Walla Walla officials clarify parks district details as special election ballots arrive

WALLA WALLA – City of Walla Walla officials are moving to clarify details regarding a proposed Metropolitan Park District as voters prepare to receive ballots Friday for the Feb. 10 special election.

The Walla Walla Parks and Recreation Department has issued a statement addressing what it termed “potentially misleading” claims found in the official opposition argument against Proposition 1.

While opponents of the measure argue the district would create a “second parks department” requiring more than five new employees and a new director, city officials say the proposal does not include a new organization or administrative division.

According to the city, the proposed annual budget for the district would fund three new positions – not five – at a cost of $350,000. These roles include a grounds maintenance worker, a facility maintenance technician, and a grant writer/project manager.

Officials noted that the current department budget lacks the funding to support these specific roles, which are intended to improve park conditions and manage new construction projects.

The department also pushed back against claims regarding new office spending. Officials stated that the current relocation of offices to the Veterans Memorial Golf Course is part of an existing operational transition.

While the Proposition 1 budget earmarks $100,000 for the golf course, the city maintains those funds are designated for infrastructure and grounds improvements rather than administrative overhead.

Voters’ pamphlets and ballots were mailed out to residents on Friday. Detailed budget information remains available on the city’s website.

---

• 
• 

---

• 
• 
• 

---

Elkhorn Media Group