How a Richland veteran’s $100K donation will leave the city ‘better than he found it’
In the days before World War II, Robert Zinsli did not have a lot of parks to play at in his hometown.
He made do with playing baseball in empty lots and fishing sites. Growing up, he lived with the motto to leave everything better than he found it, which has stuck with him to this day.
For 63 years, Richland has been home for Zinsli, and he has enjoyed living and working there. He decided it was time to give back, and with help from his family, he made a $100,000 donation to the city of Richland for parks.
“I thought, at my age before I pass on — I’m now 89 — it would be appropriate to leave the place better than I found it,” he said.
The Korean war veteran handed over a check written out for the full $100,000 to Parks and Public Facilities Director Joe Schiessl. He hopes to see the city use the money for investment in parks.
“We are very appreciative of Mr. Zinsli’s offer and excited about the opportunities that it presents to the public,” Schiessl said. “(This is) the largest donation that I’ve seen since I’ve been the department head in the parks department.”
Using the donation
Schiessl said he spent time with Zinsli touring the city to figure out ways to use the money. Zinsli was interested in the funds being used to promote gathering places along the river.
The idea for shade structures came up in their conversation, and it was decided that would be the best way to build the community setting Zinsli is hoping for.
Schiessl said the donation and shade structures would help create opportunities for community members to get together with friends and family members.
“Mr. Zinsli’s vision includes a motto to be placed on the structures, which will say ‘leave this place better than you found it,’” Schiessl said. “We think that’s perfectly fitting for the city of Richland.”
The city plans to use most, if not all, of the donation for a structure at one of the Richland parks along the river. The location has not yet been finalized.
