Irrigation project improves safety, access at Theater Sports Park

Nearly two acres of open space and safer access from nearby neighborhoods are being added to Theater Sports Park as part of a project to move an irrigation ditch underground.

The ditch is operated and maintained by the Hermiston Irrigation District (HID). Though it receives groundwater and tailwater runoff from HID systems upstream to the east, it typically has little to no actual current and has become a magnet for illegal activities and camping.

In its place, the city has installed a perforated pipe that allows the channel to be moved underground, providing for a cleaner, healthier environment. Completion of this project will expand the park’s usable space, improve access for neighborhoods to the north, and make it easier for HID and the Parks & Recreation Department to continue upkeep.

“We’re not only adding two usable acres to Theater Sports Park through this project, but we’re making it more accessible to the families in our growing neighborhoods north of Theater Lane,” said Hermiston Parks & Recreation Director Brandon Artz. “Instead of a barrier that is costly to maintain, we’ll have enhanced open space for safer recreation.”

The total project cost is approximately $315,000, including $140,000 for pipeline materials and $175,000 to Odyssey Contracting of Yacolt, Wash. for construction. Both the fill material and real estate were donated free of charge to the city.

Theater Sports Park is one of 15 parks managed by the Hermiston Parks & Recreation Department. It features two adult softball fields, a field for youth football and soccer, playground and picnic areas.

For more information, visit www.hermiston.or.us/parksrec.