DES receives national recognition for Capitol Campus landscape

For inquiries:
Linda Kent | 360-972-6413 | linda.kent@des.wa.gov
The classic Olmsted turf oval and Great Lawn surround the fountain and color planting, with Olmsted specified trees forming a pleasant green background.
OLYMPIA – The Department of Enterprise Services (DES) was honored this month with national recognition for staying true to the concepts in the original landscape design for the Washington State Capitol Campus. The design by the Olmsted Brothers was completed in 1929.

The agency’s Buildings and Grounds (B&G) Division received the Olmsted Honor Award from the Professional Grounds Management Society (PGMS) at its annual conference held last week in Louisville, Ky.

According to PGMS scoring comments: "Authenticity to the original design intent is evident and integrated into current management practices."

The landscaping plan for West Capitol Campus features informal planting arrangements on the edge of campus that become formal in the center of the historic district, as called for in the Olmsted Plan.

PGMS also noted: "The site is extremely well maintained; meeting or exceeding PGMS Landscape Maintenance Guidelines and appears to be consistent with Olmsted design and management principles. Plant selection is diverse and appealing."

DES Horticulturalist Brent Chapman, Pd.D., said: "Our B&G Division cares deeply about the Olmsted vision for our campus, and you can see this dedication in the work they do on the Capitol Campus grounds every single day."

DES Grounds Operations Specialist Dan Kirschner accepted the Olmsted Honor Award during the PGMS Green Star Award Ceremony on behalf of his team. The other members of the B&G Grounds Team are Kevin Battin, Nathan Bren, Chris Brownell, Mary Harrison, Tim Hildebrand, Jeff Hogan, Eric Leippe, Kailee Moulton, Matt Pecolatto, James Skinner, Sterling Trevena-Garon, and Ash Venable.

More information