LOCAL SPOTLIGHT:
STEAMBOAT TENNIS & ATHLETIC CLUB
Top notch food and drinks to celebratethe season
STAY COOL IN LEWIS COUNTY
Shaw Aquatic Center and Penny Playgorund
Preparing your outdoor spaces for Spring
MARKET SNAPSHOT
Insideagent analysis
LOCAL EVENTS
Explorelocal events for the New Year
Tucked along the quiet shoreline of Steamboat Island,Steamboat Tennis and Athletic Club (STAC) has become a cornerstone of active living for residents of the greater Olympia area More than a place to work out,the club has built a reputation as a welcoming gathering space where fitness, connection,and community intersect Drake Nicholson,Owner of STAC,shares,"We want people tofeelwelcome and knowthat they canstart at anylevelof their athletic,health andfitnessjourney.We alsowant them to have funandfeelencouragedtostart somethingnew."
Tennis has long been at the heart of STAC, with year-round access to indoor courts, organized play,and instruction for all skill levels The club offers opportunities to learn, improve,and connect through the sport regardless of being a beginner or a lifelong player Pickleball has also become a growing favorite,reflecting the club?s committment to evolving alongside member interests.
Beyond the courts,STACoffers a full range of fitness options designed to support a wide variety of goals and lifestyles.Group fitness classes provide structure,motivation,and camaraderie,while the club?s pool serves as both a training space and a social hub for those seeking low-impact workouts or aquatic conditioning Strength training, personal coaching,and recovery services round out a holistic approach to health and wellness.
One of the club?s defining characteristics is its commitment to families.Youth programming introduces children and teens to healthy habits early,whether through tennis instruction,swim lessons,or seasonal camps. Parents benefit from amenities that make it easier to prioritize their own well-being, including on-site childcare options and flexible scheduling.This multi-generational focus helps position STACas a place members can grow with over time
At its core,Steamboat Tennis & Athletic Club stands for accessibility,encouragement,and connection.The club emphasizes creating an environment where members feel comfortable showing up as they are,whether that means chasing athletic or performance goals or simply finding a consistent,enjoyable way to stay active.Club Manager,Joyce Davison says,"Everyone talksabout ?health andwellness?andabout howtheyhave togo inandlift weightsanddoaerobicactivity.It?s somuchmorethanthat.The socialpart of healthandwellnessishuge,andthat?swhat thisclubisallabout."Staff and instructors play an important role in cultivating that culture,offering guidance without intimidation and fostering relationships that extend beyond workouts and lessons
As one of the few full-service athletic clubs in Thurston County,STACplays an important role in supporting the health and vitality of the surrounding community.By offering inclusive programming,hosting events,and providing a shared space for connection,the club contributes to a stronger,more engaged local lifestyle.For many members,it?s not just where they exercise - it?s where friendships are built, routines are formed,and community takes shape.
M M E R
TK E E P C O O L
There's no better place to spend the summer than at a community pool, and the Shaw Aquatic Center is no exception Acenterpiece of the community since 1959,the pool has been home to countless memories spanning generations.Before becoming a real estate agent,Kim Witham spent her summers as a lifeguard there,and she still uses the pool regularly to this day during the summer months
Thanks to support from the Chehalis Foundation in 2014,the pool has seen a steady stream of upgrades over the years.From a place where kids learn to swim,to an extension of local high school athletics,to simply the best spot to cool off on a hot day Our local real estate agents Ranei Lindsey and Lori Rashoff love bringing their grandkids to the pool and splash pad for an afternoon of fun as Shaw Aquatic Center remains a local favorite for all ages.Beyond the pool itself,visitors will find a waterslide and splash park,and just across the field,alongside the Chehalis Little League baseball diamonds,sits Penny Playground,another local favorite
Opened in 2021,Penny Playground is a destination-style park that sets a high bar for kids of all ages to play and explore.No matter how old you are, there's something here for you. A perfect place to play and meet other people in the community,whether it's for a few hours or the whole day
It's one destination with everything you need: a place to cool off,let the kids run wild,catch a Little League game,or simply enjoy a picnic Located just off the freeway and close to downtown Chehalis,it's an easy stop for
CHEHALIS,WASHINGTON
locals and for travelers passing through on I-5
And once you're done at the park,don't forget to stop by Dairy Dan's for an ice cream to round out your day,it's just a seven-minute walk away
This is one of the reasons living in Lewis County is so special It's not just the great parks,it's the community that rallies around them and supports them,generation after generation.There's something truly special about a community with this kind of longevity and sense of place
U T D O O R O A S I S
OAs the seasons shift and warmer days return,outdoor spaces offer an opportunity to reimagine how we gather, relax,and connect at home Thoughtfully prepared patios,decks,and yards become natural extensions of the living space? places designed not only for enjoyment,but for memorable moments shared with family and friends throughout spring and summer.
