“We were created for meaningful work and one of life’s greatest pleasures is the satisfaction of a job well done.”
John Maxwell
Spending time doing meaningful work has been evident throughout this year for Yakima Parks & Recreation. I am always amazed at what we have accomplished during the year as we close out 2024 and look to 2025.
Progress has been made on many projects within the Parks & Recreation Division this year. We removed the old restroom that was converted into a small picnic shelter and constructed the pergola at Lions Park, thanks in part to a donation of $25,000 from the Yakima Lions Club. Special thanks to our Parks Maintenance staff for constructing the pergola. We also have made great progress on the Aquatic Center at MLK Jr. Park. The project is on schedule and we plan to open the new swimming facility in June. We will provide specific information about the Grand Opening in the future so that everyone can share in the celebration of this new facility that everyone will be able to enjoy during the summer months.
The West Valley Community Park pedestrian bridge over Wide Hollow Creek project is in the design and permitting stage. We were awarded a grant from Washington State Department of Transportation for the project. Stay tuned as this project becomes reality in the future.
Our Recreation Supervisor of 33 years, Tami Andringa, has chosen to retire. We are so grateful for her years of service and dedication to the Yakima community and the many programs and events that she has planned and overseen for these many years. Just some of Tami’s duties include, the management of Fisher Park Golf Course, the athletics and sports programs and tournaments for kids and adults, movies in the parks, concerts at Franklin, MLK Jr. and Miller Parks, special events, like Letters to Santa, Halloween events, assistance with Hot Shots basketball tournaments, and so many more. Tami has quietly added so much to the vitality and quality of life in our community. Tami will be missed, but we all wish her the best as she transitions to her well deserved next phase of life and I know I speak for so many when I say “Thank You” and “Well Done”.
I am optimistic about the upcoming year and that we will be able to continue to complete meaningful projects and provide great recreation programs and community events. I encourage all of you to continue to look for ways to make our community a better place to live through the meaningful work that we all do here in this place we call Yakima.
Ken Wilkinson, Parks & Recreation Manager