Developed through extensive engagement with dedicated community members, the vision for Rebecca Howard Park is a vibrant, welcoming public space that celebrates Black histories, communities, and culture in greater Olympia. In partnership with Colloqate Design, our team worked closely with a committee of Black cultural advocates and two paid Community Design Advocates to craft an outreach and co-design process that built an extensive network of relationships, setting the park up for long-term programming and stewardship led by Black community members.

The concept design that resulted from this process takes on the circular form of an embrace, weaving stories of the past and present into a web of art and storytelling. From a community hub and cafe building, a multipurpose porch and stage overlook a lawn for large celebrations. A small gathering space and terraced garden offer opportunities for quiet reflection and connection to the land. A festival street expands the park’s impact outward, creating space for community events and connecting to additional gathering spaces near the neighboring library. Wrapped in layers of cultural planting, the park’s flexible and interconnected spaces pack many uses, stories, and community visions into a small site.