Kennewick - Elementary Students Dive into Conservation: Releasing Salmon into the Columbia River at Salmon Summit

The Benton Conservation District is set to host its annual Salmon Summit, an enriching educational initiative where local elementary school students actively participate in a program focused on nurturing salmon within classroom environments, ultimately leading to their release into the Columbia River. Scheduled for April 15th and 16th, 2024, 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 serves as a platform for young learners to delve into the intricacies of salmon's life cycle, their vital role in the ecosystem, and the impacts of human activity on their habitats. Through hands-on involvement in raising and releasing salmon, students gain practical insights into environmental stewardship. This event is exclusively for participating schools and 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 15th and 16th. 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 15th and 16th. Alternative routes behind the Fishing Pond will be available for the public throughout the event. 
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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.