In 2026, City of Walla Walla voters will consider a $0.75/$1,000 assessed property value levy to fund the creation of a Metropolitan Park District (MPD), providing dedicated funding to improve, expand, and maintain the City’s park system.

An MPD is a special-purpose taxing district with dedicated authority to raise funds to manage, maintain, improve, and expand parks and trails. The City is inviting residents to provide input on the potential creation of an MPD and to learn more about the proposed projects that could be achieved within three to 10 years of its implementation.

On March 31, 2025, the Parks, Recreation & Urban Forestry Advisory Board unanimously voted to encourage City Council to adopt a resolution to place the Metropolitan Park District proposition at the $0.75/$1,000 levy rate on the February 10, 2026, ballot. 

At the April 7, 2025, City Council Work Session, Parks and Recreation Director Andy Coleman provided a presentation on the Metropolitan Park District. Click here to view the presentation.

City Council voted at its September 24, 2025, meeting to place a Metropolitan Park District measure on the February 10, 2026, ballot.

Top 9 Projects:

The top nine projects were carefully selected through a collaborative process led by the Parks and Recreation Visioning Task Force, a group composed of local community leaders and stakeholders. This task force worked to identify priority projects that reflect the community’s current and future recreational needs. The selected projects directly align with the feedback gathered through a Walla Walla Parks and Recreation Resident Survey conducted in 2023, ensuring that the proposed improvements are rooted in the voices and priorities expressed by residents.

Click here to visit the interactive project map.

1. Pioneer Park Playground Improvements

Improvements to Pioneer Park include a range of upgrades designed to make the park more functional and accessible. A key feature of these improvements is the construction of a new playground, which will serve as an inclusive gathering space for the entire community, not just children. The playground is designed to encourage interaction among people of all ages and abilities, allowing children and adults to engage with one another across all playground elements

2. Pioneer Park Accessibility Improvements

 Additional improvements to Pioneer Park will include structural repairs to the pond walls to replace the existing deteriorating structure. Internal park paths will also be upgraded to improve connectivity, and ADA-compliant features will be added to ensure the park is welcoming and accessible for all visitors.

3. Mill Creek Sportsplex Improvements

The Mill Creek Sportsplex improvements include a series of expansions and upgrades to better accommodate community use and athletic programs. These include expanding the playfields to increase capacity for sports and recreational activities. Additional improvements will focus on enhancing infrastructure, such as increasing the parking area, constructing new sidewalks for pedestrian safety, and developing trails to support walking, jogging, and connectivity within the area.

4. Artificial Turf Installation at Martin Field

Martin Field would receive an artificial turf upgrade, which will make the field usable year-round and reduce maintenance costs associated with natural grass. This improvement supports local athletics by providing a durable, all-weather playing surface for teams and events.

5. Seasonal Ice Rink – Half-Sheet with Hockey Package

A new seasonal ice rink is planned to bring winter recreation opportunities to the community. The rink will feature a half-sheet of ice, which is ideal for both casual skating and organized activities. Included in the design is a full hockey package, allowing for youth and adult hockey programming, skills clinics, and recreational play. This addition will provide a fun and active option during the colder months, supporting physical activity and community engagement throughout the winter season.

6. Howard-Tietan Multi-Use Path

A new multi-use path will be developed along Howard and Tietan Streets, offering a safe and accessible route for pedestrians, cyclists, and other non-motorized transportation. This addition promotes active lifestyles and improves connectivity between neighborhoods and accessibility to the park.

7. Funding Assistance for Amphitheater Reconstruction

Funding will be allocated to support the reconstruction of the Fort Walla Walla amphitheater. These funds will assist in revitalizing the facility for performances, events, and public gatherings.

8. Trails – Planning and Construction

Investments will be made in both the planning and construction of new trail systems to expand connectivity and outdoor recreation throughout the area. These trails will support walking, biking, and other forms of non-motorized transportation, enhancing access to natural spaces and promoting healthy lifestyles. Trail development will be thoughtfully planned to ensure integration with existing networks, connectivity between neighborhoods, and opportunities for scenic and recreational use.

9. Land Acquisition in South Walla Walla

Funds will be earmarked for the strategic acquisition of land in south Walla Walla, with the goal of creating new park space to serve the growing community. This effort aligns with the National Recreation and Park Association’s recommendation to have a park or green space within a half-mile of every resident. By focusing on underserved areas, this initiative will help ensure equitable access to outdoor spaces and recreational opportunities for all members of the community.

 Additional Projects completed over the next 10 years: 

• Splashpad at Jefferson Park
• Memorial Pool shade structures 
• Pickleball lighting at Mill Creek Sportsplex
• Six miles of trails
• Dog park (East Ward)
• Restroom at Martin Field
• Vista Terrace Park parking improvements
• Splashpad at Eastgate Lions Park
• Fort Walla Walla Park parking and road improvements
• Picnic shelters 
• Rebuild three playgrounds
• Security cameras
• Increase the number of City trees and improve maintenance

Maintenance Priorities: 

Parks infrastructure requires regular care and investment. As facilities reach the end of their useful life, dedicated funding ensures that repairs and replacements happen on time —without delays or deferrals.

The Metropolitan Park District would provide the resources needed to stay ahead of maintenance, so small issues don’t turn into major problems. With reliable funding, we can proactively invest in essential upgrades and everyday improvements, including:

• Replacing aging playgrounds and outdated equipment
• Updating splash pads and water features
• Maintaining shelters, restrooms, and other park amenities

 

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Funding Priorities: 

The preliminary budget for the proposed MPD outlines strategic investments in key areas that support long-term sustainability and service expansion. Designated funding would support additional staffing, grant matching opportunities, essential maintenance supplies, and small-scale improvement projects. It would also provide dedicated support for Veterans Memorial Golf Course and the Walla Walla Senior Center.

Advancing Improvements Through Financing

To deliver the full scope of planned improvements on a sustainable timeline, the City would pursue a 10-year loan, allowing for the timely completion of projects without delay. The loan would be repaid using the stable revenue generated through the MPD, ensuring responsible fiscal planning while meeting community needs. This approach balances immediate progress with long-term financial stewardship, helping Walla Walla’s parks and facilities grow in step with the community. 

General Fund and MPD: Shared Support Model

The MPD would work in partnership with the City’s General Fund to support parks and recreation. While the General Fund has historically contributed to park operations, its fluctuations and competing demands make it an unstable long-term solution. By establishing the MPD, the City would create a reliable, dedicated funding stream specifically for parks, trails, and recreational services.

Using both funding sources together allows for greater impact — maximizing the number and scope of projects that can be completed. This combined approach ensures not only the continued maintenance of existing parks and facilities, but also meaningful expansion and improvements that reflect the community’s needs and aspirations.

Without the support of MPD funding, the Parks system would likely remain at its current operational level, with limited ability to grow and complete community-supported projects. The MPD offers a hopeful path forward — one that ensures consistent investment in vibrant, accessible, and well-maintained public spaces for all residents to enjoy.