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Yakima Today
By the People, for the People
Yakima Greenway Playground to Be Rebuilt After Fire
Plans for the new structure are expected to be finalized this spring and summer.
Published on Feb. 25, 2026
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A fire destroyed the play structure at Rotary Park along the Yakima Greenway last year, causing an estimated $500,000 in damage. The Yakima Greenway Foundation is now working on plans to replace the playground, though it's unclear if they will recreate the exact same structure. The foundation is committed to maintaining the recreational space and is expected to finalize design plans in the coming months.
Why it matters
The Rotary Park playground was a popular community amenity along the Yakima Greenway, and its destruction by fire has left a void in the area's recreational offerings. The rebuilding effort is important to restore this resource and maintain the Greenway's role as a hub for outdoor activities and family-friendly spaces.
The details
The fire that destroyed the Rotary Park playground last year was the second such incident, with a similar blaze occurring in March 2024. No arrests have been made in connection with the latest fire. The Yakima Greenway Foundation, which oversees the area, says they have 24-hour security and policies in place to prevent camping and other illegal activities along the pathway. While the foundation is committed to replacing the playground, they have not yet decided if they will rebuild an exact replica of the former structure.
- The fire that destroyed the Rotary Park playground occurred last year.
- A similar fire happened in March 2024.
The players
Yakima Greenway Foundation
The organization that oversees the Yakima Greenway and is responsible for the rebuilding efforts.
Konner Hopkins
The executive director of the Yakima Greenway Foundation.
Sunrise Rotary, Rotary Club of Yakima, Southwest Rotary
The three Rotary clubs that helped fund and build the original playground structure.
What they’re saying
“We'll start to work on planning a replacement this spring. I can't say if we'll recreate an exact replica of the former play area but we're committed to the recreational space.”
— Konner Hopkins, Executive Director, Yakima Greenway Foundation (929thebull.com)
“We have no updates on future plans but continue to support Yakima Greenway Foundation.”
— Presidents of Sunrise Rotary, Rotary Club of Yakima, Southwest Rotary (929thebull.com)
What’s next
The Yakima Greenway Foundation is expected to finalize design plans for the new playground structure this spring and summer.
The takeaway
The rebuilding of the Rotary Park playground is an important effort to restore a popular community amenity and maintain the Yakima Greenway's role as a hub for outdoor recreation. The foundation's commitment to the space and plans to engage the community in the design process will be crucial to ensuring the new structure meets the needs of local residents.
