 Report this
Snevets
Look forward to the progress on a much belated adset to our city.
@ wolfmanner STFDASTFU.
Saturday, December 27, 2025 Report this
Snevets
Look forward to the progress on a much belated asset to our city.
@ wolfmanner STFDASTFU.
Saturday, December 27, 2025 Report this
CobraCommander
Wolfmanner with their racism on full display
Saturday, December 27, 2025 Report this
jmwa
This is a beautiful design - what a wonderful way to honor Rebecca and the Black community. I'm impressed with the variety of spaces that will accommodate both large and small gatherings, and I'm sure the art and landscaping will be amazing. Looking forward to seeing the park take shape! For those who asked about location: 911 Adams St SE, Olympia (across from Olympia Library).
Saturday, December 27, 2025 Report this
joycetogden
Why just Black history? Doesn't Olympia have brown or white history also?
Saturday, December 27, 2025 Report this
Virge13
It’s the park directly south of the library. It has been a community garden in the past. I’m so delighted with the design and inspiration for this project! I was VERY disappointed when all the free food disappeared. This is a wonderful addition to our wonderful city. Honoring people who have been disregarded or erased is always a positive thing.
Sunday, December 28, 2025 Report this
pbaron1902
mawoltjer - the address of the park - and map - are shown in the article. Maybe you should read more carefully!
Sunday, December 28, 2025 Report this
Southsoundguy
"Art"
Monday, December 29, 2025 Report this