Heritage Square Park renovations begin in September
By Terry Murry on Tuesday, June 20th, 2023 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
WALLA WALLA – The project to renovate Heritage Square Park into a new place for public events and performances in downtown Walla Walla begins in September.
The city council awarded the $2.6 million project to ESF Solutions of Walla Walla last week. The project will completely rebuild the three-quarter acre park located on Main Street with a stage complete with a canopy, new restroom, hardscape, lawn area, benches, trees, and multiple planting areas.
Walla Walla Parks and Recreation Department Director Andy Coleman said the project was originally bid in January; however, all the bids came in more than $700,000 over the allocated budget. The city council rejected the bids, so staff then worked with the design team to identify some valuable engineering opportunities before rebidding the project.
“The primary aspect we had taken out was the water feature,” Coleman said. “That saved the majority of the $700,000.”
The project, which is being funded by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, land and water conservation funds, and the Port of Walla Walla, should be completed in late spring 2024.
Artist rendering via city of Walla Walla
