The original Park of the Seven Oars opened in 1993. Inspired by an 1890 photo of women holding long oars at Priest Point Park, the park was designed to honor the maritime history of Budd Inlet. The seven upright metal oars have been enjoyed by many for their linear rhythm.
On February 28, 2001 at 10:54 am, the nearby Fourth Avenue Bridge was damaged beyond repair during the Nisqually earthquake. As part of the new bridge construction plan, the original Park of the Seven Oars was relocated across street to make room for a traffic roundabout. The new park is larger, has more amenities and offers views of Budd Inlet, Capitol Lake, Capitol Campus, downtown Olympia and the new bridge. Railings and light posts from the old Fourth Avenue Bridge are located in the new park.
It is now possible to walk, sit, and enjoy spectacular views in this wheelchair accessible park. Use your binoculars to spot wildlife. The new concrete benches have tribal decorations. A copy of the original photograph that inspired the artwork is posted in the park.
The purpose of this micro-cache is to encourage visits to and enjoyment of this micro-park. The cache may be found easily by all, including children and those in wheelchairs.
Cache is a micro. Take note of the following:
- bring a pen or pencil
- stay in the park
- stay on the sidewalk
- close and replace cache securely
- post a photo of your visit if possible
- remember that the cache can be reached from a wheelchair (it is not in a sprinkler head!!)
PARKING: The best way to enjoy this cache is to park downtown on the east side of the bridge. It is a beautiful walk across the new bridge enjoying the views and artwork on your way up to the cache. Parking is also available on West Bay Drive by going west across the bridge. Stay in the outside lane of the roundabout so that you can exit to West Bay Drive.