A section of Richland’s main thoroughfare, George Washington Way, will close on Saturday morning, May 11, 2024, from 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. This closure will accommodate the Tri-Cities Cancer Center’s annual Cancer Crushing Challenge Run/Walk. The closure spans from Jadwin Avenue, north to Van Giesen Street. From there, Van Giesen east to Hains Avenue and River Road will be closed, as well as Lee Blvd east of George Washington Way to the river. The 5K/10K timed road-to-river race starts on George Washington Way and Knight Street. Signage, flaggers, and other volunteers will assist in safely directing traffic and event participants during this short timeframe.
The full racecourse can be viewed on the event website. More information on the event can be found at https://runsignup.com/Race/WA/Richland/CancerCrushingChallenge.
The City of Richland has several opportunities for public involvement in five (5) boards, committees, and commissions. Interested citizens are encouraged to apply and serve as public officers to help guide the future of Richland.
They include:
•Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Citizens Review Committee
•Board of Adjustment
•Code Enforcement Board
•Parks & Recreation Commission
.Public Facilities District Board
**Below is a brief description of each BCC. **
Americans with Disabilities Act Citizens Review Committee
Created in response to federal legislation to provide fundamental due process for persons aggrieved by the implementation and/or administration of the Americans with Disabilities Act as it applies to the policies, procedures, equipment, and property of the City of Richland.
Board of Adjustment
Conducts public hearings and makes decisions on applications for special use permits; grant permits when requirements are fully met; grants or denies variances to the regulations or restrictions in the Richland Municipal Code (RMC) when the variance is in harmony with general purposes and intent of the RMC; hears and decides on appeals to administrative interpretations of the city's zoning code.
Code Enforcement Board
Conducts hearings on civil violations of the Richland Municipal Code (RMC); determines whether a civil violation of the RMC has occurred; assess monetary penalties in instances where it has been determined that civil violations of the RMC have occurred; adopts rules of procedure for hearings concerning civil violations of the RMC; conducts hearings on appeal of any notice of civil trespass issued pursuant to Chapter 2.34 RMC; performs such other duties and provide such additional information, assistance and advice to the City Council as the City Council may request or direct.
Parks and Recreation
Advises the City Council based on public input of City-provided facilities, civic beautification in order to enhance the quality of life, environmental and cultural preservation, and programs for recreation.
Public Facilities District Board
The Public Facilities District is established 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 to learn how your city operates and to help shape its future. For further details on these positions or to apply, visit www.ci.richland.wa.us/bccvacancies and scroll to the Current Vacancies page.
Applications will be accepted until positions are filled.
For more information contact Jennifer Rogers, City Clerk (509) 942-7389
The City of Richland began work on restoration and repair projects along Richland’s Riverfront Trail. Detours will guide users to safe, accessible alternative routes.
WSU-Tri-Cities North Richland Riverfront Trail - Work Begins May 2, 2024
A section north of Sprout Street behind the Washington State University Tri-Cities Campus that was damaged by wash out last fall will be restored and repaved. The detour includes a pedestrian friendly and separate biking route.
Hains Street Levee Riverfront Trail - Work Begins May 13, 2024
A south section of the levee above Hains Street will be closed for asphalt removal, tree, and root removal, and repavement of the trail. Crews will remove trees growing within five feet of the trail to reduce future root damage.
The approximate half-mile section of the levee, from Porters Real Barbeque to River Road will be closed to safely route users around the area. This project should be complete in approximately three - four weeks.
For more information and to view the detours, visit ci.richland.wa.us/projects.
The City of Richland proudly announces the appointment of Chris Waite as their new Parks and Public Facilities Director. With a renowned 19-year career in parks and recreation, Waite brings a wealth of experience and a passion for community to this pivotal role.
