Olympia parks district proposes its budget for 2025

Sylvana Niehuser, Director of Parks Planning and Maintenance, presented the budget plan to the City Council on October 29, providing a detailed breakdown of how these funds would impact the Olympia community in the coming year. 

According to the proposal, the $5.7 million is divided into three primary spending categories – Operating Budget, Capital Budget, and Insurance & Audit Costs: 

Operating Budget

$3,875,352, 64% of the total budget. This category funds the five primary program areas: 

• Parks Maintenance: $2,359,561 

• Park Stewardship/Ranger Program: $943,182 

• Planning & Design: $210,860 

• Arts Program & Maintenance: $76,517 

• Armory Operations: $285,233 

Niehuser noted that the budget's property tax rate will remain close to last year's rate of 49 cents per $1,000 assessed property value. 

Capital Budget

$1,860,000, or 36%, covering major infrastructure projects aimed at long-term park improvements, including accessibility upgrades: 

• Capital Asset Management Program (CAMP): $750,000 

• $31,351, which is less than 1% of the total budget. This allocation covers required insurance and audit expenses for compliance. 

Council questions funding for Percival Landing 

When reviewing the proposed budget, Council Member Clark Gilman questioned the $160,000 allocated to Percival Landing, one of Olympia's most popular and heavily used waterfront parks. 

"That seems like a relatively small amount for maintaining such a key community asset," Gilman noted, suggesting that more funding might be needed. 

In response, Niehuser explained that Percival Landing's high traffic and essential role in the community require both routine and more intensive inspections to ensure safety and functionality. She outlined that the park is inspected yearly, with a more thorough review every five years to identify critical maintenance needs. 

She noted that the budget is structured to address both minor internal repairs and more extensive projects requiring outside contractors. Past improvements, such as float and gangway replacements, have allowed the park to stay open and secure for public use. 

Niehuser also highlighted a long-term vision for Percival Landing that considers environmental challenges, like rising sea levels. 

She shared that city staff are actively collaborating with consultants and community stakeholders to develop a strategic plan that aligns Percival Landing with neighboring areas, including West Bay and Capitol Estuary. 

Council Member Jim Cooper noted that Percival Landing is more than a park, stressing its importance as a key component of Olympia's transportation infrastructure. 

Parks as a quality-of-life investment 

During the public hearing, resident Karen Messmer spoke about the importance of parks and trails like the Chehalis Western and Karen Frazier, which offer leisure and functional uses, including transportation and fitness. 

Messmer observed that trails have become a significant selling point in the housing market, with developers promoting trail access in new listings to attract residents. 

She shared how she frequently uses these trails to travel around the city, illustrating how parks meet recreational and transportation needs. She also pointed out that parks like Percival Landing are commonly used to introduce visitors to Olympia's waterfront and reinforce the city's unique character. 

In addition to the physical benefits, Messmer praised the inclusivity fostered by the city's parks programming and recent ADA upgrades, which allow residents of all abilities to enjoy the city's green spaces. She noted that such features reflect Olympia's dedication to making all residents feel welcome in the city's social and economic fabric. 

"Parks impact everything from real estate appeal to community identity," Messmer said. "They foster a sense of belonging and inclusivity, making Olympia a more inviting place to live and invest." 

Final approval set for November 19 

After the public hearing, the City Council directed staff to prepare a final budget resolution totaling $5,776,703, with a vote scheduled for November 19. 

If approved, the budget will sustain park operations, enhance accessibility, and fund essential infrastructure upgrades in 2025. 

The council will reconvene later in November to discuss final adjustments, consider additional public input, and move toward formal adoption of the OMPD budget for 2025.