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.

Shoreline Stabilization Testing In Richland Next Week (Photo) -05/15/25

Please use caution on the multi-purpose trail along the Columbia River between Bradley Boulevard Trailhead parking lot and the Riverfront Hotel in Richland on Monday and Tuesday, May 19 and 20, 2025 as City contractors collect soil samples for stabilization testing.

While the trail remains open, users are asked to slow down and exercise caution in the area. The shoreline will be cordoned off while geotechnical engineers collect soil samples.

The Columbia River shoreline is periodically inspected to ensure safety and assess ground stability and erosion. The results of this geotechnical analysis will support ongoing efforts by city engineers to monitor shoreline conditions and plan future stabilization projects.

Vacancy On Richland Public Facilities District Board (Photo) -05/14/25

The City of Richland is currently accepting applications to fill one (1) upcoming vacancy on the Public Facilities District Board. The Board exists for the sole purpose of acquiring, constructing, owning, remodeling, maintaining, equipping, re-equipping, repairing, financing and/or operating a Regional Center in the City, but only pursuant to an interlocal agreement (C104-02) between the City and the District. 

This is a great opportunity for residents to learn more about how their city operates, and to help shape its future. 

For more information about the position or how to apply, please visit www.ci.richland.wa.us/bccvacancies. 

Applications will be accepted through May 26, 2025.  

For questions, please contact Jennifer Rogers, City Clerk at (509) 942-7389. 

Playground Grand Opening In Howard Amon Park On Friday, May 16th (Photo) -05/12/25

The City of Richland is excited to announce the grand re-opening of the newly reimagined playground at Howard Amon Park—formerly known as Sturgeon Cove—on Friday, May 16, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.

This long-anticipated playground features a brand-new cruise boat-themed play structure, inspired by the iconic paddle wheel cruise ships that dock nearby during the summer months. The expanded playground offers improved accessibility, more play features, and increased capacity, making it a truly inclusive destination for children of all ages and abilities.

The playground’s design draws inspiration from the natural beauty and ecology of the Columbia River. The structure incorporates regionally influenced colors and marine-themed accents. A new pour-in-place rubber safety surface enhances safety while mimicking the flowing colors of the river and ensuring ADA accessibility throughout the play area.

Key features of the new playground include:

• Larger play structure with expanded playground footprint
• Improved ADA accessibility: firm surfaces, wider access points, transfer options
• Dueling ziplines
• More swings, including expression swings
• Dedicated play areas for preschoolers and all-age users
• Sensory play equipment
• Inclusive whirl feature

To celebrate this special event, families are invited to enjoy free snow cones (while supplies last), healthy snacks, arts and crafts, and plenty of fun activities throughout the grand re-opening celebration.

“We are thrilled to celebrate this innovative and inclusive playground that brings new life to a beloved community space,” said Richland Parks & Public Facilities Director Chris Waite. “This project reflects our commitment to creating accessible, engaging, and inspiring environments for all children in our community.”

Join us for the celebration!

Date: Friday, May 16, 2025
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Location: Howard Amon Park, Richland, WA

Candidate Reception For Development Services Director On Monday (Photo) -05/09/25

The City of Richland invites community members to attend a public reception to meet the finalists for the Development Services Director position. The event will take place on Monday, May 12, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Lounge at the Richland Community Center, 500 Amon Park Drive.

The evening will begin with introductions, followed by an informal meet-and-greet, offering attendees the chance to engage with the candidates. Light refreshments will be served.

The Development Services Director leads the City’s Development Services Department, which encompasses Business & Economic Development, Building/Permitting, Planning, and affordable Housing Programs.

There are four finalists for the position: one from Texas, two from the Washington cities of Sunnyside and College Place, and one internal candidate from Richland.

Derrick Braaten has approximately 19 years of municipal experience primarily in Planning and Development services. Most recently, he was the Community and Economic Development Director for the City of Sunnyside, WA. Prior to his time at Sunnyside, Mr. Braaten served as the Planning and Building Department Director for Franklin County, WA. He also served as the Development Services Director and City Planner for the City of Airway Heights, WA. In addition, Derrick has attended Gonzaga University of Law, and the Post-Graduate Public Administration program at Eastern Washington University. He is also certified by the American institute of Certified Planners. 

Steven Hohulin is currently the Director of Land Planning with Quiddity Engineering, LLC, in Woodland, TX and has served in this role since 2022. Before his time with Quiddity, Steve worked as the Senior Discipline Manager for Waggoner, in Jackson, MS. He began his planning career in 1989 as Planning Director with the Wade-Trim/ ALMN in Ann Arbor, MI. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Illinois State University in Urban Geography. Steve is also a member of the American Planning Association and American Institute of Certified Planners.  

Michael Rizzitiello has worked with the City of College Place, WA since 2016 as the City Administrator. He began his career in 2008 as an Engineering Intern and gained 17 years of experience with seven different organizations in the city, state, and council-of-government arena. Michael earned a Bachelor of Art's degree in Urban Planning specializing in Land Use and Transportation from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a Master of Public Administration degree specializing in local government Administration, Financial Management and Information Management from the University of Illinois at Chicago. 

Mike Stevens has spent the last seven years as the Planning Manager for the City of Richland, WA. Prior to his current experience, Mr. Stevens worked as a Senior Planner for the City of West Richland WA, and Pacific County Department of Community Development. Mike earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Liberal Studies with an Emphasis in Land Use Planning from Eastern Oregon University.  

We encourage community members to attend, ask questions, and help shape the future of development in Richland by getting to know the individuals who may lead this vital department. Your participation is valued and appreciated.

Questions can be directed to Deputy City Manager Joe Schiessl, 509-942-7778.

Queensgate Drive Connection To Shockley To Open (Photo) -05/06/25

A long-anticipated stretch of Queensgate Drive is nearing completion and is tentatively scheduled to open to traffic as early as Wednesday, May 7, 2025.

This new connection between Keene Road and Shockley Road is part of a developer-led project that has been closely followed by the community. Once open, the roadway will enhance traffic flow, reduce congestion in surrounding areas, and improve overall connectivity in the growing South Richland area.

"We know this project has generated a lot of interest and we appreciate the public’s patience as work has progressed,” said Public Works Director, Carlo D’Alessandro. “This new connection will serve both current residents and support future development.”

The project aligns with broader transportation goals and reflects the City’s commitment to supporting development that improves livability and access across Richland.

Residents are encouraged to follow the City’s social media channels and website for the latest updates.