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West Richland residents push council to lift 2021 fishing ban at Park at the Lakes; neighbors urge enforcement and repairs
Summary
Dozens of residents—including children—urged the council to restore shoreline fishing at Park at the Lakes, citing outdoor opportunity and petitions; neighbors raised safety, nuisance and water‑quality concerns. Council asked staff to analyze options and return with short‑ and long‑term proposals.
Dozens of West Richland residents used public comment at the July 16 council meeting to press opposite sides of a 2021 municipal‑code change that bans fishing at Park at the Lakes.
Speaking first, Mikayla Leonon said she represented children who want shoreline fishing restored because it provides outdoor activity, civic learning and easy access for families. She delivered packets with signatures and social‑media comments and asked staff to study the issue.
Opposing that view, neighbor Frank Calipristi described concentrated activity at a narrow open shoreline behind his home, alleging public‑urination, trash, damaged sprinkler heads, fishing line left in yards and late‑night loitering. He said the pond is mostly irrigation water and argued that fish from the lake are contaminated and unsafe to eat.
Other speakers framed intermediate positions: longtime resident Katie Rapaz said the pond had been fished for 30 years and asked council to remove the fishing restriction from municipal code subsection 12; Dan Evans — who thanked public works for field maintenance for Little League tournaments — suggested staged short‑term rules (age limits or restricted hours) and long‑term shoreline repairs funded by grants; Terry Davies asked what interim enforcement would look like while staff reviews code enforcement and resident concerns.
City staff and elected officials responded with a combination of immediate steps and promises to study options. Mayor Brent Gary said staff (public works, police and community development) would review the submissions and return to council. Public Works Director Roscoe Slade reminded listeners that the municipal code currently bans fishing, boating and swimming and said new signage will be installed to reflect the code until council changes it.
Chief Grego noted enforcement limits: officers can educate and warn but need evidence to pursue certain charges; he also summarized fireworks calls over the July period separately. Several council members urged a pragmatic, staged approach — for example allowing youth fishing during limited hours while the city pursues shoreline repairs and grant funding for longer‑term improvements.
Why it matters: The issue pits youth recreational access and community quality‑of‑life against neighbor concerns about trespass, litter, safety and water quality. It also implicates municipal liability considerations and park maintenance budgets.
What’s next: Council directed staff to review the petitions, signage, enforcement history and potential grant opportunities and to return with options that could include interim rules (age or hours limits), targeted enforcement, improved signage and pursuing grant funding or capital improvements for the shoreline and pond liner.
