Friday, March 1, 2024

Ellensburg Selected As A Washington State Certified Creative District

On February 8, 2024, Ellensburg received a unanimous vote by the ArtsWA Board of Commissioners, becoming the newest designated Certified Creative District in Washington state. The road to certification began in 2021 with several community organizations collaborating to develop the Creative Industry Strategic Plan that will support the arts and establish Ellensburg as a place where artists can live, work, and thrive. The organizations include the City of Ellensburg, the Ellensburg Arts Commission, Laughing Horse Arts Foundation, Valley Theatre Company, Ellensburg Music Festival, Central Washington University, the Ellensburg Downtown Association, the Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce, CenterFuse, and the Ellensburg School District.

The benefits of being a Certified Creative District for Ellensburg will help promote our creative community throughout the state, increase opportunities for living-wage jobs within the creative sector, boost tourism, and attract artists, start-ups, and creative businesses. They can also create opportunities for affordable housing within the industry and enhance the overall quality of life in Ellensburg through the arts.

This designation will enhance the historic Downtown and Central Washington University.

Learn more

Upcoming 2024 Projects

• Pfenning Road shared use pathway from 3rd Ave. to University Way: A gap in the pedestrian and bicycle networks will be filled with a 10-foot-wide paved pathway that includes a buffer strip, landscaping, and minor road widening (west side only), installation of curb/gutter, storm drainage improvements, and improved street lighting. The project is primarily funded by the federal Transportation Alternative Program (TAP) grant.

• Pfenning Road improvements from Vantage Highway to Radio Road: This project includes full street frontage improvements (curb, gutter, sidewalks, roadway repaving, buffer strips, tree plantings, and lighting) on both sides of the road. The project is primarily funded through a Transportation Improvement Board (TIB) grant.

• Brick Road improvements from Radio Road to McElroy Park trail: The project includes buffer strips with street trees, improved street lighting, road repaving, and sidewalks. The project is primarily funded through a federal Surface Transportation Program (STP) grant.

• University Way overlay: The project will grind and overlay the existing roadway surface from Cle Elum Street west to the BNSF Railroad overpass and install new pavement markings. The project is primarily funded by a federal Surface Transportation Program (STP) grant.

• Reecer Creek levee extension: A levee will be constructed north of Dolarway Road to mitigate West Ellensburg flooding. The project is primarily funded with local funds and Kittitas County Flood District monies.

• Anderson Road Sewer: The project will install a new 18-inch sewer on Umptanum Road from Wilson Creek west to Anderson Road and north on Anderson Road to Mercer Creek. This construction is underway and should be completed this Spring. Phase II will extend the project north to 1^st Avenue and will allow for the removal of the existing sewer lift station. Phase II is currently in design and is hopeful for construction in 2025.

• Gateway I construction from Wenas St. to Matheus Lumber: The punch list of items for final acceptance will be completed this spring.

• Dolarway Substation Improvements: This project will improve system capacity, improve reliability, and eliminate the City's need to lease space in the BPA substation.

Unity Park Groundbreaking Ceremony

Save the date for the Unity Park Groundbreaking Ceremony - Saturday, March 30 from 10-11 a.m. at Fourth Avenue/Pearl Street.

Unity Park, located in the heart of downtown Ellensburg, will be enjoyed throughout the year as an informal gathering space, a venue for cultural arts and recreational events, and much needed open space to serve residential development in the downtown area. Elements for the park include a performance stage, water feature, picnic grove, pet relief area and public restrooms, all within an open and flexible space that can also accommodate large organized events.

Locate alternative free parking in the downtown.

Learn more

DEI Commission Accepting 2024 Grant Applications

The City of Ellensburg’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Commission is accepting grant applications for 2024 projects supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion related educational opportunities, social gathering opportunities, and supporting access to community resources to create a sense of belonging within the community.

The grant program is in its second year, and up to $6,000 is available for potential projects that will be completed in the 2024 calendar year. Awarded grant funds must be spent in the 2024 calendar year, and documentation is required for reimbursement from the City. 

Information and application materials for the program are available on the City’s website at: ellensburgwa.gov/grants. The application deadline for the programs is 5 p.m. April 15, 2024 for potential 2024 funding. The DEI Commission grant subcommittee will review applications and make a recommendation for funding at the May 14, 2024 DEI Commission meeting. 

For accessibility assistance or questions, contact the ADA Coordinator at ADAcoordinator@ellensburgwa.gov.

Join The Dog Biscuit Hunt & Flashlight Egg Scramble

Join the free dog biscuit hunt and flashlight egg scramble on Friday, March 29, 2024.

The dog biscuit hunt starts at 6 p.m. Bring the 4-legged friends in your family down to experience the fun and excitement of following their noses to those wonderful biscuits and chew toys. A handler (16 years of age or older) must accompany all participants. Great fun for dogs and their people!

When the park gets dark, find eggs, candy, and prizes! Over 4,000 candy and surprise filled eggs are scattered throughout the listed areas. Be sure to bring your OWN flashlight & basket. The hunt starts at 8 p.m.

Ages 1-4* Roped Area

Ages 5-8 Softball Field #1

Ages 9-12 Softball Field #2

*Youth must be able to pick up their own eggs.

For more information, contact Ellensburg Parks & Recreation at 509-962-7210.

Did You Know?

Did you know the Hal Holmes Community Center hosts jigsaw puzzle competitions? The next jigsaw puzzle competition is March 13 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Pre-registration is required, and spectators are welcome. The theme is 1970s disco. There are awards for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place puzzlers, best costume, dance moves (spectators can wins this award!) and slowest puzzlers.

Space is limited. Stop by the Library's reference desk to sign up.

Save The Date

First Friday Art Walk 3/1

Join the Ellensburg Arts Commission, artists, and downtown venues for First Friday Art Walk from 5-7 p.m.

Tax Workshop 3/2

Stop by Hal Holmes Community Center from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. for a tax workshop, held in collaboration with AARP Foundation's Tax-Aide. Open to all.

City Council Meeting 3/4 & 3/18

Free Swing Dance Lessons 3/4, 3/18, & 3/25

The Ellensburg Big Band is holding free swing dance lessons followed by a community dance from 7-9:30 p.m. at Hal Holmes Community Center. This program will continue through 2024, watch for additional dates.

EthicsLab – The Good Life Project 3/5

March 5, 2024 at 6 p.m. at Hal Holmes Community Center

A monthly program that gives Ellensburg community members the opportunity to explore what it means to live well. Each meeting will feature several brief presentations before group discussion and dialogue. Brought to you by the CWU EthicsLab, the Ellensburg Public Library, and the Hal Holmes Community Center. 

Jigsaw Puzzle Competition 3/13

Stop by the Library's reference desk to sign up.

Kittitas County Audubon Society Presentation 3/21

Stop by Hal Holmes Community Center for a presentation by the Kittitas County Audubon Society, starting at 7 p.m.

Dog Biscuit Hunt & Flashlight Egg Scramble 3/29

The dog biscuit hunt starts at 6 p.m. and the flashlight egg scramble starts at 8 p.m.

Unity Park Groundbreaking Ceremony 3/30

Join the City for a groundbreaking ceremony from 10-11 a.m.

Calendar

Agendas & Minutes

Be Heard Eburg