Tumwater staff outline wide parks work plan: historic restorations, trails, farm program concerns

Parks staff briefed the Tumwater Parks and Recreation Commission on a broad set of projects for the coming year, including completion of a restored historic house, work on the Crosby House, resurfacing and drainage repairs at multiple parks, trail maintenance and the multi‑mile Deschutes Valley Trail design, and uncertainty about a school district‑run farm program housed on city property.

Staff said the master’s house that was damaged by arson during the COVID years has been rehabilitated and signed off as complete; the restoration included historically accurate wallpaper, floor refinishing and removal of smoke-damaged contents. The city’s insurance covered roughly $5,000 toward a rehabilitation that staff described as costing about $1.2 million in scope. Staff noted the house currently sits with boxed contents returned from storage and that the historic commission would need to decide future uses because city staffing to operate it no longer exists.

Work on the Crosby House — described by staff as dating to about 1865 and among the city’s oldest properties — is under way to add foundation supports, a new roof, siding and gutters to slow progressive settlement and interior damage. Staff said a local group (described generically in the transcript as volunteers who furnish and operate the site) uses the house for tours and meetings.

Parks maintenance work scheduled for the year includes trench drainage and asphalt repairs in the parking area at Historical Park to address standing water that covers parking spaces in heavy rain; center-drive grinding and catch basin adjustments at Pioneer Park; overlay and resealing work at the municipal golf course parking lot; resurfacing of narrowed trails and reconstruction of worn steps; and expanded parking, a picnic shelter and ADA trail access at Safford Park and an associated riparian restoration program along Percival Creek.

Staff also briefed commissioners on the Deschutes Valley Trail final design work. City, park district and state funds are committed and federal funding is being considered; staff estimated the remaining new trail to be roughly 3 miles and said the full project could cost about $15 million, including a river bridge expected to cost about $5 million. The project faces permitting and wetlands buffers, the staff presentation said.

The commission also learned that a school-district-run farm program that uses a city barn is in flux: district budget cuts moved the assigned teacher to other duties and staff said the city has contributed about $200,000 to bring the barn up to code, including a new roof and electrical work. Parks staff said they are discussing alternatives with the high school principal and community groups to keep activities onsite and prevent vandalism if the district reduces its presence.

Staff invited commissioners to participate in trail maintenance and Earth Day events; staff noted ongoing special events such as an Easter egg dash planned for April and encouraged commissioner involvement.