Help name these future parks & facilities

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What's happening?

Three parks and parks facilities are currently under the process of finding an official name - The Olympia Armory, Yelm Highway Community Park, and Kaiser Woods Park.

Park name suggestions were solicited from the public on Engage Olympia during the month of September 2024. Several community members have provided testimony and/or written comments supporting various names.

On October 17, 2024, the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee (PRAC) held a public hearing and had a discussion regarding recommending official names for the properties. PRAC further discussed proposed names during their February and March 2025 meetings and ultimately recommended the names “Daley Arts Center”, “Jolene Unsoeld Community Park” and “Elk Ridge Trails Park” to City Council for consideration.

The Council Committee for Livability and Public Safety (CLPS) will discuss PRAC's recommended names at their October 15th meeting. A final decision on official park names will occur by the full Council, likely sometime in early 2026.

Naming criteria

In naming parks and other park facilities, consideration shall be given primarily to:

  • Neighborhood, boundary roads, or common usage identification;

  • A natural or geographic feature;

  • Significant historical events or cultural attributes;

  • A historical figure;

  • A name chosen by an individual (living or deceased) who has made a significant land and/or monetary contribution to the park system;

  • An individual who has contributed outstanding civic service to the City or has been instrumental in acquiring or developing parks properties and who has been deceased for a period of at least one year;

  • Organizations having contributed to and influenced the betterment of the City.

Parks and park facilities shall not ordinarily be named for living persons unless they have stipulated the name as a condition of donation or unless the park or park facility is part of a regional facility that is named in conjunction with other governmental entities.

Additional considerations

The following considerations align with the City of Olympia Parks, Arts & Recreation Department’s Equity Inclusion and Belonging vision of fostering an inclusive, joyful, and affirming environment that supports the creation of a healthy, resilient, and vibrant community. We encourage the community to suggest and support names that promote a sense of belonging. The examples provided are not criteria for final selection; the Olympia Municipal Code (12.62.050) remains the primary guideline for the review committee.

  • Could the proposed name cause harm to any particular group, person, or demographic?

  • Does the name reflect the community living in close proximity to the park or facility?

  • Does the name highlight or educate about a notable person, geographical feature, or natural element present in or near the park or facility?

  • Does the name reflect historical Indigenous place names?

  • Are culturally symbolic terms used?

  • Does the name honor the legacy of individuals, particularly those who have made significant cultural contributions?

  • Does the name have cultural or social significance?

Thank you for your continued participation in the development of these important community priorities.

What's happening?

Three parks and parks facilities are currently under the process of finding an official name - The Olympia Armory, Yelm Highway Community Park, and Kaiser Woods Park.

Park name suggestions were solicited from the public on Engage Olympia during the month of September 2024. Several community members have provided testimony and/or written comments supporting various names.

On October 17, 2024, the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee (PRAC) held a public hearing and had a discussion regarding recommending official names for the properties. PRAC further discussed proposed names during their February and March 2025 meetings and ultimately recommended the names “Daley Arts Center”, “Jolene Unsoeld Community Park” and “Elk Ridge Trails Park” to City Council for consideration.

The Council Committee for Livability and Public Safety (CLPS) will discuss PRAC's recommended names at their October 15th meeting. A final decision on official park names will occur by the full Council, likely sometime in early 2026.

Naming criteria

In naming parks and other park facilities, consideration shall be given primarily to:

  • Neighborhood, boundary roads, or common usage identification;

  • A natural or geographic feature;

  • Significant historical events or cultural attributes;

  • A historical figure;

  • A name chosen by an individual (living or deceased) who has made a significant land and/or monetary contribution to the park system;

  • An individual who has contributed outstanding civic service to the City or has been instrumental in acquiring or developing parks properties and who has been deceased for a period of at least one year;

  • Organizations having contributed to and influenced the betterment of the City.

Parks and park facilities shall not ordinarily be named for living persons unless they have stipulated the name as a condition of donation or unless the park or park facility is part of a regional facility that is named in conjunction with other governmental entities.

Additional considerations

The following considerations align with the City of Olympia Parks, Arts & Recreation Department’s Equity Inclusion and Belonging vision of fostering an inclusive, joyful, and affirming environment that supports the creation of a healthy, resilient, and vibrant community. We encourage the community to suggest and support names that promote a sense of belonging. The examples provided are not criteria for final selection; the Olympia Municipal Code (12.62.050) remains the primary guideline for the review committee.

  • Could the proposed name cause harm to any particular group, person, or demographic?

  • Does the name reflect the community living in close proximity to the park or facility?

  • Does the name highlight or educate about a notable person, geographical feature, or natural element present in or near the park or facility?

  • Does the name reflect historical Indigenous place names?

  • Are culturally symbolic terms used?

  • Does the name honor the legacy of individuals, particularly those who have made significant cultural contributions?

  • Does the name have cultural or social significance?

Thank you for your continued participation in the development of these important community priorities.

Page last updated: 09 Oct 2025, 11:59 AM