Nov. 11, 2011

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

OLYMPIA – The Department of Enterprise Services is calling for individuals at Heritage Park to voluntarily remove their tents.

The escalating public safety concerns that Enterprise Services is encountering at Heritage Park prompted the announcement. Tents were allowed as part of the free-speech activity known as Occupy Olympia, which began in mid-October.

"We have worked cooperatively with the Occupy Olympia representatives and now ask for their cooperation in removing the tents," said Joyce Turner, director of Enterprise Services. "We will work with those who want to express their views in the appropriate time, place and manner. But the current activity at Heritage Park is no longer sustainable."

Like other Occupy movements around the country, Olympia is experiencing a growing increase of incidents requiring intervention. These include violent behavior and illegal use of drugs and alcohol that have resulted in arrests by the Washington State Patrol, which provides security on the Capitol Campus in Olympia.

The department will inform those at the park about organizations and services that can assist with medical care, housing, food and other needs.

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 and displays on the campus.

The department, as authorized under state administrative code, allowed tents for overnight use at Heritage Park as part of the Occupy Olympia protest.

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