The Chehalis, Washington park system is administered by the Chehalis Parks and Recreation Department.[1] Trails that connect Chehalis with locations beyond the city limits are maintained in conjunction with other local jurisdictions, state government agencies, and/or local non-profit groups and volunteers.

The city contains eleven parks, many of which were created on land donated by local citizens. Millett Field, begun in 1898, is the oldest park still in use.[2] The newest addition to the city's park and recreation program, Stan Hedwall Park, was acquired in 2014.[3] A large donation in 2004 to restore Alexander Park[4] has led to more than half of the parks being renovated or rebuilt, almost exclusively by volunteer efforts. Funding for this undertaking was secured thru government grants, charitable acts of local businesses, and citizen fundraising.

Residents and visitors have access to approximately 273 acres (110 ha) of parks built for leisure, children's activities, water access, or athletics, along with numerous trails and footpaths providing over 75 miles (121 km) of walking, hiking, horse riding, and biking recreation.

Parks

The city, incorporated since 1883,[5] had been without a city park from its inception and throughout the remainder of the 19th century. Despite sporting events taking place as early as 1896 on grounds that would become Millett Field,[2] and attempts to donate Duffy Park in the 1880s, no official park yet existed. In 1898, an opinion piece in the town newspaper, The Chehalis Bee, coupled with a request from the city council for landowners to donate parcels for recreation purposes, helped to start a community parks program.[6]

Chehalis has a long tradition of citizen fundraising to purchase, build, and maintain its parks.[7] Early parks were funded via a subscription service.[8] In the 21st century, a collaboration of Chehalis residents, the city government, various service clubs, and local organizations such as the Chehalis Foundation, the Lewis County Community Trails Association, and Experience Chehalis (previously the Chehalis Community Renaissance Team),[9] have spearheaded endeavors to restore and renovate several of the parks.

The Chehalis Parks Department received $100,000 in funding from the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) in late 2023. The grant is to be used to procure machinery to maintain the fields and turf areas of Lintott-Alexander and Stan Hedwall parks, and to renovate the restrooms on the grounds of the Recreation Park Complex, also known as the Chehalis Sports Complex.[10]

Name Image Established Location Size Description
Chet and Henrietta Rhodes Spray Park 2007 South Market district 0.5 acres (0.20 ha) Replaced a wading pool from the original 1959 aquatic center
Gail and Carolyn Shaw Aquatics Center 2014 South Market district 0.5 acres (0.20 ha) Replaced the 1959 Chehalis Community Pool
Henderson Park 1962 South Market district 1.0 acre (0.40 ha) Used as a command center for the city during emergencies
John Dobson Park 1908 Hillside District 15.5 acres (6.3 ha) Trailhead for the Dobson-McFadden Trail is located near the Troop 373 and 7373 Scout Lodge
Lintott-Alexander Park ca. 1920 Confluence of Chehalis and Newaukum Rivers 6.0 acres (2.4 ha) Originally named Alexander Park, it was renovated in the early 2000's after a long closure
McFadden Park 1912 Hillside District 28.0 acres (11.3 ha) Named after Obadiah B. McFadden
Millett Field 1898 South Market District 3.3 acres (1.3 ha) Home to the Chehalis Gophers
Penny Playground 1993 South Market District 1.0 acre (0.40 ha) Complete renovation and reopening, 2021
Recreation Park 1954 South Market District 13.0 acres (5.3 ha) Major renovation and reopening, 2021
Stan Hedwall Park 2014 West Chehalis 204 acres (83 ha) Largest park in Chehalis
Westside Park ca. 1949 Pennsylvania Avenue-West Side Historic District 1.0 acre (0.40 ha) Originally a playground for an elementary school that was razed due to damages from the 1949 Olympia earthquake

