Yakima Greenway to Rebuild Play Area After Devastating Fire

A big fire destroyed the play structure at Rotary Park along the Yakima Greenway last year and this year it's expected to be replaced. However the Yakima Greenway Foundation Executive Director Konner Hopkins says no decisions have been made about any design plans.

DESIGN TALKS EXPECTED THIS SPRING AND SUMMER

Hopkins says they'll start to work on planning a replacement this spring. He can't say if they'll recreate an exact replica of the former play area but he says they're "committed to the recreational space." He says there's been no talk of abandoning plans or the area.
Rotary clubs of Yakima helped fund and build the structure but the presidents of the three clubs, Sunrise Rotary, the Rotary Club of Yakima, Southwest Rotary issued a statement last year saying they have no updates on future plans but continue to support Yakima Greenway Foundation.

READ MORE: YAKIMA FEDERAL SCHOLARSHIPS FOR AREA SENIORS

INCREASED SECURITY

Hopkins says they have 24 hour security and policies that prevent camping along the pathway. He says the same security, try to prevent fires and other illegal things happening on or near the pathway. Damage from the fire is estimated at least $500,000, the cost of building the facility. No injuries were reported. It's not the first time a fire burned the playground leaving nothing but burnt wood
A similar human caused fire happened in March of 2024. .
No arrest has been made in the fire reported last year.