Why THe Yakima Greenway Endowment Matters

A Legacy Worth Protecting:

For over 45 years, the Yakima Greenway has connected our communities through parks, pathways, river access, and outdoor experiences that improve quality of life for everyone. Today, the Greenway spans nearly 20 miles that require ongoing care and investment.

Growing Demands, Aging Infrastructure:

Much of the Greenway's original infrastructure was built decades ago and is reaching the end of its useful life. Pathways require replacement, irrigation systems need upgrades, playgrounds must be modernized, and park amenities require ongoing maintenance. Rising construction and maintenance costs continue to outpace available resources, creating pressure on our annual operating budget.

Investing in People:

Maintaining a Greenway our community is proud of requires more than infrastructure. It requires dedicated staff who care for parks and pathways, lead educational programs, coordinate volunteers, manage events, and ensure visitors have a safe and welcoming experience. As the Greenway grows, so does the need for additional maintenance and program staff.

A Sustainable Solution:

The Yakima Greenway Endowment provides a permanent source of funding that supports the Foundation year after year. Today, the Endowment provides approximately 28% of annual operating support. Our goal is to increase that support, our main objectives are:

Park and pathway maintenance
Infrastructure replacement
Educational and youth programs
Additional maintenance and program staff

Why Parks, Pathways, and Green spaces matter

Health & Physical Activity:

People who have access to parks, trails, and green spaces are more likely to walk, bike, and be physically active than those with limited access. The closer people live to a park, the more likely they are to use it regularly.

Mental Health Benefits:

Studies consistently show that access to nature and green space reduces stress, anxiety, and depression while improving overall mental well-being. Urban parks are among the most effective forms of everyday nature exposure.

Stronger Communities:

Parks create places where neighbors meet, families gather, and communities connect. Research shows access to green space can increase social interaction, reduce loneliness, and strengthen community ties.

Benefits for Children:

Children who have access to green space are generally more active, spend less time sedentary, and are more likely to walk or bike in their communities. Research has also linked exposure to nature with improved cognitive development and fewer emotional and behavioral challenges.

Access to Nature Matters:

Less than half of Americans live within a half-mile of a park, making quality community green spaces increasingly important for public health and quality of life.

Economic Value:

Investments in parks, trails, and greenways generate economic benefits for communities, increase community attractiveness, and improve quality of life for residents and businesses alike.

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the return on your investment

A stronger Endowment means:

More staff maintaining parks and pathways
More educational and recreational opportunities for children
Better care of aging infrastructure
Safer and more welcoming public spaces
Continued free access for everyone in our community
A lasting source of support that reduces reliance on annual fundraising

The Greenway was built by visionary community members who invested in the future. Today, we have the opportunity, and responsibility to continue that vision.

We often get asked:
"What does it cost to maintain a mile of the Greenway?"

The Yakima Greenway is often viewed as a public amenity, and while open to the public 24/7 365 days a year, it is operated and maintained by a private 501C3 non profit and requires ongoing investment to remain safe, attractive, and accessible.

Maintaining the Yakima Greenway requires a significant investment in people, infrastructure, and daily operations. Today, the Greenway Foundation spends approximately $27,500 per mile each year to maintain the system. These costs include staffing, equipment, pathway repairs, landscaping, irrigation, utilities, litter removal, graffiti abatement, restroom maintenance, lighting, and the care of parks and recreational amenities.

While our crew truly does the best it can with our available resources, it does not fully address the growing needs of an aging system. Much of the Greenway's infrastructure is approaching the end of its useful life, requiring increased reinvestment in pathways, playgrounds, irrigation systems, lighting, and other critical facilities.

To fully staff, maintain, patrol, repair, and reinvest in the Greenway at the highest standard and ensure every park, pathway, and amenity receives proactive rather than reactive care the investment required is closer to $50,000 per mile annually.

A stronger Endowment will help close this gap by providing sustainable funding for:

Additional maintenance staff
Increased safety and patrol presence
Infrastructure replacement and renewal
Park and pathway improvements
Long-term stewardship of Greenway facilities and natural areas