Commissioners should explore options to keep Eschbach open

The following editorial appears in the Sept. 13, 2009, Yakima Herald-Republic:

Yakima County commissioners have done a commendable job over the past few years in crafting sound, sensible budgets. They have clung closely to their priorities-of-government process that establishes specific goals the community wants them to support, both in word and deed.

So it strikes us as odd that the commissioners, even though they are facing a most difficult task in developing a budget for next year, would move so swiftly to consider shuttering the county's last remaining major public park -- Eschbach Park, a 50-acre rural parcel of land along South Naches Road northwest of Yakima.

In fact, the commissioners portray themselves as protectors of public parks. It's memorialized in their priorities-of-government goals.

The commissioners list six priorities. Among them are economic development where the county will seek ways to create and retain jobs for the well-being of the community, and public safety where the general populace is protected against criminal acts and other forms of harm or damage.

Last in the list of six priorities is what they refer to as "quality of life." Here's how it's worded:

"Efforts to improve the well-being of the community by providing services through cultural and recreational opportunities. Parks, pathways and investments in service organizations would be examples of quality of life programs."

It's no mere coincidence that parks are mentioned first as an integral element in what residents consider a quality-of-life issue. So why are parks always the first to fall prey to the budget hatchet when governments go looking for savings?

The reasons are straightforward -- they cost more to maintain than whatever is gained through entrance fees or vendor rentals.

That's why the county has transferred ownership of its three other major parks to municipal governments over the past six years. The city of Yakima picked up West Valley Community Park on South 80th Avenue; Sunnyside took over SunnyView Park on the Yakima Valley Highway; and Union Gap assumed Ahtanum Youth Activities Park, the largest of the three.

Though Eschbach Park sees about 30,000 visitors annually, it costs the county $50,000 a year to care for its softball fields, basketball and volleyball courts, horseshoe pits and a 2-acre pond enjoyed by kayakers.

It's doubtful the commissioners could convince another city to take over Eschbach, which is not contiguous to any city boundary. Cities are having an equally difficult time balancing their budgets, and the remoteness of the park further diminishes its appeal. Still, they should entertain conversations with city governments in hopes of working out a possible solution.

Before putting the land up for auction, the commissioners might consider another option. They should weigh the prospect of creating a regional park district, where income from tax levies would be predictable and stable.

We know the commissioners are strong advocates for the priorities-of-government process they have established. They have even convinced the city of Yakima -- by example -- to incorporate it into their budgeting procedures. And we know they want to enhance the quality of life in the Yakima Valley. It's time, then, that they step forward and prove to the community that preserving parks is something more than words inked on a piece of paper. That quality of life actually means something.

We hope the commissioners fully consider what a regional park district might mean for the future of Eschbach Park. Voters won't be shy about telling them what they think about setting up a taxing district at the ballot box. Conversely, the commissioners shouldn't be shy about asking them.

What we don't want to see is the county walking away from Eschbach Park without exploring as many options as possible. For the relatively small amount that it costs to maintain the park, the county is far better served exploring possibilities than closing the door to them.

* Members of the Yakima Herald-Republic editorial board are Michael Shepard, Bob Crider, Spencer Hatton and Karen Troianello.

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