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Richland outlines phased reopening after extensive cleanup of closed parks
Summary
City parks staff described closures of Columbia Park West and other shoreline areas after vandalism, fires and recurring camping; staff outlined a two-phase reopening, increased ranger patrols, vegetation work approved with U.S. Army Corps and weekly visits by a county resource navigator.
City parks staff briefed the council on the closure and planned phased reopening of Columbia Park West and adjacent shoreline areas after months of vandalism, fires, litter and recurring unauthorized camping.
Chris Waite, a city parks staff member, told the council the department closed the affected area only after other measures — extra ranger patrols, police support, closure of damaged restroom facilities and signage — failed to stop repeated problems. "Our responsibility as a department is really to provide a safe space for our community members to come and recreate," Waite said, framing the closure as a last resort to protect visitors and natural resources.
Waite summarized work done during the closure: an extensive shoreline cleanup that took nearly a week; vegetation management completed in December and January after approvals with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the city planning…
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