The Parks and Recreation’s mission is to contribute to a healthy community through an integrated system of exceptional parks, facilities, trails, recreation services, cultural, and environmental stewardship as mandated by the community through participatory and financial support.

The Washington Parks and Recreation Department has a long and proud history that began in 1919, when the first park property was purchased at Second and High Streets—what we now know as Main Park. In June 1936, the Washington Parks Commission was officially formed, with five commissioners appointed by the Mayor. The department continued to grow, hiring its first full-time Parks Director in 1973.

Several important community landmarks were added along the way: the Municipal Auditorium was built in 1935, followed by the Municipal Pool in 1936, the Parks Maintenance Building in 1977, and the New Aquatic Complex in 2021.

Over the years, more land was donated or purchased and transformed into parks that many enjoy today, including Bernie Hillermann Park (1948), Lions Lake (1955), James Rennick Riverfront Park (1986), and Phoenix Park (2012). Other exciting additions include the Dog Park, the Disc Golf Course, and the Nature Reserve.

Today, the Washington Parks and Recreation Department manages 16 parks covering 580 acres of parkland and green space. The system includes 13 athletic fields, 6 tennis courts, 4 pickleball courts, 7 playgrounds, and 15 miles of trails. These parks offer a wide variety of recreational, cultural, and sports programs for people of all ages to enjoy.