Trails

Airport Levee Trail, Chehalis, Washington, January 2022

Outside of the Dobson-McFadden Trail, the trails at Stan Hedwall, and footpaths located within the Recreation Park complex, the city has three significant trails, two of which extend beyond the municipality. A non-profit group, the Lewis County Community Trails Association, was organized in 2006 to help coordinate the creation of trails within the city and Lewis County. There were plans to create a trail connecting the Port of Chehalis to Stan Hedwall Park and nearby tourist locations in the 2000s, but despite a small feasibility study, the project did not proceed.[11] Future plans include linking recreational areas in Chehalis to parks and trails in Centralia, ultimately connecting the entire system with the Willapa Hills Trail.[12][13][14]

Airport Levee Trail

The trail is mixed paved-gravel built atop a levee and loops for 3.5 miles (5.6 km) around the Chehalis-Centralia Airport and Twin City Town Center.[15] Built in large part by community efforts and $300,000 in funding from TransAlta, the trail was first available for use in 2010.[16] The trail provides views of the Riverside Golf Course, airport, and farmland, with views of the Chehalis River.[17]

Airport Road Trail

The mixed-use paved trail is 1.4 miles (2.3 km) and runs parallel to Interstate 5 to the east, with farmland and close views of the Chehalis River to the west. Completed in 2014, the south trailhead links with the Airport Levee Trail and continues north, passing over Salzer Creek and into Centralia, officially terminating at the Twin Transit Mellen Street station.[12][18] Future plans include building ramps to an existing pedestrian portion of the I-5 bridge over the Skookumchuck River which would link the trail to Fort Borst Park and other recreational areas in Centralia.[13]

Willapa Hills Trail

At 56 miles (90 km), the intercounty trail is part of the Willapa Hills State Park and stretches from Chehalis to South Bend, Washington. It is built over a decommissioned railroad.[19] The trail journeys near or thru such Lewis County towns as Adna, Claquato, Ceres, Doty, and McCormick, while passing by the ghost town of Walville. A spur allows users to traverse thru Rainbow Falls State Park near Dryad.[20] Mostly complete within Lewis County, with a mix of pavement and compact gravel, the trail is considered unimproved for large stretches in Pacific County.[21] The trail is under the maintenance auspices of the Washington State Park System and is open for non-motorized activities year round to hikers, bicyclists, and horse riding.[22][23]

Defunct and extinct parks

Chehalis Band Park

The park began in 1904 under the purchase and operation of a local organized band. It was located near the northern city limits on National Avenue and was split by both the road and railroad tracks. Listed as 1.5 acres (0.61 ha) in size, the east portion of the park had an 8 foot (2.4 metres) fence. Funding to purchase the land and make improvements was collected by band performances, including the presentations of minstrel shows. Subsequent funding was provided with concerts and dances at the park. The park had plans to include a covered pavilion with a band stage and dance floor.[24][25] By 1911, a hall had been built but used sparingly, and a grandstand had been constructed. The park was sold in November 1911 to the Liederkranz society, a local German social organization, and the property converted into a mixed-use theater and dance hall.[26][27]

Chehalis Municipal Rose Garden

Chehalis Municipal Rose Garden
Coordinates46°39′54″N 122°58′05″W / 46.6651°N 122.9680°W / 46.6651; -122.9680
Created1934
Closed2007

The Chehalis Municipal Rose Garden was a test garden for the commercial viability of certain rose species and was located near the present day site of the Vernetta Smith Chehalis Timberland Library. The area was created in 1934[28] and held annual gardening events and competitions, but the garden was removed during the demolition of the previous library in 2007. The rose bushes were transplanted to Henderson Park but did not thrive.[29][30]

Duffy Park

Duffy Park
Duffy Addition, Scenery Park
Coordinates46°39′30″N 122°56′46″W / 46.6582°N 122.9460°W / 46.6582; -122.9460
Designated1902, never officially opened
EtymologyNamed after Horatio J. Duffy

