Watershed Park is a 153-acre temperate rain forestpublic park located in Olympia, Washington that supplied almost all the city's water from privately established wells in the late 1800s. The city acquired and operated the wells starting in 1917 until the 1950s when the municipal water source was replaced. In 1955 the forest was to be logged and the land sold but strong local opposition resulted in an ordinance preserving the area as a city park. Throughout, remnants of the waterworks are visible from the park trails.
The park takes its name from the watershed of Moxlie Creek.[1]Water wells for the city of Olympia were first created in the area now comprising Watershed Park in the late 19th century. Influential Western Washington businessman Henry Clay Heermans bought the entire waterworks in 1909, and sold it to the City of Olympia in 1917.[2]
After operating the wells into the 1950s, the city planned to log the area and sell the property, leading to a Washington Supreme Court battle that led to the area's preservation, with a city ordinance protecting the area presently.[3] A local community group, Citizens for the Future, led by environmental activist and naturalist, Margaret McKenny, are recognized for establishing the park as a protected place.[4]
A future expansion of the paved Karen Fraser Woodland Trail will extend the trail to run along the northwestern edge of the park, creating a connection with Tumwater Falls Park. This expansion will connect with Watershed's hiking trails.[7]
Environmental Concerns
The park has suffered from gypsy moth infestations.[8]
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