The foundation of an inviting outdoor environment begins with a seasonal refresh Clearing winter remnants, restoring surfaces,and refreshing furnishings allows the space to feel renewed and ready for use.Small enhancements? such as updated cushions,freshly cleaned landscapes,or subtle repairs? can dramatically elevate the overall experience,setting a tone of care and intention
"Identifying how you want to use your outdoor space is key! Is it used for entertaining,or space to sit outside and drink your coffee? Once you identify use,you can narrow down specific outdoor furniture for whatever you are wanting to use your space for."
Lauren Hail,Lewis County Agent
Privacy plays an important role in creating an outdoor space that feels both comfortable and retreat-like.Fencing, privacy screens,and thoughtful landscaping? such as hedges, ornamental grasses,or potted trees? can soften boundaries while providing separation from neighboring properties
Equally important is protection from the elements,particularly in the Pacific Northwest.Shade solutions such as umbrellas,pergolas,or covered seating areas provide comfort on sunny days and extend usability during light rain,allowing outdoor spaces to be enjoyed throughout the season
"The best outdoor spaces are designed with intention,not just looks I always think about how people will gather, cook,and relax,and then build the space around those moments.Simple upgrades like lighting,defined seating areas,and low-maintenance landscaping can completely change how a backyard feels and functions "
Jake
Pierpoint,Thurston County Agent
An outdoor space designed for entertaining should feel both functional and welcoming Comfortable seating, durable materials,and well-scaled furnishings encourage guests to relax and linger.
An outdoor kitchen or dedicated serving area further enhances the hosting experience by allowing the host to remain engaged while preparing meals.At a minimum,a quality grill paired with durable countertops,and prep or serving space creates ease,while larger spaces may benefit from added features such as refrigeration,storage,or bar seating.
Atmosphere completes the experience.Layered lighting extends gatherings into the evening,while seasonal greenery,planters,and landscaping add warmth and visual interest Together,these thoughtful details create an outdoor setting that feels polished yet effortless. With intentional planning and inspired design, outdoor spaces become more than functional? they become personal retreats and gathering places where the best moments of the season unfold
Local Events in the South Sound for the Holidays
CHEHALIS FEST
313 Northwest Chehalis Avenue
Chehalis,Washington 98532
THURSTON COUNTY FAIR 2026
3054 Carpenter Rd SE
Lacey,Washington 98503
TUMWATER ARTESIAN BREWFEST
4611Tumwater Valley Drive SE
Tumwater,Washington
HARBOR DAYS
Olympia,Waterfront
As we reflect on 2025,I am proud to look back on a year defined by resilience,steady progress,and meaningful growth? both across Washington?s real estate market and within Olympic Sotheby?s International Realty
Throughout much of Washington,the 2025 housing market transitioned further into a phase of normalization After several years of rapid appreciation and constrained supply,the market demonstrated a more measured pace,marked by stable demand,moderating price growth,and gradually improving inventory
In Thurston County,home values remained well supported,with modest appreciation reflecting continued buyer confidence despite affordability pressures Lewis County showed a slightly different but equally healthy profile,with both listings and closed sales rising meaningfully in 2025 Across both counties,the message was clear,well-presented,correctly priced homes continued to perform,and professional guidance mattered more than ever
Against this backdrop,Olympic Sotheby?s
International Realty experienced one of the most successful years in our company?s history.We welcomed a number of talented new agents to our
Warm regards,
Jim Greene
Designated Broker,Owner
brokerage,strengthening our presence and expanding the depth of expertise we offer our clients 2025 also marked the first full year of operations for our Lewis County office? an important milestone that reflects our long-term commitment to serving communities throughout the region
These accomplishments are not accidental They are the result of a shared commitment to professionalism,collaboration,and delivering a level of service that aligns with the Sotheby?s International Realty®brand I am deeply grateful to our agents and staff for their dedication, adaptability,and integrity,and to our clients for the confidence they place in us during some of life?s most important decisions
As we look ahead to 2026,we do so with optimism and focus While the market may continue to reward patience and strategy over speed,our mission remains unchanged: to lead with expertise,serve with care,and set the standard for real estate excellence in Washington
Thank you for being part of our continued success
SCAN TOSEETHE QUARTERLY MARKET REPORT