Conflicting reports of when the park was given to the city span almost two decades. The first record of such a donation is listed in December 1887,[31] but an official plat and deed is mentioned as taking place in May 1888.[32] The grounds, measuring 4.5-acre (1.8 ha), were then reportedly bestowed in 1902 to Chehalis by Horatio J. (H.J.) Duffy[33] for $1. Once named "Scenery Park",[32] the area was never officially listed as a park by the city, despite plans in 1914 to build a bandstand at the entrance of the grounds,[34] and only referred to as an "unimproved park".[35]

Duffy Park is located on the hillside, south-southeast of McFadden Park, and there are no signs or trail markers.[36] Logged in 1993, the proceeds of the timber helped fund projects for other parks in Chehalis, notably Penny Playground. A local Boy Scouts troop replanted the area with hopes to use it as a learning forest but the effort did not materialize.[35] The city attempted to consider the area surplus in 2005, following up with an attempt in 2006 to pursue the construction of a reservoir on the property; the endeavors were unsuccessful.[37] The city continues to provide general maintenance to the park.[35]

East Side Park

Begun in 1906 with a $500 fund, the park occupied a triangular area near the St. Helens Hotel in the downtown district.[38] In late 1907, the city park board announced plans to seed the grounds for a lawn and to plant trees around the perimeter, but funding had not yet been collected.[8] Issues with the grade and road improvements would plague the completion of the project.[39] Never completed, the space would be overtaken in 1910 for the building of the Chehalis Carnegie library.[40]

Rice Auto Park

The automobile waystation was opened in May 1924 and was located on the Pacific Highway (known eventually as Jackson Highway), immediately south of the existing city border at the time. The park was named after its owners, the Rice family. The husband, J.D. Rice, was a proprietor of several theater houses in Chehalis, including The Dream, in the early 20th century. Originally the rest area contained cottages, a community kitchen, and facilities for bathing and laundry.[41] Within two months, the Theodore Roosevelt Highway Association commended the Rice family for the accommodations provided at the auto park.[42] Concord grapes were grown at the grounds beginning at its inception[43] and in 1930 an arson-caused fire destroyed a cottage.[44] Later that year the Rice family, feeling ready for retirement, sold the park which had begun to be more of a business than recreation area.[45] A lease in 1931 led to the several updates to the park, including a large dining room.[46] J.D. Rice remarried and took up the business again by 1932[47] and began to live in his prior residence on the property. A public divorce in 1937 showed evidence of a transfer of ownership of the Rice Auto Park, and its business amenities, to his wife when they were first married.[48] The park no longer exists.

Proposed parks

An art park was proposed in 2012 on land that was formerly the site of an electrical substation. Given early names such as "Power Free Park" and "Chehalis Art Park", the recreation site would be located between the Washington State Route 6 exchange and the government district. The park would consist of artworks, a pet area, and would potentially host EV charging stations. As of 2023, the Lewis County PUD and the Chehalis Community Renaissance Team led project had not been formally adopted.[49]

A railfan park has been considered that would neighbor the Lewis County Historical Society and Museum, once a railway depot. The idea began after a video camera was placed on the museum in 2019 that livestreams the railroad activity in the area. The park would include benches and tables, a boardwalk, and a caboose open for exploration.[50]

Other recreation

The Riverside Golf Course is nestled between the Chehalis–Centralia Airport and the Chehalis River. Spanning 110 acres (45 ha), it plays 6,155 yards for a par of 71.[51][52] Originally a nine-hole course when first constructed in 1927, it expanded to 18 holes in 1971.[53] It has hosted various charity fundraisers,[54] competitions and playoffs for local high school golf teams, and the Lewis County Amateur Championship.[55][56]

