Council to consider placing Metropolitan Park District on ballot, condemnation of property needed for roundabout
By Dan Thesman on Wednesday, September 24th, 2025 in Columbia Basin News Columbia Basin Top Stories
WALLA WALLA – The Walla Walla City Council will meet today (Wednesday) at 6:30 p.m. to consider authorizing a ballot proposition to create a Metropolitan Park District, plus condemnation of two small parcels of property needed to construct the roundabout at Pine Street and Ninth Avenue.
According to city staff, the ballot proposition to create a Metropolitan Park District would be placed on the February 10, 2026, special election ballot. If voters approve, a levy of 75 cents per $1,000 in assessed value would raise $3.4 million dollars annual for parks and recreation, addressing $35 million in future projects with no identified funding.
Also on the agenda, authorizing condemnation of two small parcels of property needed for the construction of the roundabout at Pine Street and Ninth Avenue.
The city has not been able to reach an agreement with the property owner to acquire the property and temporary construction easement at the northwest corner of the intersection. All other property acquisitions have been completed.
Advertisement for construction bids for the Pine Street reconstruction project is set for winter 2025/2026 with construction beginning spring 2026 and anticipated completion of the project in fall 2026.
The meeting in Council Chambers is streamed live on the city’s website.
