PASCO - growing and going…….

Situated in the southeast corner of Washington Pasco is one of three cities that make up what’s called the Tri-Cities metropolitan area. It borders the other two cities, Richland and Kennewick, on its south and southwestern boundary with the Columbia and Snake Rivers providing the boundary line. Additionally even though it is recognized as being connected within the Tri-Cities metropolitan area Pasco itself is located in Franklin County while Richland and Kennewick are located in Benton County. Pasco itself is at a crossroads with regard to its future as a community. Rooted in its past but looking to its future Pasco is changing. According to a list recently put together by Smart Asset, a financial technology company, Pasco was named as the best small city in America for its growing housing market. This is largely driven by a surge in its agricultural and wine industries. Pasco is indeed growing, in its population, but more importantly, in what it has to offer.

HISTORY

In October of 1805 Lewis and Clark camped in the Pasco area in an area now known as Sacagawea State Park. Though there was some activity in the area from the fur trade and those seeking gold the area really did not open up until the completion of the Northern Pacific Railway around the 1880’s. A construction engineer for the railway named the town after a city in the Peruvian Andes named Cerro de Pasco. Pasco was incorporated in 1891. Although Pasco did expand during the building of Hanford it remained a community primarily driven by the agricultural industry. Currently Pasco continues to grow with its population surpassing that of its neighboring city Richland. There has been a flurry of residential and commercial development towards the West end of Pasco resulting in new housing tracts and increased shopping opportunities. Concurrent with this expansive trend is the Tri-Cities Airport located in Pasco with destinations to such cities as Denver, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Seattle, San Francisco, and Minneapolis to name a few. In addition to this there is an Amtrak station as well for those seeking another form of transportation. 

RECREATION 

As a city with two rivers serving as its natural boundary there is much to choose from in the way of outdoor activity. One can choose between either the Snake or Columbia River for a wide variety of water related adventures. Whether you’re sitting by the river having a quiet picnic at Sacagawea State Park or on the river itself paddle boarding, fishing, skiing, or at the helm of a boat, you are sure to find something that suits your style and taste. Along with this there are numerous trails nearby such as the Sacagawea Heritage Trail, a twenty-two mile trail where one can either hike or bike and learn a bit of history along the way. If running is your specialty consider participating in the Lampson Cable Bridge Run; an annual event held every December. Santa himself is the host! For something maybe less physical one can join in the annual Fiery Foods Festival held each September where one can, if they dare, sample a wide variety of spicy foods. Even more so is the Pasco Farmer’s Market located in downtown Pasco and held from May to October. Given Pasco's large agricultural base this is a very popular event. If you follow baseball consider the Tri-City Dust Devils; a Class A team for the San Diego Padres. Check them out at Pasco’s Gesa Stadium. Along with this are the many other options available as well, such as swimming at Memorial Park which offers a fifty meter lap and leisure pool that also includes two slides, visiting a nearby winery, family time at a waterfront park, as well as a variety of other athletic events and programs throughout the year to name a few. For the retired residents of our community seeking a more quiet degree of activity there are opportunities at the First Avenue Center. One can participate in such classes as china painting or wood carving or join in one of the many games that are offered such as Cribbage or Bridge. Its a great way to meet other people from your community.