City Announces Boat Launch And Trail Closures For IRONMAN 70.3 Washington Tri-Cities (Photo) - 09/16/26

The City of Richland will temporarily close boat launches, parking areas, and trail access points in preparation for IRONMAN 70.3 Washington Tri-Cities, taking place September 18–20, 2026. Race day is Sunday, September 20.

The following closures are being implemented by the City of Richland to accommodate the racecourse and aid stations:

Leslie Groves Park – Snyder Boat Launch: Closed from 11:00 p.m. Saturday, September 19, through 4:00 p.m. Sunday, September 20. The area is part of the race-day run course.
North Howard Amon Park Parking Lot and Boat Launch: Closed from 11:00 p.m. Saturday, September 19, through 4:00 p.m. Sunday, September 20. The area is part of the race-day run course.
Bradley Boulevard Trailhead: Closed from 11:00 p.m. Saturday, September 19, through 4:00 p.m. Sunday, September 20. The area will serve as a run-course aid station.
River Road at Hains Avenue: Closed from 11:00 p.m. Saturday, September 19, through 4:00 p.m. Sunday, September 20. The area is part of the run course and will include an aid station.
Columbia Point Marina: Boat launches will be closed Friday, September 18, through Sunday, September 20. The marina parking lot will have limited public access Friday and Saturday and no public access on Sunday, September 20.

Columbia Playfield Parking Lot Now Open

The City is also pleased to announce that the newly improved Columbia Playfield parking lot, located at 1500 Mansfield Street, is now open for public use.  The contractor has completed parking lot striping and installation of parking bumpers, and the project has reached substantial completion. Some remaining work, including the trash enclosure, will continue.

The reopening provides an additional parking option for residents and visitors as Richland welcomes athletes and spectators for IRONMAN 70.3 Washington Tri-Cities and SausageFest this weekend.

Plan Ahead for Race Weekend

These closures are separate from the additional traffic restrictions, road closures and diversions associated with the IRONMAN course. Those traffic-control measures are being coordinated by IRONMAN and its contractors.

Residents and visitors should plan ahead and allow additional travel time throughout race weekend. For information about race-day road closures, course maps, getting around the Tri-Cities, spectator information and other event-related impacts, is the Visit Tri-Cities IRONMAN webpage.

The City appreciates the community's patience and cooperation as Richland welcomes athletes, spectators, and visitors for IRONMAN 70.3 Washington Tri-Cities.

City Of Richland Facilities Closed For Labor Day - 09/03/26

City of Richland facilities will be closed Monday, September 7, 2026, in observance of Labor Day.

Closures include City Hall, the Richland Community Center, Richland Public Library, Horn Rapids Landfill and other City facilities.

Garbage collection will continue on its regular schedule. Residents should place garbage containers at the curb as usual on Monday.

Emergency services, including police and fire response, will continue to operate as usual throughout the holiday.

City facilities will reopen for regular business hours on Tuesday, September 8.

For City information and online services, visit richlandwa.gov.

City Of Richland Appoints Krysten Mabe As Human Resources Director (Photo) - 08/19/26

The City of Richland has appointed Krysten Mabe as its new Human Resources Director, effective August 19, 2026. Mabe has served the City for six years and most recently held the position of Human Resources Supervisor.

Mabe brings more than 20 years of human resources experience to the role, with expertise in employee and labor relations, leadership development, benefits administration, compensation, recruitment, and organizational development.

Since joining the City in 2020 as an HR Specialist, Mabe has advanced through increasingly responsible roles, including HR Generalist and HR Supervisor. In her current leadership role, she supervises the HR team, provides guidance and coaching to City leaders, supports strategic planning, and oversees several key HR programs and initiatives.

“Krysten has demonstrated strong judgment, leadership, and a deep understanding of our organization,” said City Manager Jon Amundson. “She has earned the trust and respect of employees and leaders across the City, and I am confident she will continue to strengthen our organization and our commitment to serving employees and the community.”

During her time with the City, Mabe has played an important role in several organization-wide initiatives, including the implementation of Workday, the City’s human resources information system. She has also helped strengthen compensation practices, employee leave and workers’ compensation programs, and HR procedures.

Prior to joining the City, Mabe held human resources positions with Providence Health & Services and Kadlec Regional Medical Center in Richland and Baker Boyer Bank in Walla Walla. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Washington State University, with a concentration in human and personnel relations and a minor in business administration.

As Human Resources Director, Mabe will report directly to the City Manager and serve as a member of the City’s Executive Leadership Team.