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From Vision to Action--
Brewery Progress Report
 The former brewery sits in the heart of Tumwater. Previously the community's number one employer and a regional tourism stop, the mega brewery closed its doors in 2003. Following a series of ownership changes and challenges, the community engaged in a collaborative planning project to address public concerns. The resulting vision from that project reflected an active, vibrant City center for the former brewery properties. Based on this vision, the City Council adopted an action plan to stimulate revitalization efforts of this community asset.
The City Council toured the properties on July 23, 2013, and reviewed the progress to date (see top photos). Although redevelopment efforts will ultimately depend on private investment, the City has taken a very active partnership role in setting the foundation and parameters for redevelopment. Actions include:
- Established an agreement with LOTT to distribute sewer utility capacity and reduce cost for future owners.
- Engaged in a Brewery District subarea plan project to find viable transportation options to create better access to and around the area and improve land use and urban design to enhance the business climate.
- Pursued/awarded state grants to facilitate environmental mitigation actions for select properties and to conduct a feasibility study for the future "E" Street extension.
- Established interim zoning standards, consistent with vision.
- Successfully advocated for brewing covenant removal.
- Actively working to explore and build public/private partnerships.
View the July 2013 brewery tour progress report.
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Pay Your Tumwater
Utility Bill Online!
A new online payment
service is now available.
Visit Utility Payments on
the City website.
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Tumwater Valley Municipal Golf Course
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A New Celebration Highlights the Tradition of Brewing in Tumwater
 It all began here. Tumwater's pioneering brewer, Leopold Schmidt, found the perfect combination of power and pure water resources for his craft brewing operation at the base of the Deschutes River. The brewing industry grew exponentially after the repeal of prohibition and Tumwater's brewery eventually became a primary employer, tourism draw and driver of commerce in the community. Although the corporation left in 2003, the legacy of brewing lives on in the hearts of the people of Tumwater. As the community continues to embrace the vision to revitalize the former brewery properties, the Tumwater Oktoberfest event was created to preserve and celebrate the tradition of brewing that helped to build this wonderful community.
Join us at the Tumwater Oktoberfest on Saturday, September 7, from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Tumwater Valley Golf Course driving range/River's Edge restaurant. Sample the region's best seasonal Märzen and Märzen-Oktoberfest brews, deep amber and well-aged, from local and regional brewmasters. Plus food, live music, games, local history, and just the right amount of Oompah! Purchase tickets or register to volunteer at www.tumwateroktoberfest.com. Although this first-year event is for ages 21 and older, future plans exist to incorporate family activities into the celebration.
An Oktoberfest in September? This is not a mistake. In fact, it's the original month to sample and celebrate the bounty of autumn brews. Leopold Schmidt learned the craft in Worms, Germany during the late 1870s, making the Oktoberfest theme a perfect celebration of this heritage.
This community event is jointly sponsored by the Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater Visitor and Convention Bureau, the City of Tumwater and many generous sponsors. Proceeds from this community event will support efforts to preserve Tumwater history.
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Congratulations Tumwater - We Earned a $20,000 Solar Grant!
Over 100 new participants enrolled in Puget Sound Energy's (PSE) Green Power program in 2013, earning our City a $20,000 grant from PSE to build a solar project. Now the City can demonstrate the effectiveness of the renewable energy potential in solar power on one of our City facilities.
But the race isn't over yet! The City of Tumwater is competing with four other cities in the Puget Sound region - Anacortes, Bainbridge Island, Kirkland, and Snoqualmie - to see who can get the most people to sign up by the end of the year. The city with the highest percentage of new enrollment wins another $20,000 to add to their solar demonstration project.
Businesses and residents in Tumwater can help. It's easy to sign up for the voluntary Green Power program, and once you do, you're supporting clean energy from renewable sources. When you contribute a minimum of $4 per month to the program, PSE buys clean energy on your behalf from local producers. All revenue from the program goes back into the community, which is an even better reason to enroll today.
Help us meet our goal of becoming the greenest city in the Puget Sound region and earning another $20,000 for our community. Learn more or enroll today on the PSE website.
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Driving Roundabouts Safely
 Roundabouts have an increasing presence in the South Sound and across the country. Tumwater has five within the City limits. Because of their prominence, navigating roundabouts safely is important for drivers, passengers and pedestrians.
Roundabouts provide many benefits. According to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), when roundabouts are utilized properly, they have been proven to reduce the number of injury accidents by 75 percent and the number of fatalities by a projected 90 percent. They also help traffic move more efficiently through intersections.
Below are some tips from WSDOT for driving safely in roundabouts:
 As you approach a roundabout, you will see a yellow "roundabout ahead" sign with an advisory speed limit for the roundabout. Slow down as you approach the roundabout, and watch for pedestrians in the crosswalk.- Continue toward the roundabout and look to your left as you near the yield sign and dashed yield line at the entrance to the roundabout. Yield to traffic already in the roundabout.
- Once you see a gap in traffic, enter the circle and proceed to your exit. If there is no traffic in the roundabout, you may enter without yielding.
- Look for pedestrians and use your turn signal before you exit, and make sure to stay in your lane as you navigate the roundabout.
For additional information - including a five-part video series - about driving in roundabouts, please visit the WSDOT's website or the City of Tumwater's website.
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August/September Calendar
 Now Playing! Screen On the Green
Friday, August 9: "Jack the Giant Slayer" - PG-13
Friday, August 16: "OZ the Great and Powerful" - PG
Friday, August 23: "The Croods" - PG
Free outdoor movies at Tumwater Valley Golf Course.
Gates open at 7:30 p.m. and movies begin at dusk.
 Thunder Rumble 5K
Tumwater/Port of Olympia
Here's your chance to run with soldiers in formation (optional). Proceeds support soldiers and families from the 17th Fires Brigade (Tumwater's adopted brigade through JBLM's Community Connector program), sponsored by AUSA and the USFAA.
Register today to show your support!
 Tumwater Parks & Recreation - Classes, Programs & SportsLooking for something to do this summer? Check out the Tumwater Parks & Recreation brochure for sports, programs and classes. It's not too late to sign up for day camps, classes, and sports programs. Call (360) 754-4160 for details.
Tumwater Farmers Market
Visit the local market on Wednesdays, June through October, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., corner of Israel Road and Capitol Blvd.
Saturday, September 7
Tumwater Oktoberfest
4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Inaugural event to celebrate the brewing tradition with samplings of early fall brews at the Tumwater Valley Golf Course. Attendees must be 21 or older. Purchase tickets or register to volunteer on the event website.
Browse to www.VisitTumwater.com to find a community calendar with events and activities from all around Thurston County.
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