City completes extensive upgrades to Holly Park and wastewater treatment facilities

The Regular City Council Meeting for La Center, Washington, held on April 9, 2025, addressed several key updates regarding community improvements and public works initiatives.

The meeting began with a report on recent enhancements around the community center. Notably, tree removal was conducted to address safety concerns, and new sidewalks were poured to ensure compliance with ADA standards. The removal of an uprooted tree allowed for a smoother surface, and benches were added to improve the area’s usability.

Significant upgrades were also made at Holly Park, where all lighting was replaced with energy-efficient LED fixtures, effectively doubling the park's lighting capacity. This initiative aims to enhance safety and visibility for park users. Additionally, a zinc application was applied to various sidewalks and parking lots to aid in maintenance and control of stormwater runoff.

The council discussed the maintenance of the local little league facilities, which underwent a comprehensive makeover. This included replacing rotting wood on buildings, repainting to match the community center's aesthetic, and pressure washing roofs. These efforts are intended to provide a clean and inviting environment for community activities.

Attention was also given to stormwater management, with a reminder for residents to refrain from blowing leaves into the streets. The council emphasized the importance of community cooperation in maintaining clean public spaces.

Updates from the wastewater treatment plant highlighted that operations remain within the guidelines of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit. However, the influent screening system experienced a failure due to a broken drum coupler, which has since been repaired. A broken utility water line was also addressed, attributed to freezing conditions.

The meeting concluded with a report on staff training, as all personnel attended a Pacific Northwest Clean Water Association (PNCWA) meeting, focusing on topics such as UV disinfection and biosolid processing. This training is essential for maintaining certifications and ensuring the effective operation of the wastewater treatment facility.

Overall, the meeting underscored the city’s commitment to improving public spaces and maintaining essential services, with ongoing efforts to engage the community in these initiatives.