Last update: 02/08/2012

Campus updates

Fencing comes down, Heritage Park fully reopens

The fencing around the section of Heritage Park used for an encampment by “Occupy Olympia” will be removed Feb. 9, making all 22-acres available for public use.

The Department of Enterprise Services set up a chain-link fence around the three-acre site for health and safety reasons after tents were removed on Dec. 16, 2011.

With the tents removed, Enterprise Services grounds staff were able to clean up the site. They used a large magnet to remove metal debris, such as nails, large screws, tent stakes, bottle caps, coins and other metal objects left behind. The crew used a lawn sweeper and rakes to remove plastic debris and trash, and help revive the grass.

While the irrigation system underneath the site was not damaged, there are some depressions in the turf that remain. These cause rainwater to pool in places.

The department will continue to evaluate the site to determine what landscape remediation measures may be needed.

Enterprise Services manages the Capitol Campus buildings and grounds, including Heritage, Sylvester, Centennial and Marathon parks.

DES on the web: www.des.wa.gov

Crews continue to clean up after winter blast

Cleanup on Capitol Campus

State offices are open, roads and sidewalks are mostly clear, but employees and visitors should continue to be cautious when traveling around the Capitol Campus due to dangling limbs, icy patches and piles of snow that limit sightlines.

Three tree service companies that Enterprise Services hired Jan. 20 continue to remove broken and fallen branches. There is no estimated completion date or associated costs.

And department crews, many of whom have worked up to 14-hour shifts nearly every day since early last week, continue to remove snow from parking areas, spread deicer and clear storm drains to prevent flooding.

The department had 41 tons of deicer material and 13 tons of salt on hand prior to the storm.

At this time, all campus roads, including Deschutes Parkway and Maple Lane, are open. There are no reports of damage to campus buildings.

The department has received only one report of a minor injury caused by a slip on the ice near a building loading dock.

Even though conditions are improving, Enterprise Services continues to recommend the following precautions:

  • Be aware of trees on routes to offices. There continue to be many broken branches hanging from campus trees.
  • Use sidewalks cautiously. Although crews are clearing them, sidewalks may be icy at times.
  • Wear appropriate winter clothing, especially footwear that provides traction for snow and ice.

If you see any water pooling at campus storm drains, untreated icy patches or other potentially dangerous winter conditions, please call Buildings and Grounds at (360) 725-0000.

For more information on Olympia city street conditions go to: City of Olympia

For more information on Intercity Transit bus routes: Intercity Transit

DES on the web: www.des.wa.gov

Department advises caution when arriving at capitol grounds

Tenants and visitors to the state capitol grounds and buildings in Olympia will encounter some road detours and sidewalks that are closed because of fallen branches from trees overloaded with snow and ice.

The Department of Enterprise Services, which manages the capitol, is working to have the entire campus as fully operational as possible. This includes the use of snowplows and bringing in personnel to clear areas of fallen branches.

The state-managed Deschutes Parkway remains closed to all vehicles because of fallen trees. The closure is from Fifth Avenue in Olympia to the Interstate 5 on-ramp at the southern end of the road.

Lakeridge Drive from the top of the hill near the Thurston County Courthouse to Deschutes Parkway is also closed.

Maple Park Lane in front of the buildings that house the headquarters of the departments of Employment Security and Transportation is closed because of fallen trees and branches.

Enterprise Services recommends the following precautions for visitors to the capitol:

  • Employees should access their offices as much as possible from their parking areas and garages.
  • Be aware of trees on routes to offices. Snow and ice have accumulated on branches and have caused many to fall.
  • Use sidewalks cautiously. Although crews are clearing them, sidewalks may be icy at times.
  • Wear appropriate winter clothing, especially footwear that provides traction for snow and ice.
If you have questions about access, please call Buildings and Grounds (360) 725-0000.

Enterprise Services is in operation today, although the inclement weather policy for employees is in effect.

For more information on Olympia city street conditions: City of Olympia

For more information on Intercity Transit bus routes: Intercity Transit

Falling trees prompt closure of Deschutes Parkway

Enterprise Services is closing the state-managed Deschutes Parkway from Fifth Avenue to the I-5 on-ramp because of falling trees.

Several trees burdened by snow and ice have already fallen along portions of the 1.5-mile stretch of road. Crews from the department's Buildings and Grounds program will be unable to remove the trees until the current ice-storm conditions subside.

