Parks and recreation services provide economic, health, environmental, social benefits and add to our community's quality of life. 

Parks & Recreation Commission

The Parks & Recreation Commission advises the City Council on parks related policy issues. This includes expansion and operation of Tumwater's City parks, recreational facilities and programs, and provides oversight for planning, management and acquisition, concessions and use.

Visit Parks & Recreation Commission for more information.

Historic Preservation Commission

The Historic Preservation Commission advises the City Council on matters of Tumwater history and active preservation of the City's historic resources. The commission manages a register of historic places, reviews proposed changes to register properties.

Visit Historic Preservation Commission for more information.

Parks and Recreation Survey

In October 2017, Tumwater households were chosen at random to participate in an online survey to learn about residents’ opinions about parks and housing issues in Tumwater. The survey was conducted by Elway Research, Inc. The results will be used to inform the City Council about important issues facing Tumwater. Survey results have been compiled and a summary is available for download below. If you have any questions regarding the survey results, please contact the Parks & Recreation Department at (360) 754-4160 or by email. 

Parks & Recreation Usage, Satisfaction & Priorities Survey Results 

Parks and Recreation Plan

This Parks and Recreation Plan is an element of the Tumwater Comprehensive Plans. This plan is guided by the Growth Management Act (see RCW 36.70A.070(8)) and outlines policies and goals of parks and recreation services, identifies future property acquisition and future park plans.

See the Parks and Recreation Plan element of the Tumwater Comprehensive Plan for more information.

Isabella Bush Park - GRuB Farm Project

The City of Tumwater purchased the 20-acre Linwood Ave property in 1989, now known as Isabella Bush Park. The City, Tumwater School District, and GRuB (Garden-Raised Bounty) have now partnered to create a youth-based agricultural program on the property. 

Deschutes Valley Trail

The future Deschutes Valley Trail will extend from Pioneer Park on the south to Capitol Lake and beyond.

Visit Deschutes Valley Trail for more information.