The Tivoli fountain on the Capitol Campus is a replica of the one in Tivoli Park in Denmark. The fountain was a gift to the state from the Olympia-Tumwater Foundation in 1953. ~The Olympian files.

The artist's rendering shows the Fifth Avenue changes.

This photo shows Capitol Lake prior to construction and site development of the new Heritage Park. ~Courtesy of City of Olympia, Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services.

Proposed site for Seven Oars, which is a public art program. The new location just across the street will be double in size and expand the viewing of the water and Capitol. ~City of Olympia, Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services.

Our Vision; continued

Public Art Programs

Public Art Programs

The City of Olympia is celebrating its first decade of active sponsorship of the arts. In 1988 the City established the Arts Commission, and then 10 years later developed a plan for the next decade.

The Public Art Program is a blueprint for future development of public art in Olympia -- a framework for enhancing choices of projects, partnerships, and educational possibilities.

Its vision reads: "We envision a public art program that is inspiring -- thought provoking and functional, inclusive and diverse. We envision a public art program that is woven into the community and our daily lives -- our neighborhoods, parks, buildings, infrastructure and public spaces. We invite all segments of our community to work with the City to sustain the current vitality of the arts and embrace new challenges."

Consistent with that vision, the City has commissioned portable and permanent works of art for the Farmers Market, parks, fire stations and other public spaces. It is striving to create a public art collection that is diverse culturally, visually and conceptually.

The Public Art Program also plans to provide education support for local artists.

To promote participation throughout the area, the City encourages the community and schools to offer artist lectures and site tours that focus on the art-making process.

It also hopes to introduce the community to existing and new works of art through programs and written materials about the artists, the concepts, design and technical processes.

The program encourages community involvement. Fostering community participation at all levels of the public art process ensures that the City's collection reflects the people, unique character and culture of our region.

What park features have been built so far?

A seawall borders 900 feet of Capitol Lake's shoreline to provide a view of the lake and flood control for the downtown area. It also protects the wetland environments along the southern shoreline.

Monumental steps lead pedestrians to a rock beach and the water's edge.

A wetland environment along Capitol Lake's southern shore features native Northwest plants.

The North Campus Trail is a temporary path from the park to the Capitol.

What is that big hill near 5th Avenue?

The mound at the northwest corner of Heritage Park is the beginnings of the Eastern Washington Butte.

Designed to represent the eastern part of Washington State, the Eastern Washington Butte will feature plants and other elements that evoke eastern Washington.

What work still needs to be done to complete the park?

- The Washington State Law Enforcement memorial. (Now in the planning stages, the memorial is expected to complete an overlook between the Temple of Justice and Heritage Park. The overlook will function as a lookout point and a grand entrance to Heritage Park from the upper Capitol Campus. For information about the memorial, contact Frank Kampsen at 425-881-4704.)

- A complete pathway system.

- Outdoor amphitheater.

- New restrooms.

- Formal, permanent path to the Temple of Justice and upper Capitol Campus.

- Parking improvements.

- Landscaping, lighting, and other infrastructure support.

How much does Heritage Park cost?

The Legislature passed a budget of $2 million for the construction work in 2000. An estimated $11.8 million is needed to complete the park by 2011.

Will there be more fountains?

Yes. In the future, the planned Fountain Block of Heritage Park will serve as a gateway between Percival Landing, Budd Inlet and Heritage Park.

The Olympian Copyright 2000

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