The closure also applies to the hill portion of Lakeridge Drive that intersects with the parkway from the Thurston County Courthouse.

Tenants and visitors are also advised to stay away from trees on the Capitol Campus. The heavy accumulation of snow has caused some branches to snap and fall. The danger exists of more falling.

Avoid use of elevators at Capitol Campus buildings

Tenants and visitors at buildings on the Capitol Campus are urged to avoid using elevators in the facilities.

Power interruptions today are disrupting normal operation of the elevators.

Anyone who has questions about elevator operations on campus is advised to call the Buildings and Grounds office at 725-0000.

Like other agencies in Thurston County, Enterprise Services is operating with limited staff. However, department crews are working around the clock to keep the campus open for business.

The crews plow primary roads first to keep routes used by fire, police and transit open during snow and ice storms. This includes Sid Snyder Avenue, Cherry Lane, 11th Avenue and Washington Street. Another priority is to clear evacuation routes from all campus buildings.

Sand is used to improve traction on campus sidewalks, roads and building entryways. Custodial staff will apply salt on sidewalks and building entrances as temperatures lower.

Enterprise Services works closely with local government and transit agencies to coordinate snow response.

For more information on Olympia city street conditions: City of Olympia

For more information on Intercity Transit bus routes: Intercity Transit

Heavy snowfall prompts caution about campus trees

Heavy snowfall has added weight to the branches of many trees on the Capitol Campus, prompting a safety reminder.

Individuals walking about the campus are urged to steer clear of the trees. The heavy accumulation of snow could cause some branches to snap and fall.

Large amounts of snow could also fall from the trees.

Like other agencies in Thurston County, Enterprise Services is operating with limited staff. However, department building and grounds crews are working around the clock to keep campus safe and open for business.

The crews plow primary roads first to keep routes used by fire, police and transit open during snow and ice storms. This includes Sid Snyder Avenue, Cherry Lane, 11th Avenue and Washington Street. Another priority is to clear evacuation routes from all campus buildings.

Sand is used to improve traction on campus sidewalks, roads and building entryways. Custodial staff will apply salt on sidewalks and building entrances as temperatures lower.

Enterprise Services works closely with local government and transit agencies to coordinate snow response.

For more information on Olympia city street conditions: City of Olympia

For more information on Intercity Transit bus routes: Intercity Transit

DES crews prepare for additional snowfall

With heavy accumulations of snow predicted for Jan. 18, parts of the Capitol Campus may be temporarily closed at times this week until roads and walkways are safe.

Each state agency is responsible for notifying their employees if it is open for business, usually by pre-recorded phone message and through the agency’s web site. Some agencies may also notify local radio stations about closures.

If it does appear that the weather has caused a temporary or partial closure of the campus, state employees can check Access Washington for more information.

Enterprise Services crews are working around the clock to keep campus safe and open for business.

The crews plow primary roads first to keep routes used by fire, police and transit open during snow and ice storms. This includes Sid Snyder Avenue, Cherry Lane, 11th Avenue and Washington Street. Another priority is to clear evacuation routes from all campus buildings.

If the snowfall is especially heavy, the crews might not plow visitor parking lots on campus in order to concentrate on emergency and transit routes.

Sand will be used to improve traction on campus sidewalks, roads and building entryways. Custodial staff will apply salt on sidewalks and building entrances as the temperature begin to fall.

Enterprise Services works closely with local government and transit agencies to coordinate snow response.

For more information on Olympia city street conditions: City of Olympia

For more information on Intercity Transit bus routes: Intercity Transit

Wintery forecast prompts prep work on campus

It could be nothing more than a few flurries, but Enterprise Services isn’t taking any chances: agency crews are gearing up for snow and ice removal on the Capitol Campus.

The National Weather Service says there is a chance of a few snow showers this weekend in western Washington, with a better chance of an inch or so of snow early next week.

The forecast has prompted Enterprise Services to dig out its snow removal plan and prepare for keeping campus roads, sidewalks, steps and parking lots clear and safe to use.

DES grounds and custodial crews have snow plows and spreaders attached to trucks and lawn tractors, and buckets of sand and chemical de-icers are in place near campus building entrances.

In addition to plowing, shoveling and sanding, DES crews are responsible for cleaning up melted snow and ice inside building entrances to prevent slips and falls.

