Naches, Tieton communities full of can-do spirit

This editorial appears in the Dec. 11, 2009, Yakima Herald-Republic.

Just because there's a recession doesn't mean people can't dream.

And dreamers who are ingenious and industrious enough may make their dreams come true to the benefit of their communities.

Gov. Chris Gregoire announced this week a round of cuts needed to balance the state budget that is casting a long shadow on communities across the state. So it's refreshing to note there are local movers and shakers willing to look for ways to get community projects done without waiting for government help, which won't be coming anytime soon.

Take Naches, for one. Community and athletics boosters, seeing the writing on the wall -- the community hasn't passed a school construction measure for 16 years -- organized a nonprofit group. The Naches Valley Stadium Committee wants to modernize the aging high school stadium and install artificial turf. Its members see it as a way to improve the community's chances of attracting sports events and, in turn, crowds who will need hotel rooms, meals, gasoline and more.

So far they've only raised $25,000 out of the $1.1 million they want to collect through fundraising and grants. But smaller improvements are being made, cementing the project as successful in the community psyche. This group is serious about improving the sports venue for the benefit of the town.

Tieton has its own dreams: a city soccer field so kids have a place to play. Right now, that project is just in the idea stage, but community members are looking ahead for ways to make their small town more attractive.

Of course, it's usually easy to draw people in to sports-related projects. Sports are often the glue that holds a small town together. But others are looking for new ways to create community spirit as they struggle to combat the growing menace of teen gangs. Sunnyside, Toppenish and Wapato are interested in opening or reopening community centers, giving everyone from tots to teens to seniors a place to gather for activities.

We urge such activists to carefully plan who they want to serve, and how they can continue to fund such services. Dreaming doesn't have to mean bankrupting your community. Be creative in evaluating existing spaces. Form coalitions to make the best use of facilities and volunteers, like Zillah did with the Zillah Associated Clubs, which runs the town's Civic Center.

Of course, it takes people willing to work together, willing to look after the community's best interests and willing to make sure the projects outlast themselves. This means recruiting a wide variety of members, young and old, from throughout the community.

That's the kind of effort that makes America great, even in dismal economic times.

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