The Beach at Howard Amon Park

Twenty five years ago I made a trip to Richland Washington, I lived in Idaho and was visiting a friend living in Richland. I clearly remember driving down George Washington Way and feeling like I was surrounded by parks! It wasn't until I actually drove down to Howard Amon Park that I decided I wanted to live in the cute little Richland town. I wanted to raise my child (eventually children) in a place with such beautiful parks. I also remember driving past the fun restaurant "Red Robin" and saying out loud "I am going to move here and work there!"

So I went home, got packed and I moved. I moved to that cute Richland town, got a job at Red Robin and raised my kids at that cute Howard Amon park. I spent a good portion of my life at that park and I watched its transformation over the years. Well, my kids are long grown and it has been well over ten or so years since I visited the park that changed my life. Until yesterday, I decided to take my three year old grand baby to the park and rediscover it all. I am glad I did, not only did it bring back so many memories it was like seeing it for the first time! It has grown and flourished! So many new, wonderful things for kids of all ages. Adults included.

The best part however, was the sandy beach area. When my kids were young we didn't play in the Columbia river, mostly because the approach to the water was not very accessible. It was grassy, but with weeds, rocks and lots of bird poop. I am not sure when they transformed the waterline but it is now a sandy beach! We took a mini vacation to the beach yesterday and never left Richland! We put our toes in the sand, built sandcastles and walked along the sandy beach. It was a beautiful day and a beautiful discovery!

Props to the City of Richland and all the men and women who keep the park beautiful! I can't wait to share its beauty with the next generation of my family!

270 Degrees of Lightning