DES crews will be on standby the next few days prepared to report to work earlier than usual, if necessary, to keep the campus open for business.

The campus powerhouse next to Capitol Lake is staffed 24 hours per day. Powerhouse staff has the authority to call in snow-removal resources based on the severity of the event.

Enterprise Services coordinates snow removal efforts with the cities of Olympia and Tumwater.

Heritage Park partially closed following tent removal

The Department of Enterprise Services has closed a section of Heritage Park following today’s removal of tents and other unpermitted structures. The closure was done for health and safety reasons.

Fencing has been erected around the area where the tents had been. No date has been set for re-opening the site. The restrooms adjacent to Water Street are also closed temporarily. The walking trail next to the lake is open.

Enterprise Services issued a cease-and-desist notice effective 12:01 a.m. Dec. 16 for the removal of tents and other structures from the park.

Public safety concerns prompted the notice. The tents had been allowed as part of the free-speech activity known as Occupy Olympia, which began in mid-October.

Enterprise Services staff immediately began cleaning up the area after the tents were removed. Abandoned and unsanitary private items are being disposed of. Owners of unclaimed items will be able to pick them up through Jan. 9 at a storage site close to the park.

Enterprise Services maintains the grounds and buildings on the Capitol Campus. This includes Capitol Lake and Heritage Park. The department also manages events and displays on the campus.

Contact
Steve Valandra, Communications Director
Enterprise Services
360 407 9211
360 791 4454
Steve.valandra@des.wa.gov

Tree planted on campus in memory of recently deceased state senator

The Department of Enterprise Services recently planted a native Garry oak tree on the west Capitol Campus in memory of state Sen. Scott White of Seattle, who passed away unexpectedly in October.

The senator’s mother made a donation to the state to pay for the cost of the tree and the labor to plant it.

The new tree, also known as the Oregon white oak, replaces a diseased 90-year-old Port Orford cedar that died and was removed in October. The Garry oak is planted just west of the Tivoli Fountain.

The 2009 West Campus Landscape Master Plan calls for planting a Garry oak tree as a replacement species for the cedar, with an understory planting of three Serviceberry trees. The Serviceberry trees are scheduled to be planted in the next couple of weeks.

The Garry oak is most often found growing in prairie habitat, most of which has been lost to development, farming and invasive species in western Washington and Oregon, but can thrive in a wide variety of soil types and conditions. It can grow up to 90 feet tall, but is usually much smaller.

The Serviceberry is a small tree that produces showy white flowers in spring that become edible blueberry-like fruit in summer; a favourite food of native birds. The leaves turn orange-red in autumn.

Enterprise Services maintains the grounds and buildings on the Capitol Campus. This includes Capitol Lake and Sylvester, Marathon, Centennial and Heritage parks.

Learn about other DES services: www.des.wa.gov

Freeze is on for invasive mud snails at Capitol Lake

OLYMPIA – In a continuing effort to control the spread of New Zealand mud snails, an invasive species, officials at the Department of Enterprise Services began emptying Capitol Lake on Nov. 30.

By exposing the lake bed to freezing temperatures over the next few days, lake managers expect to reduce the population of the non-native snails.

The freeze will not eliminate mud snails from the lake. However, carefully monitored results from a freeze in 2009 showed that drawing down the lake in cold and dry conditions can be an effective control measure. Officials expect lake levels to return to normal by Dec. 5.

The tiny invasive New Zealand mud snail was first found in Capitol Lake in October 2009. The lake has remained closed to all uses to protect against the spread of the destructive snail.

In the past two years the lake has been drawn down to expose the snail to freezing temperatures and it has been flushed with marine waters from Budd Inlet to help control the pest’s spread.

The New Zealand mud snail was first discovered in the mid-Snake River, Idaho, in the 1980s. It is now rapidly spreading throughout the western United States and has become established in rivers in 10 states and three national parks.

Enterprise Services is responsible for maintaining the Capitol Campus, which includes the 260-acre Capitol Lake.

Workers inspect Capitol Building dome Nov. 29

A contractor hired by the Department of Enterprise Services will be rappelling off the top of the Capitol Building dome Nov. 29, looking for problems with the roofing, flashing and mortar joints that could be the cause of interior leaks. Rainwater is leaking into offices, elevator shafts and other interior spaces of the Capitol building.

