History & Nature Center
At Brewery Park
The History & Nature Center, inspired by Salish longhouses, will serve as a flexible, multi-use space that enriches community access to Tumwater's vibrant history and the ecological significance of the Deschutes watershed.
Next Stop: A History& Nature Center
The History & Nature Center, inspired by Salish longhouses, will serve as a flexible, multi-use space that enriches community access to Tumwater's vibrant history and the ecological significance of the Deschutes watershed. The center will include:
STEM Education Programs in collaboration with the Washington Dept. of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), focusing on conservation efforts and salmon recovery, integrated with real-world ecological experiences in the park.
Interactive Exhibits on regional history, ecology, and environmental science, engaging youth and families with hands-on learning opportunities.
Learning and Event Spaces for public and private events, educational programs, and community gatherings, supporting up to 100 guests.
Mapping More: The Park’s Next Chapter
With a construction cost of $5.5 million, the project will create 24 full-time jobs and is projected to contribute more than a quarter of a million dollars in annual tax revenue and more than $7M in overall benefit to the local economy. Once operational, the center is expected to:
Increase Economic Activity at Brewery Park, adding $500,000 annually to the current $1 million economic impact for Tumwater.
Support Tourism by enhancing one of Thurston County’s top visitor destinations, aligning with the Olympia and Thurston County Destination Master Plan to expand Brewery Park as a family-oriented attraction.
The History & Nature Center will celebrate Tumwater’s heritage and ecology with STEM programs, interactive exhibits, and community event spaces.
Signs of Progress: Funded & Needed
Public and private partners are needed to bring the History & Nature Center at Brewery Park to life.
$2M in support funding has been committed by the Federal, state, and Tumwater city governments.
More than $100K in private commitments have been secured.
Join the growing number of Olympia Tumwater Foundation Board members showing their support.
Together, we are building a transformative addition to Brewery Park and a legacy of environmental education and cultural enrichment. With your help, construction begins in 2025!
A $5.5 million investment will create jobs, boost tourism, and add $7M in economic benefits, strengthening Brewery Park’s role as a top destination.
FUNDRAISING | MOMENTUM IN ACTION
GROWING ECONOMY | STRENGTHENING COMMUNITY
CONNECTING HISTORY | NATURE | COMMUNITY
GROWING ECONOMY | STRENGTHENING COMMUNITY
With $2M in government funding and over $100K in private support, your help is key to bringing the History & Nature Center to life in 2025!
YOU ARE HERE → A MOMENT OF OPPORTUNITY
The History & Nature Center at Brewery Park will honor Tumwater’s past, preserve its natural beauty, and inspire future generations with educational experiences that underscore the importance of conservation and community heritage. By supporting this project, you’ll help create a lasting impact for families, students, and visitors across Washington, fostering a legacy of education, sustainability, and economic vitality. From naming opportunities to legacy and memorial commemorations, there are opportunities to engage at every giving level. Join us in bringing this vision to life.
YOUR SUPPORT