Across Thurston County, parks are woven into the fabric of the region, nestled in residential neighborhoods, lining local shores and bordering city centers. And through bus service in Olympia and Thurston County, a medley of local parks are just a trip away. Many Thurston County parks are located in close proximity to an Intercity Transit bus stop, allowing park visitors to take in fresh air, unplug in local greenspaces, get active and enjoy unique activities.
Explore Public Transit, and the Parks of Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater and Beyond
Community members may find bus routes available through Intercity Transit to be essential for travel to school or work, but public transportation can also make a number of local parks, hobbies and leisure activities within reach. Bridget, creator behind Eat, Drink and See Oly on Facebook and Instagram, showcases the best of Olympia and Thurston County, often exploring local outdoor activities, restaurants and small businesses. Bridget is also a supporter of Intercity Transit bus service in Olympia, as well as regional parks, including the many wellness benefits that can abound from spending time outdoors.
“There’s so much data that says getting outside supports physical health, mental well-being, and social connections,” says Bridget. “And to make regular time for that and to connect in these really accessible green spaces, is a really great way to make time to care for yourself.”
Bridget has found Intercity Transit’s Zero-Fare Services, which was first introduced at the beginning of 2020, to be an important feature for community members, including to inspire use of public transit to parks and small businesses. Bridget says that free bus fare from Intercity Transit not only eases potential financial burdens, but also makes it easier for bus users to accomplish their daily travel itineraries.
“You can quickly plan your trip on IntercityTransit.com,” explains Bridget. “You can also look at Google Maps and many other different apps to find buses near you so you can easily hop on one and get to where you need to go.”
Community members interested in using public transit to parks can explore the “Parks Accessible By Bus” interactive map featured on the Intercity Transit website. Map users can view parks that are a quarter mile or less to a bus stop, and each park listing includes information like the park’s size, location and unique features, like playgrounds, walking trails or restrooms.
“We just have so many parks locally,” says Bridget. “When you see them on the map, you’ll see that parks spread out across Thurston County, they’re just all over the place, and there are so many wonderful spots, and a lot of them are hidden gems.”
Intercity Transit’s Bus Service in Thurston County Provides Access to Local Parks
In addition to the mental and physical boost that can arise when spending time outdoors, Bridget also appreciates how local parks can serve as “third spaces” where families and fellow community members can gather for leisure or recreation, and without needing to spend a large amount of money. Bridget is hoping more community members can learn about ways to access green spaces through Intercity Transit, and that tools like the interactive park map can encourage community members to know more about bus services in Olympia and Thurston County.
“If you want to connect with other people outdoors, whether it’s for a picnic, an event, a performance going on, or just by yourself,” explains Bridget. “parks are really valuable third spaces.”
Visit Popular Thurston County Parks via Intercity Transit
Here are a few of the many Thurston County parks that are accessible via Intercity Transit.
Bigelow Park in Olympia rests in a quiet residential neighborhood just above the busy streets of downtown Olympia, with a bus stop located near the meeting of Bigelow Avenue Northeast and Garrison Street Northeast. Measuring 1.9 acres, Bigelow Park’s towering evergreens provide a canopy over a playground, swing set and picnic tables. Park visitors can also practice their skills or play a game or H-O-R-S-E at the Bigelow Park basketball court.
Woodland Creek Community Park in Lacey offers a day of fun for the whole family, with a number of nearby bus stops, including on Pacific Avenue Southeast, near Lois Lake Road Southeast. Sitting on over 70 acres, Woodland Creek Community Park is home to paved walking paths, nature trails, a large playground, barbecue grills and picnic shelters, perfect for a birthday party or other celebration. Park visitors can also take up new hobbies through unique park features like the Woodland Creek Disc Golf Course.
Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls is a front row seat to the gorgeous Deschutes River and is an oasis for community members looking to spend more time surrounded by nature. A number of bus stops are in close proximity, including on Capitol Boulevard South. Visitors can go for a stroll along the park’s walking path, and when taking in the falls, transparent grates underfoot allow visitors to see and hear the churning river current. The park also houses a playground, benches, and picnic spaces available to those looking to spend a day near the river.
To learn more about Intercity Transit bus services, or local parks that are located near bus stops, visit the Intercity Transit website.
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