|
Monthly eNewsletter / June 2026 |
|
 Happy June, everyone!
This monthly newsletter includes news about summer recreation programs, construction projects, award-winning water, the temporary library, and 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.
|
|
 2026 program guide details summer activities for residents of all ages
In case you missed it, Parks and Recreation's Summer Program Guide dropped in May. Check it out to learn about the variety of fun activities Parks and Recreation and the Walla Walla Public Library have planned for residents this summer!
Visit the Recreation Catalog for full details about upcoming recreation programs, and to register.
|
 Myra extension nears completion
The contractor has been doing paving work on SR-125 and Myra Road as the Myra Road South Extension Project nears completion. In coming weeks, crews will complete highway striping, power on the streetlights, and move the highway barriers into place. Construction on the highway and north Myra is anticipated to be completed by mid-June 2026. South Myra should be fully open about a week after the highway and north Myra fully reopen.
The City will host a ribbon cutting in June to celebrate the opening of the roadway. For updates, follow the City of Walla Walla on social media or use the "Manage Subscription" link at the end of this eNewsletter and ensure you're subscribed to the News and Project Updates topics.
Visit GoWallaWalla.us for information on all current, upcoming, and completed projects
|
|
Congratulations to the Walla Walla's Water Division for taking home top honors at the recent Central Washington AWWA (American Water Works Association) Subsection best-tasting water competition. This achievement reflects the City's commitment to providing high-quality water for residents. Next, Walla Walla will compete at the Section level against top utilities from Oregon, Washington, and Idaho.
|
|
At the May 27, meeting, the City Council accepted a construction bid on the project to renovate the Walla Walla Public Library. Beginning today, the library is closed for a move to its temporary location at 115 W. Main St. In-person library services will resume the week of June 8, 2026, at the temporary location.
During May, library staff moved load after load of books to the basement of City Hall to help clear the library building for the renovation work.
|
May programs at the library included Bike to Work Day (shown here), a community book discussion, Mothers Day card making and flowers, and many other fun, family-friendly events.
On June 6, the community is invited to a Summer Reading Kick-Off at the Downtown Farmers Market. The event begins at 10 a.m. with a concert featuring Synchrony Saxophone Quartet. Before and after the concert, sign up for All-Ages Summer Reading and/or Summer Reading for Adults & Teens. Then head to the library for the "Make Your Mark" Library Send-Off from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., including a public sale of surplus furniture and fixtures.
Visit the library's calendar for more details about Summer Reading, and follow WWPL on Facebook for the latest updates.
|
|
On May 30, the City hosted a cleanup event in the neighborhood around Providence St. Mary Medical Center, featuring a lunchtime meal and supported by many City staff members and community volunteers. These free events are opportunities for residents to clear unwanted items from their homes and properties and build pride in their neighborhoods. Another cleanup is scheduled in October, and staff are exploring dates for a possible third event in 2026.
Want to help out? Follow the City of Walla Walla on social media or use the "Manage Subscription" link at the end of this eNewsletter and ensure you're subscribed to the Volunteer Opportunities topic.
|
In May, the Development Services Department released a draft of Walla Walla's updated Comprehensive Plan, which has been in progress since late 2024. The plan incorporates input gathered through outreach to residents, and serves as Walla Walla’s primary guide for managing growth and shaping the city’s future over the next 20 years. A public hearing for the Comprehensive Plan will be held before the City Planning Commission at 6:30 p.m. today, June 1.
|
|
The Parks and Recreation Department hosted a Summer Kick Off event on May 22 at Veterans Memorial Golf Course, beginning with a ribbon cutting for the now City-operated course, followed by a range of family activities including golf, mini-golf, T-ball, soccer, food trucks, face painting, and much more.
Memorial Day Weekend also marked the beginning of the 2026 season at Veterans Memorial Swimming Pool. Check out the pool's website for schedules, pricing, lessons, rentals, and more.
|
The Park Maintenance team hung flower baskets and banners at the beginning of May help ensure Downtown Walla Walla looks great. Staff water the baskets regularly to ensure the plants are healthy and vibrant throughout the warm season.
|
|
During Public Works Week, May 18-22, staff at the Service Center hosted more than 300 students from Walla Walla-area schools for an annual visit. Staff from the Street, Water, Engineering, and Solid Waste divisions, and the Development Services Department, educated students about the many services the City provides, the importance of recycling right, protecting our sewer system, the critical infrastructure maintained by Public Works staff, and maps, planning, and geographic information systems (GIS).
|
|
In May, the Development Services Department launched a new application within the City’s EPL (Enterprise Permitting & Licensing) system: the Multi‑Family Tax Exemption (MFTE). This online application streamlines the intake process for the City’s MFTE program, which provides valuable tax savings to applicants constructing multifamily housing that includes affordable units. The EPL system is continually being enhanced to make it easier for customers and staff to manage building, engineering, planning, and fire permits.
.
|
The Water Distribution Division completed work in May to remove a buildup of rock and debris blocking the water intake on Mill Creek. The team removed roughly 100 cubic yards of material, much of which had been deposited during the March flooding. In July, a full-scale dredging operation will fully restore this section of the creek.
|
|
In May, Walla Walla Fire Department's A-Shift conducted training burns in homes donated by Hayden Homes. Training in acquired structures provides one of the closest experiences possible to real-life fireground conditions, and is extremely valuable to the operational readiness and preparedness of our Fire Department.
|
|
Recently, a young resident called 911 after dropping her ice cream. Dispatchers could tell something was wrong, but couldn’t quite determine the nature of the emergency, so Walla Walla Police Department Officers responded to check on the family’s welfare. Thankfully, there was no serious emergency — just a very important ice cream incident. Instead, the Officers met one of their newest and biggest fans, shared some smiles, posed for a few photos, and turned a stressful moment into a positive memory.
|
The City is currently hiring for a variety of full-time and part-time positions, including Utility Billing Lead, Community Development Programs Coordinator, Grounds Maintenance Worker, Golf Recreation Leader, temporary pool and park staff, and more. For details and application materials, visit the City's employment portal.
|
|
Upcoming Events
City Council Work Sessions
4-6 p.m. • June 8 and 22 • Walla Walla City Hall
View City Council agendas on the Agendas page on the City website.
City Council Regular Meetings
6:30 p.m. • June 10 and 24 • Walla Walla City Hall
View City Council agendas on the Agendas page on the City website.
Summer Reading Kick-Off
10 a.m.-noon • June 6 • Downtown Farmers Market Stage
Visit the Walla Walla Public Library table at the Farmers Market and pick up your Summer Reading materials.
Juneteenth Holiday Closures
June 19
These City facilities will be closed: City Hall, Service Center, Sudbury Road Landfill, Walla Walla Police Department lobby, Walla Walla Public Library
|
|
|
|
|
