The music was silenced a year ago. Richland eyes return of outdoor instrument

The brightly colored musical instrument was unveiled at Howard Amon Park last year, in a well-attended ceremony packed with artists, art lovers and community members young and old.

Called an Imbarimba, the percussion instrument was meant to be the anchor of an outdoor musical plaza at the Richland park — a place for people to explore their musical sides, to have fun, to engage and create.

But before too long, someone stole it.

That was a big disappointment, said Joe Schiessl, the city’s parks and public facilities director.

It wasn’t financially feasible for the city to replace the instrument, valued at about $7,500, so the park was Imbarimba-less for months.

But a local arts foundation has stepped in to help buy a new one — and to get the ball rolling on the rest of the musical plaza.

A fundraiser kickoff is planned at 11:30 a.m. Friday at the park, near the Sturgeon Cove Playground.

The nonprofit Arts Foundation of the Mid-Columbia is organizing the fundraising campaign, which aims to collect $10,000 by the end of December.

“The (instrument) was installed and the community loved it. It encouraged direct access to music and art for people who might not have that opportunity,” said Pam Bykonen, foundation president.

For the brief time it was up at the park, it was fun and inspiring, she said. And the foundation wants to see that once again.

Schiessl said the city is “very, very grateful” to the arts foundation for stepping up to lead fundraising.

The Imbarimba was set up near the playground, and kids in particular flocked to it, he said.

“People really liked playing it,” he said. To see it replaced and more instruments added “would be quite an exciting sight,” Schiessl said.

When the Imbarimba is replaced, the city will take even more steps to prevent vandalism, he said.

Schiessl, Bykonen and others will speak Friday at the fundraising kickoff. To learn more about the campaign or to donate, check out the event or go to tinyurl.com/imbarimbareplacement.

This story was originally published August 17, 2017 at 6:29 PM with the headline "The music was silenced a year ago. Richland eyes return of outdoor instrument."