City has big plans for Pioneer Park

WALLA WALLA – The Walla Walla City Council unanimously approved a request from the Parks, Recreation and Urban Forestry Advisory Board to authorize the utility bill round-up program funds to be dedicated to the Pioneer Park playground project. Approximately $4,000 to $5,000 is generated annually through the utility bill round up program.

For the past two years, the utility bill roundup program funds have gone to the Vista Terrace Park playground project to construct a new playground at that park. That project has been completed, so a new project needs to be designated to receive utility bill round-up funds and city staff recommended the Pioneer Park playground project be the new beneficiary of these funds.

The new Pioneer Park playground will be completely ADA accessible. The cost of the project is expected to be between $1.5 and $2 million dollars. Walla Walla Parks and Recreation Director Andy Coleman said a committee was recently formed to work on identifying funding for this project that will likely take place in 2024.

“There is also a grant opportunity later this year and some donors who have come forward to say that they want to contribute,” Coleman said.

The utility bill round-up program provides residents the opportunity to contribute to a capital improvement within the Walla Walla Parks and Recreation Department by rounding up their utility bill to the nearest dollar or a higher amount. Aside from funding the recently completed Vista Terrace Park playground project, this program also funded the renovation of the Pioneer Park fountain.

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Elkhorn Media Group

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