Our beautiful 2022 Calendars are now available, free, at all branches. This year the calendar features stunning photographs of the newly renovated Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls. In 1962, the Schmidt family, founders of the Olympia Brewery Company, decided to create a park along the Deschutes River to “enhance the natural beauty of a river falls” and to “provide the public with safe access for walking, viewing and resting.” This year marks the 60th Anniversary of this treasured urban gem.
The park combines spectacular scenery with historical significance by preserving and sustaining the natural habitat and history of the Deschutes River canyon. Many locals and visitors know the park well as a perfect spot to watch the salmon return each fall. Visitors will delight in the recently completed modernization of the popular salmon hatchery. They can now enjoy a large bank of fish viewing windows which are part of the newly constructed hatchery. The windows offer an underwater view of the salmon as they return to spawn.
The park also has expanded its walking trails and has further plans for a new Heritage Center. It will include an event space, tasting room, museum, and exhibit area highlighting Native American art and the history of the Olympia Brewery. The park’s current visitor facility was built in 1962. After nearly 60 years and 15 million visitors, the building is showing its age. After a professional analysis investigating the options and opportunities associated with the renovation or replacement of the existing visitor center, the Foundation has determined that a new facility will best meet future needs at Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls.
The new Heritage Center will complement the park’s new walking trails and expanded salmon hatchery. Construction costs are estimated at $7.5 million. The Thurston Economic Development Council has projected that 40 full-time jobs will be created, and over $11 million in economic impact to Thurston County will be produced during the construction period. The public is invited to be part of this historic moment in the development of the park. We ask for donations to bring this modern Heritage Center to reality to ensure that the park and its history are here for future generations.
Our 2022 Calendar celebrates the history and exciting future of Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls. You can be a part of building this community asset. Brewery Park remains open and free of charge because of the Foundation’s hard work and fundraising efforts. You can help sustain this outdoor gem and its rich history and assist in funding the new Heritage Center. The Foundation aims to have the project designed, vetted, permitted, and ready to begin demolition and construction in 2024 with an estimated one-year construction period. Since much of the preliminary work is already underway, we seek public, private, and foundation support to finalize the project. Give now to help this valuable community asset come to fruition.
Our 2022 Calendar celebrates the history and exciting future of Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls. Brewery Park remains open and free of charge because of the Foundation’s hard work and fundraising efforts. You can help sustain this outdoor gem and its rich history and assist in funding the new Heritage Center. The Foundation aims to have the project designed, vetted, permitted, and ready to begin demolition and construction in 2024 with an estimated one-year construction period. Since much of the preliminary work is already underway, the Foundations is seeking public and private support to finalize the project. Give now to help this valuable community asset come to fruition.