WWPS moves forward on levy for athletic facility upgrades
By Terry Murry on Monday, October 9th, 2023 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
WALLA WALLA – The Walla Walla Public Schools Board of Education plans to finalize a 38-cent short-term, six-year capital levy resolution in the coming months for outdoor athletic and activity facility upgrades. The board hopes to put the measure on the February 13, 2024, ballot, which requires a simple majority to pass, 50 percent plus one vote.
Superintendent Wade Smith provided an update to school board members last week on survey results and outreach effects regarding the proposed outdoor athletic and activities recommendations. One thing Smith mentioned was three out of four surveyed recommend the upgrades.
The comprehensive plan, which garnered the most support (56 percent) from survey takers would cost about $3 per month for every $100,000 of assessed value. The proposed capital levy will replace the 60-year-old original tennis courts at Walla Walla High School, install an all-weather track at Pioneer Middle School, repair the 43-year-old Garrison tennis courts and resurface the 20-year-old track, and install high-quality artificial turf playing surfaces and field lighting at both Klicker and Hayner Park fields at Wa-Hi. It will also cover the installation of elevated bleachers with ADA access at the Klicker track and field site, provide adequate access to restrooms and changing rooms for high school athletes, and construct a JROTC obstacle course.
