Dive Into Summer: A Day Of Fun For The Whole Family (Photo) -06/13/25

Celebrate the start of summer at the third annual Dive into Summer event in Richland on Saturday, June 21. This celebration combines all the fun the season offers, like swimming, craft and physical activities, live music, reading challenges, and information on other community-wide activities occurring throughout the summer.

Start the day with an open swim session at the George Proud Pool, 1005 Swift Boulevard for only a dollar entry fee ($1) from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. or 3:45 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Continue the celebration from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at John Dam Plaza with free family-friendly music live on the HAPO stage, lawn games and activities for kids and kids-at-heart. Theo, the library’s dinosaur mascot will be high-fiving and smiling for photo opportunities and at 7:00 p.m., all will gather around the stage and sing Happy 1^st Birthday to Theo.  

Vendors include Vivid Imaginations Face Painting, Miss Tamale, Sweet Squeeze Lemonade, Popcorn Northwest, and Sweet Snack Attack.

Partner organizations, like The Reach Museum, Girl Scouts, Mid-Columbia Children’s Museum and the Children’s Reading Foundation will provide information on upcoming free and low-cost activities that are planned through the summer. Kids who visit all partner tables can pick up a free snow-cone, courtesy of the Friends of the Richland Library.

Bring the whole family down to John Dam Plaza and Dive Into Summer with us!

For more information visit www.Richlandparksandrec.com/DiveIntoSummer.

Weekend Intersection Closure: Stevens Drive And Swift Boulevard (Photo) -06/12/25

Virtual Public Meeting: Help Shape The Future Of Parking In Central Richland (Photo) -06/12/25

A virtual public meeting will be held on Thursday, June 26 at 6:00 p.m. to discuss the future of parking in Central Richland.

The Parking Reform Project meeting will feature a presentation from the City's consultant on the current landscape of off-street parking, offering key insights into the market. In addition, there will be an interactive portion where attendees can share their feedback directly with the City.

There is no specific proposal being presented at this time. Rather, this meeting serves as a high-level overview and listening session to gather input to help shape future planning.

Richland is committed to creating a vibrant, accessible downtown that supports residents, businesses, and visitors. As part of this vision, the City is launching a review of off-street parking requirements in the Central Business District and along the Columbia Point waterfront. This effort will help ensure our municipal codes align with community goals and future development.

In addition, recent state legislation is driving reforms to parking requirements in support of affordable housing, urban growth, and environmental sustainability. These changes will not apply to hotels, schools, or hospitals.

To guide this important project, the City is partnering with Kimley-Horn, a nationally recognized engineering and planning firm. The process will be led by Robert Ferrin, an expert in urban development and parking strategy with experience in both public and private sectors.

Your feedback will help shape parking policies that reflect the community’s priorities.

For more information, visit www.ci.richland.wa.us/ParkingReform       

Traffic Advisory: One Week Lane Reduction On Dallas Road Begins June 16 (Photo) -06/10/25

Badger Mountain South commuters should expect traffic delays on Dallas Road between Trowbridge Boulevard and Ava Way for one week starting Monday, June 16 through Friday, June 20.

The contractor will reduce traffic to one lane between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to safely install underground utilities across Dallas Road. Flaggers will be on-site to manage traffic flow.

Drivers are advised to anticipate delays and consider alternate routes when possible. A reduced speed limit will be in effect and strictly enforced throughout the construction zone to ensure the safety of both workers and motorists.

This work is part of a larger infrastructure project that includes:

• Road widening
• New roundabouts at Trowbridge and Ava Way
• Sidewalks and ADA-compliant crossings
• Installation and extension of utilities and fiber infrastructure

These upgrades support ongoing development in the Badger Mountain South area.

Project completion is expected in Spring 2026.

For more information or to view the full Scope of Work, visit www.ci.richland.wa.us/DallasRoad or call 509-942-7500.

City Of Richland Supports Inclusion Of Nuclear Energy Carve-Out In Federal Legislation (Photo) -06/09/25

The City of Richland is pleased to recognize the inclusion of a critical nuclear energy carve-out in the federal tax legislation passed by the U.S. House of Representatives on May 22^nd. The provision preserves essential production tax credits and ensures transferability for advanced nuclear projects—safeguarding the future of clean energy innovation and supporting communities like Richland that are deeply invested in nuclear technology.

The carve-out, part of the broader reconciliation package, reflects the efforts of Congressman Dan Newhouse, who played a key role in securing this win for the nuclear sector. His leadership was instrumental in maintaining tax credit eligibility for nuclear projects that begin construction by the end of 2028 and in allowing those credits to be transferred—helping to attract investment and lower costs for new technologies.

“Congressman Newhouse’s leadership on this issue could not be more timely or more important,” said Jon Amundson, Richland City Manager. “Richland has long been a hub for nuclear innovation and clean energy progress, and this policy ensures we remain positioned to lead in the years ahead. We appreciate the Congressman’s strong advocacy for our community and our future.”

Richland’s legacy in nuclear energy spans decades—from its pivotal role in Hanford’s history to its contributions to modern-day research, development, and deployment of advanced fission technologies. This legislation directly supports the city’s economic vitality and strengthens its leadership in the nation’s transition to carbon-free energy.

The City will continue to follow developments as the bill moves to the Senate and encourages federal lawmakers to maintain strong support for nuclear energy, which remains a cornerstone of both local prosperity and national energy security.

Intersection Safety Improvements Update – Phase Three Begins (Photo) -06/05/25

The City of Richland’s Intersection Safety Improvement Project has completed two of the three planned mini-roundabouts.

