City to cut park hours in Richland. Here’s why and who is exempt
Richland is preparing to lop an hour off its park hours, driven by an attempt to curtail late-night vandalism, crime and noise.
The city council will consider limiting park hours to 5 a.m.-10 p.m., stopping access one hour earlier than usual.
The move comes with a host of exceptions for bicyclists, runners, walkers, boaters, fishers and special events.
Few leaders expect a new sign to stop undesirable activities in parks, but city officials say it is part of a suite of tools that includes adding security cameras to try to reduce late-night issues.
The city was forced last October to shut down Wye Park and Columbia Park West after it said there was extensive damage caused by vandals and campfires set by people who are homeless. It took nearly five months to carry out repairs before they reopened in March.
Being in a park after hours could net the offender a misdemeanor citation and possible fine for trespassing.
Who’s still allowed
The new hours would apply to any park that doesn’t have its own hours, such as Badger Mountain Community Park.
Exceptions include:
- Activities that are permitted, such as the Ironman 70.3 triathlon..
- Fishing, as long as the person has the appropriate state license.
- Launching and retrieving boats from the Columbia River.
- Camping in designated areas where it is permitted.
- Walking, jogging and nonmotorized cycling.
Chris Waite, Richland’s parks and recreation director, said the walking/jogging/cycling exception is critical. It preserves access to people who use the park to commute or for exercise, typically in the morning.
The new park hours are on the city council’s consent agenda for a first reading at its 6 p.m. Dec. 2 meeting at city hall., 625 Swift Blvd. The matter is not scheduled for a council discussion, but citizens are welcome to share their views during the public comment period at the start of the meeting.
The new hours will take effect after a second reading later in the month.
Park hours vary by city
Park hours vary by jurisdiction.
In Kennewick, most parks are open from 6 a.m. to one half hour after sunset.
Pasco park hours are 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
West Richland park hours are seasonal: 5 a.m.-11 p.m., April 1 to Sept. 30, and 6 a.m.-8 p.m., Oct. 1 to March 31.
Yakima park hours are 6 a.m. -10 p.m.
Walla Walla park hours are 5 a.m.-11 p.m.
This story was originally published December 1, 2025 at 12:52 PM.