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Richland gives timeline for Sturgeon Cove playground, pathway repairs and shoreline fixes
Summary
Public facilities staff set a May target to open Sturgeon Cove Playground, described McMurray Pathway repairs in early May, outlined Little Badger trail engineering and lodging-tax-funded trailhead work, and noted shoreline erosion work and a closed viewing platform near Columbia Point Marina.
Public Facilities Director Chris Waite told the Parks and Recreation Commission on March 13 that a series of park and trail projects are moving toward construction or opening this year, including a target opening date for Sturgeon Cove Playground and repairs to access paths and shoreline infrastructure.
Why it matters: several projects affect access to popular waterfront assets and event venues, and some work depends on weather windows, funding or permitting.
Key project updates
- Sturgeon Cove Playground (Howardena Park): Waite said most playground components are on site and staff are aiming to reopen on Friday, May 16. The remaining critical item is installed fall protection — “we're in April looking for that window of weather where we're above 48 degrees and don't have rain for 2 weeks,” he said. The playground includes inclusive features and the city is a test site for some accessibility elements.
- McMurray Pathway: A section west of George Washington Way that had heaving from tree roots will be reconstructed; work is scheduled to start in early May and is expected to be brief.
- Little Badger trail system: Design and engineering for a steep-slope trail segment started last year; Waite said construction for that expensive section depends on securing funding and could be late 2026 or early 2027. Friends of Badger Mountain received a lodging-tax grant to support design and construction of a trailhead and parking lot; community engagement on that component will begin next month.
- Columbia Point / Columbia Point Marina shoreline and viewing platform: Waite said the viewing platform north of the Marriott and north of Columbia Point Marina was closed after undermining of concrete slabs and basalt pillars. City engineers are developing two 30% designs to compare cost and feasibility. The city is also discussing interim erosion-protection measures with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to protect trails and irrigation lines while a long-term solution is pursued.
- Clabo Park pickleball courts: side paths were installed primarily to move irrigation away from the courts and reduce surface moisture.
Traffic and access note: road construction this summer will affect the eastern entrance to Columbia Playfields (Columbia Point); the city expects business access to remain open but warned of impacts to field access during construction.
What was said: “The real key component is that fall protection which is a soft surface that goes underneath the playground,” Waite said of Sturgeon Cove. He described coordination with community partners on Little Badger and said the city will be sensitive to neighborhood concerns during trailhead planning.
Next steps: staff will monitor weather-dependent items, advance permit-driven shoreline designs and begin public engagement for the trailhead funded by lodging tax.
