December 16, 2011

Capitol Campus Update

The Department of Enterprise Services has closed a section of Heritage Park following today’s removal of tents and other unpermitted structures. The closure was done for health and safety reasons.

Fencing has been erected around the area where the tents had been. No date has been set for re-opening the site. The restrooms adjacent to Water Street are also closed temporarily. The walking trail next to the lake is open.

Enterprise Services issued a cease-and-desist notice effective 12:01 a.m. Dec. 16 for the removal of tents and other structures from the park.

Public safety concerns prompted the notice. The tents had been allowed as part of the free-speech activity known as Occupy Olympia, which began in mid-October.

Enterprise Services staff immediately began cleaning up the area after the tents were removed. Abandoned and unsanitary private items are being disposed of. Owners of unclaimed items will be able to pick them up through Jan. 9 at a storage site close to the park.

Enterprise Services maintains the grounds and buildings on the Capitol Campus. This includes Capitol Lake and Heritage Park. The department also manages events and displays on the campus.

Contact
Steve Valandra, Communications Director
Enterprise Services
360 407 9211
360 791 4454
Steve.valandra@des.wa.gov