Vandalism forces city to close park
By Terry Murry on Thursday, January 12th, 2023 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
MILTON-FREEWATER – The city of Milton-Freewater issued a public notice Wednesday that Marie Dorian Park, located at 82535 Couse Creek Road, will be closed until further notice due to ongoing vandalism, littering, and recurring damage to the park.
City Manager Linda Hall said there has been damage to the bathrooms, old electric generation plant, and retaining walls protecting the park from the Walla Walla River. A security camera was also stolen.
“We have done the clean up with our own staff and the repainting with our own paint supply,” she added.
At this time, Hall said she did want to guess on the cost estimate for cleaning and repairing the park. As for the length of the closure, Hall said, “It is a temporary closure, so it won’t be extensive.”
Located several miles southeast of town, the city-owned park was once home to the original Milton Power Plant. The walls and roof of the old power plant now serve as a picnic shelter in the park.
Photo via City of Milton-Freewater