When finished, the contractor – SHKS Architects of Seattle – will provide a condition assessment of the building exterior to determine future needs for cleaning, caulking and repairing mortar joints. Enterprise Services is responsible for the care of the Capitol Campus, including the Legislative Building.

The rappelling was scheduled for Nov. 21, but was postponed due to bad weather.

The exterior inspection may take several days depending upon what is found during the initial inspection.

Thousands set to rally at Capitol on Nov. 28

OLYMPIA – More than 3,000 people from various organizations are expected to gather Nov. 28 on the grounds of the Capitol Campus during the opening of the special legislative session.

The Department of Enterprise Services, which maintains the Capitol Campus, has issued permits for five rallies for Nov. 28. They include:

  • Jobs Not Cuts Rally by the Service Employees International Union 775 Northwest.
  • Don’t Cut Our Lifelines by the Arc of Washington State.
  • People’s Special Session by the Olympia Coalition for a Fair Budget.
  • Rally For Public School Funding by the Washington Education Association.
  • Student Rally by the Shoreline Community College Student Leadership Center.

The rallies are scheduled at various times throughout the day. All will begin on the campus except for The People’s Special Session, which will convene at 8 a.m. at Sylvester Park in downtown Olympia and includes a march to the Capitol Campus.

Enterprise Services will allow permitted protective tents and canopies associated with the rallies. The department will not permit overnight stays inside any campus building.

Enterprise Services maintains the grounds and buildings on the Capitol Campus. This includes Capitol Lake and Sylvester, Marathon, Centennial and Heritage parks. The department also manages events, displays and public tours on the campus.

All scheduled upcoming events can be found on the department’s online listing.

Learn about other services: www.des.wa.gov

Contacts
Steve Valandra, communications director
Enterprise Services
360 407 9211
360 791 4454
Steve.valandra@des.wa.gov

Holiday tree arrives on campus Nov. 21, lighting ceremony on Dec. 2

The state holiday tree, the evergreen that adorns the Capitol Building rotunda each year, will arrive on the Capitol Campus on Nov. 21. The tree will be set up in the rotunda that day, but the decorating won’t be finished until later in the week.

Port Blakely Tree Farms of Tumwater is donating this year’s tree, a nearly 30-foot-tall noble fir cut from the company’s tree farm near Morton.

The annual public tree lighting ceremony, sponsored by the Association of Washington Business (AWB), is scheduled for 6 p.m. Dec. 2.

For more than 20 years, AWB has been sponsoring the Holiday Kids’ Tree Project, in which AWB members and private individuals provide toys, food and other contributions that are distributed to needy families in rural parts of the state by firefighters from Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Thurston, Grant, Walla Walla and Spokane counties.

This year’s tree will be decorated with 5,000 new LED lights. AWB pays for the lights, decorations and tree.

The tree is being set up earlier than normal because of the special legislative session, which begins on Nov. 28.

The Department of Enterprise Services maintains the Capitol Campus, including the grounds and buildings.

For more information about other campus events and activities: https://fortress.wa.gov/ga/apps/CampusEvents/default.aspx

www.des.wa.gov

Governor’s Mansion holiday tours available in December

Reservations required for visit to popular home

You will want to act fast to reserve your spot for one of the most popular tours in the state.

Holiday tours of the Governor’s Mansion are being offered on Dec. 7, 14 and 21. Morning and afternoon times are available.

Reservations are required. Please call the Department of Enterprise Services’ State Capitol Tour Office at (360) 902-8880.

The Georgian-style mansion is located on a bluff overlooking Capitol Lake, Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. Constructed in 1908, the mansion is the oldest building on the Capitol Campus in Olympia.

Holiday decorations for the mansion are paid for through private donations. No public money is spent on them.

Tour guidelines:

  • There are 12 tours given each day and each tour lasts 60 minutes.
  • All individuals 18 and over must have photo ID.
  • 25 is the maximum number of spaces available per time slot.
  • Reservations are made on a first-come basis.
  • Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Cameras, backpacks, umbrellas, strollers, food and beverages are not permitted on the tour.
  • The mansion is accessible to wheelchairs and walkers. Visitors must walk a 200-yard incline up to the entrance.

Enterprise Services maintains the Governor’s Mansion and more than 50 other facilities at the state capitol, including Capitol Lake and four parks.