Richland recreation manager praised as pool readies to reopen; new commissioner introduced

Julie Piper, recreation manager, gave a brief recreation report at the July 9 meeting, saying park activities and swim lessons are very well attended. Piper said the pool is closed briefly for a parking‑lot construction project that she described as necessary and expected to conclude in time for reopening next week.

Piper highlighted recent events, noting the July 3 celebration at John Dam Plaza and the upcoming 3‑on‑3 basketball tournament organized in partnership with Tri City Sunrise Rotary, and thanked staff for their work maintaining parks and landscape beds. "So a short stint of closure is a little painful in the hottest and busiest time of year... But we also have to acknowledge construction needs to happen," Piper said.

Several commissioners praised staff and Piper. Commissioner Thompson thanked MIG and staff for the PROS plan work and offered Piper best wishes for a new position in Juneau: "Thank you so much for your service. City of Richland, we are gonna miss you... you were just such an asset." Commissioners echoed those remarks.

New commissioner Eric Bostrom introduced himself to the commission and said he also serves on the Code Enforcement Board and looks forward to serving on the Parks and Recreation Commission. The meeting adjourned at about 6:20 p.m.