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Monthly E-Newsletter / April 2026 |
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Happy April, everyone!
This monthly eNewsletter includes updates on goose control, a feedback opportunity, public artwork, activities from the library and Parks and Recreation, and much more. Please read on!
As a reminder for City utility customers, this month's City Central newsletter is available to view or download at wallawallawa.gov/newsletter.
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 Trained dog helps with goose problem at park
This week, the City began using the services of Ruthie — a 2 year-old border collie — to address the issue of goose overpopulation at Pioneer Park, which has become a public health and safety issue in recent years. Ruthie has been trained to chase geese without harming them. This process has been proven to encourage geese to relocate and has been successful in other jurisdictions.
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 Input opportunity on interchange project
The City and Port of Walla Walla have launched an interactive comment map to collect feedback on the Highway 12 & North Clinton Interchange Project. The map is an easy way to share your thoughts about the project and the surrounding area. The project builds on a concept design from a previous transportation study of a grade-separated diamond overpass interchange and related improvements along Clinton Street, Middle Waitsburg Road, and Lower Waitsburg Road.
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The community and a delegation from Tambasasayama, Japan, gathered on March 21 for a ceremony to dedicate the Dekansho dancer bronze statues on the Friendship Bridge (Spokane Street), which honors the 50th anniversary of the alliance between Walla Walla and our sister city Tambasasayama. Mayor Gustavo Reyna (holding the gold fabric in this photo) provided a short speech at the event and helped to unveil one of the two statues, which were installed by a crew from the Public Works Department. The following week, City staff hosted the Tambasasayama delegation during visits to City Hall, the City Service Center, Walla Walla Police Department, and Fire Station 2.
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 Reception honors local artists
In conjunction with Walla Walla's Arts Commission, the City hosted an artist reception for the newly curated wall art in the City Council Chambers on March 4. Each year, the Arts Commission invites area residents to submit works of art to be considered for display, and a jury selects the pieces to be placed in residence for a one-year period. These pieces will remain on display until early 2027.
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Walla Walla's newest Councilmember, Emily Brown (at left), took her oath of office on March 5. After interviewing 12 potential candidates, the City Council selected Brown to fill the remaining term of at-large Position #6.
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The recent call for bids on a project to renovate and expand the Walla Walla Public Library resulted in one bid, which exceeded the projected construction budget by more than $1 million. At the April 8, 2026, Walla Walla City Council regular meeting, staff will recommend that the Council reject the bid. In the meantime, the project team is reviewing the bid specifications and design to revise the scope of work to reduce costs.
The library will not close on April 4 as previously planned, and will now be open during spring break with activities all week to engage families.
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March programs at the library included Pokémon Day; a Luck o’ the Irish Party and Tap Takeover benefiting the library renovation project; a performance of "Carmelita: A Vindication for the Unwritten, Or How to Write Yourself Back Into History," and many more fun, family-friendly activities. Visit the library's calendar to see all the events coming up in April, including Spring Break Week and more for kids, families, teens, and adults — and follow WWPL on Facebook for the latest updates.
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Mountain View Cemetery staff moved into the reconstructed Cemetery Office in March. This building is a significant upgrade over the circa-1930 office, which was outdated and cramped, and lacked privacy. Half of the project's cost was funded by donations.
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Parks and Recreation events in March included the Mother-Son Superhero Bash and the Father Daughter Ball, and the Youth Indoor Soccer League season ended, with 365 youths in grades K-8 participating in the program. Visit the Recreation Catalog for information on upcoming recreation programs for residents, including Pre-K Teeball, a Youth Volleyball Clinic, NFL Youth Flag Football, and more.
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The clubhouse at Veterans Memorial Golf Course now offers food prepared by The Mill. Stop in for a snack before your round, or grab something to eat afterward!
Did you know Vets Memorial golfers can now book a tee time online? Visit the course's website for details.
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In early March, the Street Division installed driver feedback signs on Taumarson Road. The signs will help address the traffic speed concerns on Taumarson that were brought up multiple times by residents during the open house comment period for the ongoing Myra Road South Extension project.
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Development Services staff presented the Comprehensive Plan Update project to the Latino Club at Walla Walla High School on March 5. Students participated in an interactive penny poll, placing three coins into jars representing City priorities such as transportation, housing, climate change, the environment, and the economy. An overwhelming number of coins landed in the housing and affordable housing jar, highlighting the students’ top concern and aligning with public input received so far.
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On March 8, 10 members of the Walla Walla Fire Department participated in the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Firefighter Stairclimb at the Seattle’s Columbia Center. This event is no easy task, as firefighters are asked to climb 69 flights of stairs (1,356 steps and 788 feet of vertical elevation) in full firefighting gear while wearing a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). WWFD's team placed an impressive 18th out of 259 total teams.
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At Station 2, a work crew from the Washington State Penitentiary recently removed small trees that were damaged in an ice storm and will replace them with trees that will grow much larger and provide more shade to the building and landscaping. Some of the large landscape beds will be converted to turf to reduce maintenance needs and make the property more appealing. The project is expected to be complete by summer.
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On March 7, the Walla Walla Police Department Citizens Academy had its final day at the range with the SWAT team, followed by graduation at the Police Department. The program allows community members to see the various operations that take place throughout the department and WESCOM (dispatch).
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On March 25, WWPD Capt. Eric Knudson (at right, with Chief Chris Buttice) was officially sworn in as Deputy Chief of the Police Department. DC Knudson’s leadership has brought many advances to WWPD, and he will continue to help the department grow in his new position.
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The City is currently hiring for a variety of full-time and part-time positions, including temporary workers at the pool, golf course and in Public Works, Firefighters, Police Officers, Civil Engineers, and more. For details and to apply, visit the City's employment portal.
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Upcoming Events
Spring Break at the Library
April 6-11 • Walla Walla Public Library
Activities for young people every day. Visit the library calendar for details.
City Council Work Sessions
4-6 p.m. • April 6 and 20 • Walla Walla City Hall
View City Council agendas on the Agendas page on the City website.
City Council Regular Meetings
6:30 p.m. • April 8 and 22 • Walla Walla City Hall
View City Council agendas on the Agendas page on the City website.
6th Annual Youth Fishing Derby
8-10 a.m. • April 25 • Jefferson Park Pond
Kids 14 and under can participate. No registration required. Prizes for biggest catch.
Community Nonprofit Featured Events
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SoupPort Luncheon: Annual fundraiser for Helpline@SonBridge, a nonprofit that provides for the underserved people of our Valley. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on April 8 at St. Patrick's Blanchet Hall, 412 W. Poplar St. Information and registration here.
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Energy Savings & Home Preservation Workshop: Learn practical, year-round weatherization tips and how to maintain your home through the seasons. 5-6:30 p.m. on April 9 at Blue Mountain Action Council, 8 E. Cherry St. RSVP at 509-529-4980 or info@bmacww.org.
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