Updates on City Operations 3/18/20 Through the coronavirus epidemic, the City of Olympia will continue to communicate on the status of its operations. Here are the latest updates:



Olympia Fire and Police The Olympia Fire Department business office is closed to the public until March 31. Residents can call 911 in the event of emergency, or 360.753.8348 for business-related needs. For example, residents undertaking new construction or tenant improvements can schedule a fire inspection by calling the number.

The City’s Crisis Response Unit and Familiar Faces teams are fully operational and providing services during the emergency. The Walking Patrol is on the beat as usual. City Utilities The City’s garbage, recycling, and organics collection are operating on their regular pick up schedule. Residents can sign up for Recycle Coach to received regular notifications here: http://olympiawa.gov/city-utilities/garbage-and-recycling.aspx

There is NO NEED to stockpile bottled water because the City of Olympia’s water is safe. The City disinfects our water, which effectively kills viruses such as coronavirus.

With so many people staying home, we’re asking residents to please help keep our sewer system healthy by only flushing toilet paper. Some residents are flushing wipes or paper towels down toilets. These materials do not break down and can cause blockages in the sewer system. City Parks In order to help the community practice good social distancing, the City will be shutting down the Olympia Skate Court, as well as the Heritage Fountain until further notice.

We are reminding parents and guardians to help their children honor the barriers around City playground equipment. The City has closed the playground equipment because we need to do our part around social distancing. That's difficult for kids to do while playing on the equipment.

With more residents home from work with their families, the City is seeing many more people using the City’s parks. Those gathering in parks still need to adhere to the social distancing guidelines if our community is going to slow the spread of coronavirus.

The City will be closing most of the restrooms in our City parks. The increase use of our parks is putting increased pressure on the parks’ restrooms. With reduced staffing it is difficult for Parks crews to keep all the restrooms cleaned at the level critically necessary during the pandemic. Parks also needs to conserve restroom supplies to service the remaining restrooms during the emergency. Restrooms at the following locations will remain open: Percival Landing, Karen Fraser Woodland Trail, and Woodruff Park.

Portable restrooms will continue to be available at Watershed Park and West Bay Park.

With these reductions, we are asking park users to please “Go Before You Go.”

Parking Services With in-person dining no longer allowed as the community fights the spread of the virus, take out and pick up service is critical for local food businesses. In an effort to help support Downtown businesses, the City has reserved parking spaces near businesses for curbside/restaurant pick-up. The meters at these designated spaces have clear signage and are complimentary for customers while they are picking up. Contact

Kellie Purce Braseth, Strategic Communications Director

City of Olympia

360.753.8361

kbraseth@ci.olympia.wa.us