Waite is recognized as a motivated and focused project administrator who thrives on the creative process and excels in team collaboration. His career highlights include serving as Parks and Recreation Director for the City of Umatilla, Oregon, where he managed three divisions, oversaw department budgets, and led full-time and seasonal staff. He also served as Cemetery/Parks Supervisor for Billings Parks and Recreation, overseeing cemetery operations and staff while developing division policies and fee structures. Additionally, Waite excelled as a Volunteer Coordinator for Billings Parks and Recreation, spearheading a successful volunteer and community outreach program.
Waite holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of Montana and a Bachelor of Fine Art from Brigham Young University-Idaho. He is a Certified Parks and Recreation Executive, Certified Playground Safety Inspector, and is affiliated with the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA).
“We are pleased to welcome Chris Waite to our Executive Leadership team,” states Deputy City Manager, Joe Schiessl. “I am confident his experience in recreation along with his commitment to establishing partnerships, promoting volunteerism, and engaging our community is the right fit for Richland”.
In his new role as Parks and Public Facilities Director for the City of Richland, Waite will lead efforts to enhance the city's parks, recreational facilities, and public spaces, fostering community engagement and quality of life for residents.
Waite begins his new role on Monday, April 29, 2024.
For more information regarding Richland’s parks and public facilities, visit www.richlandparksandrec.com
Don’t miss the first annual Community Wildfire Preparedness Expo on May 4, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Badger Mountain Trailhead Park.
This family-friendly two-hour event includes exhibits, demonstrations, and opportunities to talk with emergency service agencies, land, water, and wildlife organizations, and more. Citizens will learn more about wildfire preparedness, protection, and evacuation. There will be emergency vehicles to explore, public training on performing Hands-Only CPR, and a chance to meet with about fifteen partner organizations.
This event is hosted by Richland Fire and Emergency Services who received a grant from the Department of Natural Resources to educate and prepare neighborhoods living near undeveloped open space. The Community Wildfire Defense Grant includes a wildfire preparedness kiosk for park users with a QR Code that directly links to an online hub that features educational information, notifications, instructions in case of fire, and real-time updates. The grant provides funding every year to target various locations throughout Richland.
Badger Mountain Trailhead Park is located at 1294 White Bluffs Street, off Keene Road in Richland.
The City of Richland and community partners are hosting a one-day Mobile Food Vendor event on May 3, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. This event will streamline and simplify the inspection and permitting process for mobile food vendors in our region. Participants can quickly obtain the necessary permits and approvals to operate their business throughout the Tri-Cities.
This free, one-stop solution will have experts from Tri-City area fire departments, Benton Franklin Health District, and the City of Richland's Code Enforcement, Zoning, Building, and Parks and Recreation teams to provide information, inspections, and permits.
To participate, vendors must pre-register for a designated time slot and present a valid Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) permit.
The event will be held at Columbia Point Marina Park, situated at the east end of Columbia Point Drive in Richland.
Secure your spot by registering at https://bit.ly/3QlaKcm and creating an account. Questions? Contact the City of Richland Business Licensing team at 509-942-7713 or by email at BusinessLicensing@ci.richland.wa.us.
The City of Richland will celebrate Arbor Day on Friday, April 26, at 12:15 p.m. in Jefferson Park. About 25 trees will be planted by Jefferson Elementary Kindergarteners and community volunteers.
The celebration begins with a proclamation and recognition of Richland's long-term Tree City USA and Tree Line USA designations. The City Arborist and parks crew will conduct a tree-planting demonstration before the volunteers plant the trees.
Jefferson Park is located at 1400 George Washington Way.
We invite the media to attend this exciting occasion with us!
The Friends of the Richland Library’s Spring 2024 book sale begins Thursday, April 25, at 5:00 p.m. for members, and Friday and Saturday, April 26 and 27 at 10:00 a.m. for the general public.
Memberships are available for $10.00 per individual, or $15.00 for a family.
There are thousands of books and a wide variety of subjects and genres to choose from. Prices range from .25 to $1.00 per item. There are also some puzzles, CDs and DVDs too.
On Saturday, you can fill a bag for only $5.00. Bring your own or one will be given to you.
All proceeds are redirected back to support and expand library activities and programs.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/friendsofrichlandpubliclibrary.