The Washington Parks and Recreation Department is probably best known for Christmas in the park. Every year they put up more than 50,000 Christmas lights. It’s a labor of love that transforms Eastside Park into a wonderland of snowmen, elves, sleighs and Christmas trees. You can even tune into a local radio broadcast to hear Christmas music as you cruise the park. The tradition, which began in the late 1970s or early 80s, attracts visitors from outside the county.
It’s a big job. Superintendent Kip Kelly reports that it takes more than 150 manhours to set up. Every year new displays are added, and hundreds of bulbs are replaced on existing ones. Of course, the Park and Recreation Department is much more than lights. It is responsible for the operation and maintenance of Eastside Park including two lakes, Longfellow Park, the sports complex, South Park, War Memorial, and the pool and splash park (WOW).
In 2018 Kip reported that the Parks and Recreation Department:
Indeed, the park department was busy in 2018, and 2019 looks to be even more active as Kip has plans to add new fall zone material to the playground at Eastside Park, install new playground equipment at South Park, and renovate restrooms at Longfellow Park.
Many thanks to the Washington Park Board, and the employees of the Parks and Recreation Department for keeping Washington a great place to live. Their work touches everyone’s life in many ways.
Let’s keep Washington moving forward.
David Dahl