Letter: When it comes to Columbia Point development, less is more

The future of Richland’s Columbia Point, an “urban recreation zone,” is up for debate. This swath of waterfront has developers salivating.

This wild open space, at the confluence of two rivers and three cities, accessible to pedestrians and bicyclists, is a breath of fresh air, a place to lose time, drop burdens, loose minds, become invisible. Considering the Tri-Cities projected growth rate, does an open space hold value against its development potential? Is the psychological resource it provides enough?

City planners have gone-to-town with possibilities, likely requiring auto access. Maximizing development potential would justify the cost of roads. Native landscaping and river view preservation would be a priority. An RV park, lodge, spa, and outdoor theater would bring in revenue. These amenities, though not rustic or natural, are recreational.

What is lost dividing the open space with roads and shops, engines and speakers? Is this land, sacred to Native Americans, sacred to us? As our area grows to proportions beyond our imaginations, will a natural open space be more valuable than developed land? Conservative changes such as a kayak and paddleboard rental, tent campground and habitat education may enhance the park’s rustic quality. Still, the wild escape would be lost.

Perhaps less is more.

This story was originally published November 8, 2017 at 1:35 PM with the headline "Letter: When it comes to Columbia Point development, less is more."