RICHLAND, Wash. – The Richland Parks and Recreation Commission is considering a proposal to declare the South Orchard Park parcel surplus, contingent upon a land exchange with Nor Am Investment, LLC.
The exchange would provide a replacement parcel in the underserved Badger Mountain Subarea, according to a report by the commission.
The South Orchard Park was initially planned as a neighborhood park to accompany a school site. However, the school district has abandoned these plans, and a private HOA park is being constructed nearby, reducing the need for the current parcel, the commission said in the report.
The proposed exchange aims to better align with neighborhood development and fill a gap in the city’s park system. The new parcel would offer improved access and spacing from other amenities, making it suitable for long-term park development, the commission added.
The Parks and Recreation Commission serves as an advisory body in reviewing surplus actions involving park property, according to Richland Municipal Code. The commission is expected to recommend the proposal to the Richland City Council.
