11/13/2026 - Oly on Ice Opening Day, Fall Recreation, Decatur Woods Playground Winner, and more...

Get ready to lace up your skates! Oly on Ice returns to Isthmus Park next week, for another season of winter fun. Whether you're a first-time skater or a regular on the ice, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Bring your friends and family, enjoy special events throughout the season, and make some winter memories!

The rink is open through January 18, with sensory-friendly skating during the first hour on Sundays and Mondays, featuring reduced lighting and no music. With progressive pricing, skating sessions are more affordable early in the week, with prices gradually increasing toward the weekend. Season passes are also available for those who want to enjoy the ice all season long!

Visit olyonice.com for tickets, hours, pricing, and more.

Oly on Ice is hosted by Olympia Parks, Arts & Recreation and presented by BECU. A huge thank-you to BECU, Small to Tall Pediatric Dentistry, the Squaxin Island Tribe and dozens more generous community partners who help make this seasonal tradition possible. We couldn't do it without their support! Visit olyonice.com for the full list of sponsors.

As the days get shorter, there are still plenty of ways to stay busy, creative and connected. Check out classes and programs happening in the weeks ahead, plus start planning now for winter break camps and activities. Browse the Fall catalog and find something that fits your schedule

Adult

• Navigating Burnout with Care | Ages 17+ | Nov 14
• Senior Cell Phone Video Basics | Ages 16+ | Nov 19

Adult & Teen

• Watercolor Holiday Cards | Ages 16+ | Nov 16-30
• Dot Mandala | Ages 16+ | Nov 18
• All About Guitar Chords | Ages 14+ | Nov 19
• Zen Ink Holiday Cards | Ages 16+ | Nov 21
• K-pop Dance | Ages 14+ | Nov 21

Youth & Teen

• Taekwondo | Ages 5+ | Nov 2-30
• Youth Aikido | Ages 7-12 | Nov 3-24
• Robotics Class | Ages 6-10 | Nov 5-Dec 10
• Christmas Kids Night In | Ages 6-12 | Dec 12
• Bricks 4 Kidz LEGO Camp | Ages 5-12 | Dec 21-24 & 28-31
• Gymnastics Winter Break Camp | Ages 6-11 | Dec 21-23 & 28-30
• Chess Wizard Camp | Ages 5-12 | Dec 28-30
• Animation Crash Course Winter Camp | Ages 6-10 | Dec 28-30

Early Childhood

• Baby & Toddlergym | Ages 1 mo-2y
• Kindergym | Ages 2-5
• PresK Gymnastics Winter Break Camp | Ages 3-5 | Dec 21-23 & 28-30

For the most up-to-date details and to register, visit olympiawa.gov/experienceitonline.

And the Winner Is… Sky Tower!
The Olympia community has chosen a new playground design for Decatur Woods Park! After a close race, the Sky Tower design from NW Playgrounds came out on top. Thank you to everyone who voted. Installation is tentatively planned for summer 2027!

Calling Olympia Arts Walk Artists!
We are seeking two artists to create the signature promotional artwork for the 2027 Spring and Fall Arts Walk celebrations. Selected artists will each receive a $1,000 stipend, and their work will be featured in Arts Walk publications and promotional materials. Artists age 18+ who officially participated in Olympia Arts Walk in 2025 or 2026 are eligible to apply, and a wide range of media are welcome. Applications are due November 22, 2026. Learn more and apply.

Parks Plan Update: What We're Hearing and What's Next
Thanks to everyone who shared their thoughts in our first 2028 Parks, Arts & Recreation Plan survey! We heard from 479 respondents who shared what they love about Olympia's parks, arts and recreation opportunities and their hopes for the future. Initial responses highlight appreciation for natural spaces and trails, opportunities to stay active and connect with others, community arts and events, and interest in expanded recreation opportunities. Next up, we're mailing a random sample survey to selected Olympia households by the end of November. Unlike an open survey, a random sample helps us hear from a broader cross-section of the community, including residents who may not typically participate in our programs or public engagement. If one lands in your mailbox, we'd love to hear from you! Your response is especially important in helping us build a more representative picture of community priorities. More opportunities to weigh in are coming in 2027, including public meetings in March and later in the year, along with focused outreach to Spanish- and Vietnamese-speaking community members.

Volunteer Opportunities
Join us for an upcoming Parks Stewardship Volunteer Opportunity! Tools, gloves, and light refreshments provided. Youth under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Learn more or sign up at Volunteer Olympia.

• Garfield Nature Trail---Mon., Nov. 16
• Decatur Woods Park---Fri., Nov. 20
• Lilly Rd. Parcel---Sat., Nov. 21
• Jolene Unsoeld Park---Fri., Dec. 4
• Jolene Unsoeld Park---Sat., Dec. 5

Event Facilities Available
Looking for a space to host your next meeting, class, or event? The Olympia Center, Harbor House, and Park Shelters are here to meet your needs. For more information, call 360.753.8380 or visit our Facilities Page.