Parks, Arts & Recreation

COVID-19 Impacts

Phase III 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 (for groups 10 or less and within individual shelter maximums). Please contact 360.753.8380 if you believe your group is eligible for a gathering size exemption.   
  • Olympia Center and Harbor House Rentals that meet physical distancing requirements.
  • Percival Landing Boat Moorage.

Recreation Programming
We are gradually beginning to resume a limited amount of in-person recreation programming, where physical distancing requirements can be met within our facilities. Our Virtual Programming will also continue.

Summer Day Camps Open
Details on our approach to Summer Camp 2020 can be found in this document, which follows best practices and health guidance as we know it. For general inquiries about summer camp, please contact 360.753.8380 or summercamps@ci.olympia.wa.us.

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.

Image collage. Children playing in park. Artist working on mosaic. Teen rock climbing.

Experience It!

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

  • Results of investigation and statement from OPD Chief

    The investigation into allegations that an OPD Corrections Officer made offensive remarks to a community member in their custody during a June 1, 2020, arrest is now complete. You can view the complete report and read a statement from Interim Police Chief Aaron Jelcick on our Police Accountability & Transparency page.

  • Virtual Town Halls on Racial Justice

    The Olympia City Council is hosting a series of Town Halls on racial justice. Register using the links below:

    Racial Justice and the Justice System
    Thursday, July 23, 4 p.m.
    View recording

    Racial Justice and Economic Opportunity
    Thursday, July 30, 4 p.m.
    View recording

    Racial Justice and the Healthcare System
    Thursday, August 6, 4 p.m.
    Register Download flyer

    Racial Justice and the Education System
    Thursday, August 13, 4 p.m.
    Register Download flyer

  • Statement from the City

    Read the statement from the City regarding the vandalism and destruction happening in our community.

  • ONE COMMUNITY: HEALTHY, SAFE & HOUSED

    The One Community Plan is our roadmap for responding to the homelessness crisis and its impacts on our entire community. Learn more...

  • 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.