College Place reopens Lions Park, launches Market in the Park with strong initial turnout

City staff reported on June 2 that College Place held a grand reopening ribbon-cutting for Lions Park and launched a rebranded farmers market, Market in the Park, during the same weekend.

At the meeting, staff member Verdimple (first name not specified in the transcript) displayed images and said the Lions Park renovation had been in the works for about eight years and that the weekend program included a ribbon cutting, a fishing derby and the first day of the rebranded market. Verdimple said Mary Elizabeth reported “over 1,000 visitors,” but also noted that no official head count was taken.

Staff reported preliminary vendor information: about 30 to 33 vendors attended the first market day and several vendors reported more than $1,000 in sales. Verdimple said staff processed $150 in food-stamp and Market Match transactions to support food access. The market’s vendor roster, Verdimple said, typically lists about 45 signed vendors though not all attend each week; he estimated a regular-week vendor count in the high 20s to about 30.

Commissioners and staff discussed the market layout and attractions, including the splash pad, playground and food trucks, which staff said will be present regularly. Verdimple said the beer garden has a license good for 12 event days whereas the market is scheduled for 17 days; the beer garden plans to attend the first 12 market days. He also reported that the health department was on site for enforcement and that staff received no significant complaints in the immediate days following the event. One operational issue noted was unclear signage for the roped-off beer-garden area; staff said they will consider adding more signage.

Staff characterized the reopening as a strong showing and said they will continue to promote the market to increase awareness across the Walla Walla Valley. No formal commission action was taken on this staff report.