The City of Olympia Parks, Arts and Recreation department is actively seeking community input on a proposal to potentially co-locate a secondary school at the future Yelm Highway Community Park. This initiative responds to a request from the Olympia School District and aims to address the critical need for rectangular sports fields in the area, which has grown in importance due to the popularity of soccer and other sports. The city acquired the 83-acre property in 2018, previously operated as Spooner Berry Farms, and has been developing a master plan for the park since then. With no dedicated rectangular fields currently available in Olympia, this partnership could significantly enhance recreational opportunities for both youth and adult sports. A public meeting was conducted to discuss the idea, and an online survey is available until December 6, 2020, to gather feedback from local residents.

The responses will be presented to the Olympia City Council and School Board for consideration in early 2021. This potential partnership represents an opportunity for efficient use of taxpayer dollars by sharing infrastructure development costs. As the community weighs the benefits against possible drawbacks, such as increased traffic, the survey serves as a vital tool for shaping the future of the park and educational facilities.