Parks, Arts & Recreation

COVID-19 Impacts

Current Parks Status
Parks are open during operating hours, access to some facilities may be limited. Outdoor recreation activities and gatherings involving up to 10 people are allowed when physical distancing can be maintained. Please observe the following guidelines in order to ensure we can safely provide this access to the community:

  • Masks Are Required: Unless you are recreating alone, masks are required for everyone ages 6 and up, and strongly recommended for children ages 3-5.
  • Practice Physical Distancing: Stay 6 feet apart from other park-goers. If there's a crowd, come back another time. 
  • Go Before You Go!: Park restroom access may be limited as we return to full staffing.
  • Leave No Trace: Pack it in (bring hand sanitizer & water), pack it out (take garbage).   
  • Observe Closures of Specific Park Elements: Woodruff Park Sprayground and Heritage Fountain remain closed for now.
  • Stay Home: If you're not feeling well, please stay home.

The following services are currently available:

  • Olympia Center Customer Service by phone: 360.753.8380, email and in person, M-F, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM.
  • Park Shelter Rentals (within individual shelter maximums). Please contact 360.753.8380 for shelter reservation inquiries.   
  • Olympia Center and Harbor House Rentals that meet physical distancing requirements.
  • Percival Landing Boat Moorage.

Recreation Programming
We are currently offering a limited amount of in-person recreation programming, where physical distancing requirements and group size restrictions can be met within our facilities. Our Virtual Programming will continue.

School Day Childcare
Details on our school day childcare program can be found here. Scholarships are available, contact 360.753.8380 for more information.

Outdoor Youth and Adult Team Sports
Closely following the guidance in the Outdoor Youth Team Sports and Outdoor Adult Recreation Team Sports Guidance from the Governor’s Office, some modified adult sports leagues and youth and adult sports classes & clinics have resumed.

Photo of adults doing yoga outdoors at West Bay Park, with overlay of Olympia Parks, Arts and Recreation logos. 

Contact Us

Information, Sections & Services

Featured Programs & Projects

  • Register Online, Register Online at Your Convenience
  • View available Parks, Arts & Recreation classes and activities.
  • Donate to the Fun Fund

City Calendar

City Updates

  • 2021 City budget - Tell us what you think!

    City Council has started the 2021 budget process and wants to know your thoughts. Learn how to comment on our Budget & Financials page.

  • Rent assistance & Tenant protection

    Rental assistance is available for qualifying Thurston County households impacted by COVID-19. Landlords and tenants can learn more about these programs by connecting directly with the Community Action Council of Lewis Mason Thurston Counties or Community Youth Services.

    Olympia's Rental Housing Code establishes temporary protections for tenants who have fallen behind on their rent due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Get all of the details on our Tenant Protections page.

  • Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan

    Are you interested in what we can do locally to tackle climate change? Check out an online open house, review the draft Thruston Climate Mitigation Plan and share your comments at thurstonclimateplan.com.

  • City buildings now open!

    City buildings are now open to the public. Special hours and restrictions are in place. Visit our COVID-19 page for details.

    Customers are reminded that they can still take care of most City business from home on our Online Services page.

  • Council Meetings during COVID-19 Emergency

    City Council will continue to hold its regular meeting schedule during the coronavirus emergency, but the Council Chamber will be closed to the public. You can register to watch the meetings live via Zoom (links on our City Council page). Meeting recordings are available the following day on the City's online meeting management system.

    How to comment

    Links to Council (and Council committee) meeting packets will be posted on the City Council page when available (typically 5 days prior to meeting). Once posted, the public can sign up to speak during the public comment period of the meeting when they register to attend or submit comments on agenda items until 4 p.m. the day of the meeting. Comments can also be emailed to citycouncil@ci.olympia.wa.us.

  • Meetings

    Agendas and Minutes for City Council and most advisory committees.