​The Benton Conservation District is set to host its annual Salmon Summit, an engaging educational program where local elementary school students participate in nurturing salmon within their classroom environments, culminating in their release into the Columbia River. Scheduled for April 29th and 30th, 2025, from 9 am – 1:30 pm, the event will span the East end of Columbia Park, extending from the Regional Veterans Memorial to the East Boat Launch, while ensuring continued access for the public to the Playground of Dreams.
 
The Salmon Summit provides a unique platform for young learners to explore the complexities of the salmon life cycle, their essential role in the ecosystem, and the effects of human activity on their habitats. By actively participating in raising and releasing salmon, students gain valuable hands-on experience in environmental stewardship. This event is exclusively for participating schools and is not open to the general public.
 
Temporary Road and Boat Launch Closures: In support of the event, the City of Kennewick Parks and Recreation Department announces temporary closures to the East Boat Launch and a segment of Paul Parrish Drive in Kennewick, to protect the safety of participating children. Signage detailing closures and detours will be prominently displayed in the park.
 
The East Boat Launch will be closed from 7 am – 12 pm on April 29th and 30th. Additionally, sections of Paul Parrish Drive, spanning from the East Boat Launch to the Regional Veterans Memorial round-about, will be closed from 7:30 am – 2 pm on April 29th and 30th. Alternative routes behind the Fishing Pond will be available for the public throughout the event.
 
The Department of Parks and Recreation remains dedicated to safeguarding the well-being of all participants and attendees, and appreciates the public's cooperation during these temporary closures.

The City of Pasco is thrilled to invite the community to celebrate the opening of two new outdoor spaces designed to bring people together.

First up at 3:00 PM on Thursday, April 24, join us outside the Pasco Specialty Kitchen for the unveiling of Pasco’s very first parklet! This outdoor seating area offers a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the unique flavors served up by PSK vendors. It’s a small space with big community impact, adding color and connection to Downtown Pasco.

“This provides a convenient space for anyone wanting to enjoy a meal or snack from our local business entrepreneurs,” said Pasco Parks & Recreation Director Jesse Rice, “and it gives PSK vendors more flexibility in how they serve food to customers.”
This is the first of two parklets the City purchased, thanks to economic recovery funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). In the future, downtown food businesses will be able to apply to rent the second parklet through PSK.

At 7:00 PM, head over to the A Street Sports Complex (2200 East A Street) for a Grand Opening and Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony. The sports complex, partially funded by a State RCO Youth Athletics Facilities Grant, includes grass playfields, a drinking fountain, parking, and a portable toilet shelter. The latest developments include new field lights, which were partially funded by a grant through the National Recreation & Park Association (NRPA) and Musco Sports Lighting.

In the future, Phase 2 will add even more amenities, including sports courts, a playground, permanent restrooms, and a concession stand. Phase 3 may bring enhancements like bleachers and food truck space, turning this into a full-fledged destination for recreation and connection.
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These projects are part of Pasco’s commitment to creating public spaces where culture, wellness, and community come to life.

The Friends of the Richland Library’s 4-Day Book Sale begins Wednesday, April 23 through Saturday, April 26th in the Gallery Room of the Richland Public Library. 
 
There are thousands of books from a wide variety of subjects and genres to choose from. There are also magazines, games, audio books, CDs and DVDs too. 

• Wednesday, April 23, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. - members only
• Thursday, April 24, from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
• Friday, April 25, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 pm.
• Saturday, April 26, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Fill a Bag for $5

​Memberships are available for $10.00 per individual, or $15.00 for a family.
 
All proceeds are redirected back to support and expand library activities and programs like the summer reading, story times, lectures, musical performances, and various STEAM programs.
 
Friends of the Library, a non-profit volunteer organization, is accepting new members and volunteers. More information is available at https://www.myrichlandlibrary.org/about-us
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​The developer of the Badger Mountain South community will continue a major infrastructure project starting this week on Dallas Road. The road improvement project will increase traffic capacity and enhance safety at two key intersections, Trowbridge Boulevard and Ava Way.
 
Construction will begin on the shoulders and intersections of Trowbridge Boulevard and Dallas Road on Monday, April 14, 2025.  Traffic speeds will be reduced to 25 mph as construction gets underway. The project improvements include road widening, new roundabouts at both Trowbridge and Ava Way, sidewalks, ADA-compliant crossings, and the installation or extension of utilities and fiber infrastructure.
 
Drivers should anticipate delays and are encouraged to plan alternate routes when possible. The reduced speed limit will be strictly enforced throughout the construction zone to ensure the safety of both crews and motorists.
 
This effort is part of several planned, developer-driven transportation upgrades designed to support the continued growth of the Badger Mountain South area. Project completion is anticipated in Spring 2026.
 
For more details or to view the full Scope of Work, visit www.ci.richland.wa.us/DallasRoad or call 509-942-7500.

Tri-Cities Animal Services (TCAS) is excited to welcome the community to its annual Fur Babies & The Fuzz adoption event, taking place Saturday, May 10, 2025, at the new facility, located at 1311 S. 18th Avenue in Pasco, Washington.

