
by Alison Bailey
Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls has been a site of significance in the southern Puget Sound region for thousands of years. The Olympia Tumwater Foundation has owned and maintained this land for nearly sixty years and has exciting plans for its preservation and celebration well under way.
“There’s more history in this park than anywhere else in Thurston County,” explains Lee Wojnar, the Foundation’s president of seven years. “As stewards of the park, it’s the Foundation’s job to tell its story. The new facility will do just that. The improved park will be an asset to the community well into the future.”
The Foundation has partnered with the Squaxin Tribe, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the cities of Olympia and Tumwater, and South Puget Sound Community College to imagine a vibrant community space nestled between the mouth of the Deschutes River and I-5. Ron Thomas at Thomas Architecture Studios has designed a dynamic new structure in the center of the park. Where an original though unremarkable structure currently houses a small office and a large maintenance garage, the Foundation will erect a classy, functional community gathering space.
“We want to encourage heritage tourism,” says John Freedman, the Foundation’s Executive Director. “There’s also a critical shortage of unique event space in Thurston County, and this revenue will help sustain the Foundation’s work and create new jobs.” According to a study done by the Thurston Economic Development Council, the park and the Foundation already generate over $2 million in local economic impact annually. An event space like this will only increase that number.
Sponsorship opportunities for local businesses are plentiful. Business owners and individuals alike are welcome to contact John Freedman with interest in supporting these developments by writing to jfreedman@olytumfoundation.org or calling 360-943-2550.
Other News
Upcoming Events
Picture your ad here!

Both rectangle and banner ad spaces are available for members. Download our sizes and pricing sheet for more information by clicking the button below.