Why This Measure Matters

Having adequate park land for residents helps prevent overcrowding, allows for a diversity of park and recreation uses, and facilitates easy access for all residents across the City.

What’s the Story?

• At the end of 2025, Olympia had 1,479 acres of park land (includes developed and undeveloped park land) and a population of 71,410 within the City and Olympia UGAs, which is OPARD’s service area. 
• According to the National Recreation and Park Association, the median acres of park land per 1,000 residents for similarly sized cities in 2025 is 10.2 acres/1,000 residents. 
• Olympia exceeds the national average by double with 20.71 acres/1,000 residents. 
• Olympians continually prioritize the acquisition of additional park land. Twice since 2004 the Olympia voters have passed funding measures that prioritize parks.  
• OPARD will continue to add additional parks to the system as population grows and to ultimately reach the goal of having a park or open space within ½ mile of all Olympians. 

Link to map: Olympia's Park System.   

Target

10.2 acres/1,000 residents

Reporting frequency