Olympia council approves names for armory and two parks after public testimony

The Olympia City Council voted on Jan. 27 to approve official names for three city-owned facilities: the Armory, Yelm Highway Community Park, and Keizer Woods Park.

City parks staff presented the naming process and the Community Livability and Public Safety Committee’s recommendations. Laura Kehan, director of parks planning and maintenance, summarized the proposal and said the names meet municipal code criteria for historical or civic contributions. Staff materials and committee recommendations named the Armory after Bill Daley (in the motion recorded in the staff report as 'Dailey Arts Center'), Yelm Highway Community Park for Jolene Unsold, and Keizer Woods Park for Marge Young.

Speakers at the public-comment period provided historical context and endorsements: community members described Bill Daley’s role developing the downtown arts scene and the farmers market; several speakers and former staff recounted Jolene Unsold’s work on campaign-finance disclosure and environmental legislation; and others highlighted Marge Young’s county-level reforms and leadership on 911 and planning.

Council member Barrett moved the staff-recommended motion to approve the official names. A second was called and the council approved the motion by voice vote. Following the vote the council recessed for five minutes to greet attendees and supporters.

What changed: The council’s vote makes the committee recommendations official city action; staff will finalize the administrative steps required to adopt the names in city records and on signage. The motion text and the staff report are part of the meeting record.