References

  1. ↑ "Chehalis Parks and Recreation". City of Chehalis.
  2. 1 2 Voie, Brittany (December 22, 2017). "Voice of Voie: Remembering Millett Field, a Former Crown Jewel of Chehalis". The Chronicle. Retrieved 4 December 2021.
  3. ↑ Spurr, Kyle (July 8, 2013). "State Transfers Ownership of Stan Hedwall Park to Chehalis". The Chronicle. Retrieved 4 December 2021.
  4. ↑ McClurg, Dian (March 27, 2004). "Community meeting shows high interest in Alexander Park project". The Chronicle. Retrieved 24 November 2021.
  5. ↑ Ott, Jennifer (July 1, 2008). "Chehalis - Thumbnail History". HistoryLink. Retrieved November 28, 2023.
  6. ↑ "Untitled Section - City Park". The Chehalis Bee. June 17, 1898. p. 2. Retrieved November 28, 2023.
  7. ↑ Stanton, Carrina (August 28, 2022). "Chehalis Neighbors Rally to Give Historic Park a Facelift". The Chronicle. Retrieved July 3, 2023.
  8. 1 2 "Park Board Is At Work". The Chehalis Bee-Nugget. October 11, 1907. p. 1. Retrieved December 13, 2023.
  9. ↑ Warn, Daniel (March 18, 2022). "Renaissance Team Changes Name to 'Experience Chehalis'". The Chronicle. Retrieved 18 April 2022.
  10. ↑ The Chronicle staff (November 29, 2023). "Three Lewis County cities receive grant funding for park improvements". The Chronicle. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
  11. ↑ Haines, Amanda (March 10, 2007). "Trails Group Sets Sights on Twin Cities Connector". The Chronicle. Retrieved 4 December 2021.
  12. 1 2 "Future Projects : TransAlta Trail". Lewis County Community Trails. Retrieved 30 November 2021.
  13. 1 2 Spurr, Kyle (May 18, 2012). "Lewis County Community Trails Group Pursues Grants". The Chronicle. Retrieved 30 November 2021.
  14. ↑ Brewer, Christopher (June 24, 2014). "Paving a New Path". The Chronicle. Retrieved 4 December 2021.
  15. ↑ "Airport Levee Trail". Lewis County Trails. Retrieved November 30, 2021.
  16. ↑ Brewer, Christopher (October 2, 2010). "Walkway Around Chehalis Airport Part of Grand Plan for Twin Cities". The Chronicle. Retrieved 30 November 2021.
  17. ↑ Crowner, Paul (October 24, 2011). "Airport Trail Is Grand — If You Follow This Advice". The Chronicle. Retrieved 10 November 2021.
  18. ↑ "Airport Road Trail". Discover Lewis County. Retrieved March 22, 2020.
  19. ↑ Rose, Buddy (October 15, 2004). "Rail conversion provides different recreation trail". The Chronicle. Retrieved 3 December 2021.
  20. ↑ "Willapa Hills Map". Washington State Parks.
  21. ↑ Hammock, Dan (September 29, 2021). "Overpass Construction Begins on Willapa Hills Trail". The Chronicle. Retrieved 3 December 2021.
  22. ↑ "Willapa Hills State Park Trail". Washington State Parks. Retrieved 28 July 2021.
  23. ↑ Nailon, Jordan (April 26, 2018). "Willapa Hills Trail Work Completes Route Through Lewis County". The Chronicle. Retrieved 3 December 2021.
  24. ↑ "Secured A Park". The Chehalis Bee-Nugget. June 3, 1904. p. 1. Retrieved December 13, 2023.
  25. ↑ "Work On The Park". The Chehalis Bee-Nugget. June 10, 1904. p. 8. Retrieved December 13, 2023.
  26. ↑ "New Home For Liederkranz". The Chehalis Bee-Nugget. June 29, 1911. p. 3. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
  27. ↑ "Foundry Site Deal Is Closed". The Chehalis Bee-Nugget. November 2, 1911. p. 2. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
  28. ↑ "Rose Orders Continue To Come In". The Centralia Daily Chronicle. January 18, 1934. p. 5. Retrieved 21 December 2021.
  29. ↑ Voie, Brittany (August 3, 2018). "More Information Surfaces About the Chehalis Municipal Rose Garden". The Chronicle. Retrieved 10 November 2021.
