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From childhood, we’re taught the importance of making a plan and sticking with it. Quotes like Ben Franklin’s “failing to plan is planning to fail,” are pinned up in schools and offices nationwide. But there’s real truth beneath these platitudes and having clearly defined goals can make life much easier. At the Port of Olympia, their Port Peninsula Integrated Master Plan works to help chart the course of Olympia’s waterfront for the next 30 years. Port officials are carefully organizing and working towards building a strong, vibrant future for the heart of downtown’s economy and community.

aerial view of the Port of Olympia
The Master Plan hopes to chart the course of the next 30 years for Olympia’s working waterfront. Photo courtesy: Port of Olympia

Working with the Port of Olympia on a Long-Term Plan for Olympia’s Bustling Harbor

Like most tasks juggled by the Port of Olympia, the Port Peninsula Integrated Master Plan has many moving parts. Through surveys, outreach and open houses, they’ve sought input from the Port’s Commission, employees, consultants, educators, local and tribal government officials, a citizens advisory committee (POCAC) and members of the public.

“There has been robust public input to our Vision 2050 and Destination Waterfront plans, which give us a solid foundation to build upon for our Master Planning efforts,” says District 3 Commissioner Amy Evans Harding. “This Master Plan will allow us to build upon what has already been done, refreshing it and finalizing a plan for the peninsula that combines the voices of all of our community and I can’t wait!”

The Board of Commissioners looks forward to a sound and comprehensive long-term plan, which integrates both environmental projects and initiatives as well as ensuring that the Port Peninsula is developed and managed in support of the Port’s mission. They plan to draft a transparent and inclusive document that’s reflective of the community’s needs and desires while recognizing the importance of including a robust, county-wide public involvement process.

aerial view of the Port of Olympia
The public is encouraged to contribute to the Master Plan through online surveys and comment periods at public meetings. Photo courtesy: Port of Olympia

Looking Ahead While Honoring the Past of Olympia’s Working Waterfront

Shawn Gilbertson is the Port’s Environmental Planning and Programs Director. His duties include environmental management and restoration projects as well as compliance with federal, state and local planning regulations.

He explains that this plan is a new document but one which builds on the themes of their existing Vision 2050 while folding in environmental stewardship and sustainability, the Budd Inlet Cleanup project, sea level rise resilience, Deschutes Estuary restoration and evaluation of properties like the Marine Terminal and Swantown Marina and Boatworks.

Gilbertson and other Port officials hope to use the Peninsula Integrated Master Plan as a blueprint to guide both investment and development. “This is a long-term planning document whose audience is all of Thurston County,” he explains. “It lays out the likely configuration and uses on the Port Peninsula for the next several decades while integrating multiple environmental projects and initiatives. By its nature this Master Plan is a dynamic, working document and will be adapted based on changing needs and conditions over time.”

aerial view of the Port of Olympia
The Port Peninsula Integrated Master Plan will benefit all of Thurston County and the Port welcomes feedback from everyone. Help build a strong future on downtown’s gorgeous waterfront. Photo courtesy: Port of Olympia

Learn, Contribute, Follow and Grow Alongside the Port of Olympia

Port of Olympia’s Executive Director, Alex Smith welcomes feedback and encourages community input as a valuable part of creating a comprehensive plan that reflects the vision, needs and desires of all of Thurston County.

Smith says that one area of consistent public comment surrounds areas of open space for recreation and relaxation. “Some of the ideas that have been brought forward include a boat launch for small watercraft, a community center, an amphitheater or other outdoor music venue and more accessible parks, trails and walking paths,” she says.

You can read more on the Port of Olympia website. There you can also take a survey to provide your input, sign up for regular Master Plan emails or watch a recorded webinar explaining the process.

The most current updates, project developments and public involvement details will be provided through the website and email newsletter so check frequently for the latest details. Port officials intend to complete the Master Plan in late 2025.

We can’t always predict what’s around the bend or which way the wind will blow. But what we can do is plan, adjust our sails and keep moving forward. Thanks to the Port of Olympia’s hard work, the future will be exciting, economically and environmentally sustainable, educational and fun.

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