Richland Parks Commission recommends land exchange for South Orchard Park development

The Richland Parks and Recreation Commission convened on July 9, 2025, to discuss significant developments regarding the South Orchard Park land exchange. The meeting focused on a proposal to surplus and exchange a city-owned parcel of land with Grama Investment LLC, aiming to enhance the community's park system.

Director Waite presented the proposal, emphasizing the need for a thorough review process as outlined in the Richland Municipal Code. The commission's role is to assess whether the current property is still necessary for city use and if the proposed exchange aligns with the city's comprehensive plan. The existing parcel, located near a school that will not be developed, has been deemed less beneficial due to its hilly terrain and proximity to another neighborhood park, which could lead to redundancy in park services.

The proposed exchange aims to secure a parcel that is equal to or larger than the current site, ideally positioned to better serve the community's needs. The new location is expected to provide improved access and amenities, including potential shared facilities with nearby developments. This aligns with the city's goal of ensuring that all residents have access to parks within a ten-minute walk.

After a detailed discussion, the commission voted unanimously to recommend to the city council that the South Orchard Park parcel be declared surplus, contingent upon the successful exchange for a more suitable replacement parcel. This decision marks a proactive step towards enhancing Richland's park offerings and ensuring that community needs are met effectively. The proposal will now proceed to the city council for further consideration.