  30. ↑ Forsyth, Ashley (July 5, 2003). "Rose garden blooms in Chehalis". The Chronicle. Retrieved 23 November 2021.
  31. ↑ "Early Days In Chehalis". The Chehalis Bee-Nugget. December 6, 1929. p. 6. Retrieved November 28, 2023.
  32. 1 2 "Miscellaneous Business". The Chehalis Bee-Nugget. Vol. 19, no. 42. April 19, 1902. p. 1. Retrieved 29 December 2021.
  33. ↑ "Touched Elbows". The Chehalis-Bee-Nugget. Vol. 23, no. 33. February 9, 1906. p. 1. Retrieved 29 December 2021.
  34. ↑ "Arranging For A Beauty Spot". The Chehalis Bee-Nugget. June 26, 1914. p. 8. Retrieved November 28, 2023.
  35. 1 2 3 Stanton, Carrina (September 30, 2005). "Public comment sought on Duffy Park sale". The Chronicle. Retrieved 25 November 2021.
  36. ↑ McClurg, Dian (July 10, 2004). "Parks Gone Wild". The Chronicle. Retrieved 10 December 2021.
  37. ↑ Stanton, Carrina (April 11, 2006). "Duffy Park nixed for reservoir site". The Chronicle. Retrieved 25 November 2021.
  38. ↑ "For The East Side Park". The Chehalis Bee-Nugget. Vol. 23, no. 45. May 4, 1906. p. 1. Retrieved 14 December 2021.
  39. ↑ "The John Dobson Park Deeded To Chehalis Monday Night". The Chehalis Bee-Nugget. Vol. 25, no. 37. March 6, 1908. p. 1. Retrieved 14 December 2021.
  40. ↑ "Will Support City Library". The Chehalis Bee-Nugget. Vol. 25, no. 51. June 12, 1908. p. 1. Retrieved 14 December 2021.
  41. ↑ "Brevities". The Chehalis Bee-Nugget. May 30, 1924. p. 7. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
  42. ↑ "Brevities". The Chehalis Bee-Nugget. July 25, 1924. p. 7. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
  43. ↑ "Home Grown Concord Grapes". The Chehalis Bee-Nugget. October 21, 1927. p. 1. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
  44. ↑ "Tourist Cabin At Rice's Park Destroyed". The Chehalis Bee-Nugget. February 7, 1930. p. 17. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
  45. ↑ "Town Talk". The Chehalis Bee-Nugget. October 31, 1930. p. 5. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
  46. ↑ "Florida Couple Leases Rice Auto Park". The Chehalis Bee-Nugget. September 4, 1931. p. 6. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
  47. ↑ "Large List Of Native Sons And Daughters". The Chehalis Bee-Nugget. July 15, 1932. p. 14. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
  48. ↑ "Sensational Divorce Case Filed In Superior Court". The Chehalis Bee-Nugget. April 23, 1937. p. 4. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
  49. ↑ McDonald, Julie (September 18, 2012). "Chehalis Park Among Renaissance Projects". The Chronicle. Retrieved August 28, 2023.
  50. ↑ Sexton, Owen (August 19, 2022). "Train Enthusiasts Hope to See Chehalis Railfan Cam Become a Park". The Chronicle. Retrieved June 6, 2023.
  51. ↑ "Golfers come first". The Chronicle. October 17, 2006. Retrieved 10 November 2021.
  52. ↑ "Riverside Golf Course". GolfLink. Retrieved 25 November 2021.
  53. ↑ Lawton, Mark (June 29, 2004). "Budget-minded golfers are a boon to local courses". The Chronicle. Retrieved 10 November 2021.
  54. ↑ Baide, Matt (July 19, 2019). "Visiting Nurses Foundation Hosts Annual $1 Million Shootout and Charity Golf Tournament". The Chronicle. Retrieved 25 November 2021.
  55. ↑ "Local Golf: Jon McCaslin Wins His Third Lewis County Amateur Title". The Chronicle. August 5, 2019. Retrieved 25 November 2021.
  56. ↑ "Heinricher Captures County Amateur Golf Championship". Centralia Daily Chronicle. September 28, 1953. p. 7.
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