This family-friendly event brings together animal lovers and law enforcement for a day of fun, connection, and most importantly: pet adoptions.

TCAS adoption fees are just $50 per pet. Each dog and cat is vaccinated, microchipped, and spayed or neutered to make sure they are healthy and ready for their forever homes.
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Come meet your local law enforcement, visit the new TCAS facility, and – just maybe – find your new best friend.
 
Fur Babies & The Fuzz
Date: May 10, 2025
Time: 10:00AM-2:00PM
Location: Tri-Cities Animal Services; 1311 S. 18th Avenue
 
Love animals but not sure about taking one home? Check out our volunteer program! We have options for everyone 14 and up. TCAS Volunteer Page

​Local students who wish to apply for Yakima Federal Savings and Loan’s annual scholarship program have just a few more days to complete their applications. The local bank’s deadline for its Awards for Academic Excellence is Monday, April 18th. The program is funded with up to $217,500 for scholarships for area graduating seniors. The individual awards are $2,500 each.
 
Applicants must reside in Yakima, Kittitas, Benton or Franklin counties, graduate in the top 10% of their class and have demonstrated high moral character, industriousness, and ambition during their high school career. Also required with the application is a one-page letter of motivation outlining future plans, school and life experiences, including any challenges faced and overcome and the impact of receiving an award.  Students can review requirements and apply online now at YakimaFed.com/scholarship.  The deadline for application is Friday, April 18th.

The selection committee will award up to two applicants from each area school. Home schooled students are also eligible. Awards are funded upon student enrollment for the fall semester following graduation. Award checks are issued payable to the school in which the student is enrolled.  Recipients will be notified by June 2nd, 2025.
 
Yakima Federal has provided over $3,200,000 in college scholarships to local graduating high school seniors through its Award for Academic Excellence program over the past 48 years.
 
Yakima Federal Savings and Loan is a Washington state-chartered mutual savings bank with more than $2 billion in assets and 130 employees. Serving more than 50,000 customers in Washington and Oregon, the association offers a variety of checking, savings and home loan products. Founded in 1905, Yakima Federal is FDIC-insured and committed to serving the community. Learn more at Yakimafed.com.

Pasco residents and community stakeholders are invited to participate in two upcoming open house events that offer a firsthand look at the City’s future – and your chance to weigh in!
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These events will provide the opportunity to learn about the city’s Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), which covers City-funded projects, and the Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP), which maps out upcoming transportation investments over the next six years. Both plans guide how Pasco invests in critical infrastructure that keeps the water flowing, the roads open, and the business environment bustling.

Whether you’re concerned about traffic, excited for new parks, or curious about how we plan for growth, this is your opportunity to learn more, meet the people behind the plans, and share what matters to you.
 
Event Details: 
City Hall
Monday, April 21, 5:30–6:30 PM 
525 N. 3rd Avenue, Pasco
 
Gesa Stadium
Wednesday, May 7, 11:30 AM–1:30 PM 
6200 Burden Boulevard, Pasco 
Lunch will be provided for the first 50 attendees
 
Can’t make it in person? We still want to hear from you! Explore the plans and share your feedback online: City Comprehensive & Improvement Plans

The Leslie Groves Park Parking Lot located at Snyder Street will be closed for scheduled pavement treatments during the week of April 7 – 11, 2025. The parking lot closure is necessary for crack sealing maintenance, which is essential to preserve the integrity of the parking lot surface.
 
The closure at Snyder Street is anticipated to last for two (2) days, though it is weather dependent. We will post a more definitive time frame next week. Should conditions allow, work will proceed as planned, but delays may occur due to inclement weather. During this time, we kindly ask all visitors to adhere to posted closure signage and barricades to ensure safety.
 
Additionally, the Leslie Groves Park Parking Lot at Saint Street will also be closed during the week of April 7 – 11, 2025, for the same crack sealing maintenance. The closure at Saint Street is anticipated to last for one (1) day, also weather dependent. Visitors are advised to utilize alternative nearby park parking lots during this period and follow any posted signage.
 
Alternative parking will be available in nearby lots and boat launches. For a list of alternative parking locations and boat launches in the area, please scan the QR code provided in the image above.
 
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we perform these necessary repairs to improve the overall safety and quality of our park facilities.

The City of Pasco is pleased to announce the appointment of Haylie Miller as its new Community & Economic Development Director. Miller brings over 15 years of experience in community development and planning, including nearly six years as a Community Development Director.  

“I am passionate about helping cities navigate growth to create meaningful places that both current and future residents can call home,” said Miller. “My focus is on fostering efficiency in government operations to ensure exceptional, timely, and transparent service.” 

Interim City Manager Dave Zabell says Miller’s record of enhancing department effectiveness, implementing process efficiencies, and fostering strong customer service practices will be important for the city’s future. 

“As Pasco continues to expand and evolve, strong leadership in community and economic development is critical to ensuring we provide the right tools and processes to support sustainable growth,” said Zabell. “Haylie’s experience in improving operational efficiencies and fostering collaboration makes her a great fit for this role. We look forward to the positive impact she will have on the city and its residents.” 
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Miller will officially begin her role on April 28, 2025.