| Watershed Park | |
|---|---|
 One of several trails in Watershed Park | |
 Show zoomed in Show zoomed midway Show zoomed outInteractive map of Park location | |
| Type | Municipal |
| Location | Olympia, Washington |
| Coordinates | 47°01′41″N122°53′10″W / 47.028°N 122.886°W /47.028; -122.886 |
| Area | 153.03 acres (0.6193 km2) |
| Created | 1956 |
| Status | Open all year |
| Website | Official City Website |
Watershed Park is a 153-acretemperate rain forestpublic park located inOlympia, Washington that supplied almost all the city'swater 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 thewatershed ofMoxlie Creek.[1]Water wells for the city of Olympia were first created in the area now comprising Watershed Park in the late 19th century. InfluentialWestern Washington businessmanHenry 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 aWashington 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 andnaturalist,Margaret McKenny, are recognized for establishing the park as a protected place.[4]
TheMoxlie Creek Springs Basin, one of the largest spring basins in the region, is situated in the center of the park, which is completely forested by atemperate rain forest.Skunk cabbage andsalmon berries grow alongside Moxlie Creek, which weaves throughout the area. The creek is fed bygroundwater and surface water runoff.Chinook,coho salmon andcoastal cutthroat trout live in the creek. There arebig leaf maple,douglas fir,red alder andincense cedar throughout the park, along withhuckleberry,Oregon grape,licorice andsword ferns, anddevil's club. The moderate to steep 1.5-mile (2.4 km) G. Eldon Marshall Trail loops around the park and wetland area.[5] Evidence of the former waterworks in the form of pipes is scattered throughout the park, as well.[6]
A future expansion of the pavedKaren Fraser Woodland Trail will extend the trail to run along the northwestern edge of the park, creating a connection withTumwater Falls Park. This expansion will connect with Watershed's hiking trails.[7]
The park has suffered fromgypsy moth infestations.[8]