Richland Fire Chief Tom Huntington Honored With Dan Packer Fire Chief Of The Year Award (Photo) -05/29/25

Richland Fire and Emergency Services is proud to announce that Fire Chief Tom Huntington has been named the 2025 recipient of the Dan Packer Fire Chief of the Year Award by the Washington Fire Chiefs (WFC) Association. The honor was presented during the annual WFC Banquet held earlier this month.

The Dan Packer Award, named in memory of Fire Chief Dan Packer who lost his life in 2008 while assisting with wildfire operations in California, recognizes fire service leaders who demonstrate extraordinary professionalism, leadership, and service to their communities. Recipients are selected based on their embodiment of Chief Packer’s legacy—marked by loyalty, strength in action, and commitment to collaborative service.

Chief Huntington, who marked 30 years of service with the City of Richland in 2024, has held every rank in the department before becoming Fire Chief in 2015. Over the last decade, his visionary leadership has driven regional partnerships, enhanced emergency response, and led transformational projects across the Tri-Cities region.

Among his recent accomplishments:

• Expansion of Service: Opened Richland’s sixth fire station to meet growing demand in the southern part of the city.
• Heart Safe Richland Initiative: In collaboration with Kadlec Regional Medical Center, the department earned American Heart Association recognition for advancing cardiac and stroke care through community CPR academies and AED installations.
• Regional Communications Leadership: Chief Huntington is leading the development of a $29 million bi-county 800 MHz radio system to modernize emergency communications across Benton and Franklin Counties, a project set for completion in 2026.

"Chief Huntington has consistently exemplified what it means to serve with strength, vision, and humility," said Michael C. Harris, Fire Chief for Franklin County Fire District #3, who submitted the award nomination. "He has made our region safer, better connected, and more resilient."

As part of this recognition, Chief Huntington’s name has been engraved on the WFC’s perpetual Dan Packer Award trophy, and he was presented with a commemorative plaque during the ceremony.

Reflecting on the honor, Chief Huntington shared that he was “truly humbled” and credited his team and community partners for their support. "This award is a reflection of the people I work alongside every day. I’m proud to share this recognition with all of them."

For more information about Richland Fire and Emergency Services, visit www.ci.richland.wa.us.

Temporary Closure Of SR 240 For Railroad Crossing Reconstruction Begins Thursday (Photo) -05/23/25

The Port of Benton will begin construction on the railroad crossing along State Route 240 starting at noon on Thursday, May 29, continuing through 6:00 a.m. on Monday, June 2. During this period, SR 240 will be closed between Stevens Drive and Kingsgate Way.

Detour Information:

Drivers will be detoured north on Stevens Drive, west on Battelle Boulevard, and then south on Kingsgate Way to reconnect with SR 240. A detailed detour map is available for reference.

Project Details:

This project involves:

• Replacing the existing railroad crossing with new concrete panels
• Repaving both sides of the crossing
• Installing new track, ties, and a rail signal cabinet
• Replacing gate mechanisms
• Upgrading crossing lights to energy-efficient LEDs

For more details, visit portofbenton.com/projects or call (509) 375-3060.

Upcoming SR 240 Construction in June

In addition, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has launched a separate improvement project along SR 240 near the Port of Benton rail crossing. This work is expected to affect traffic in June.

Stay up to date by visiting: wsdot.wa.gov/about/news/2025/improvements-state-route-240-richland-underway

Columbia Playfields In Central Richland To Host WIAA State High School Softball Playoffs (Photo) -05/22/25

Central Richland will be buzzing with excitement this weekend as 24 high school teams from across Washington state converge on Columbia Playfields for the WIAA State Fastpitch Softball Playoffs.

Tournament play begins today, Thursday at 3:00 p.m. with 1A division matchups. The action continues Friday starting at 9:00 a.m., featuring both 1A and 4A teams, and culminates with the championship rounds on Saturday evening.

Columbia Playfields is located at 1500 Mansfield Street, Richland, just off Stevens Drive.

Traffic & Parking Alert:

Expect significant traffic delays on Stevens Drive, as road construction is ongoing near the Mansfield Street entrance to the Playfields.  Visitors are strongly encouraged to avoid construction on Stevens Drive by using George Washington Way and Swift Boulevard for easier access.  In addition, parking immediately adjacent to the Columbia Playfield will be limited.

Parking Options:

• Overflow parking is available at:
  • Fran Rish Stadium
  • Richland High School

Join us in cheering on Washington’s top high school athletes as they compete for the state title!

Controlled Burn In North Richland On Friday (Photo) -05/22/25

The Richland Fire Department will be conducting controlled burns on the WSU Tri-Cities campus this Friday, May 23, as part of their Wildfire Training Academy. These burns are weather permitting and are an important part of preparing our crews for wildfire season.

Burns will take place in the vegetated areas next to the Wine Science Center, near the intersection of Crimson Way and 1st Street. Fire crews will arrive at 8:00 AM to assess weather and fuel conditions, with burning scheduled between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM.

Please don’t be alarmed if you see smoke in the area. Thank you for your support as we work to keep our community safe.

*Interesting Note: WSU-TC Wine Science Students will be collecting the smoke to use in their research on how smoke impacts wine grapes.

Richland Facilities Close For Memorial Day Holiday (Photo) -05/21/25

The City of Richland facilities will close on Monday, May 26, 2025, for Memorial Day. This includes the community center, Horn Rapids Landfill and the library. Curbside trash and recycling collection will continue as normal.