User:Average USA patriot/sandbox
South Richland, Washington | |
|---|---|
| neighborhood of South Richland | |
 Columbia River Washington Temple | |
| Coordinates: 46°14'14"N 119°17'04"W | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Washington |
| County | Benton |
| Government | |
| • Type | Council–manager government |
| • Mayor | Theresa Richardson |
| • Mayor Pro Tem | Sandra Kent |
| Area | |
| • City | 8.60 sq mi (22.00 km2) |
| • Water | 3.39 sq mi (8.79 km2) |
| Elevation | 384 ft (117 m) |
| Population (2020) | |
| • City | 60,560 |
| • Rank | US: 667th WA: 22nd |
| • Density | 1,345.5/sq mi (519.5/km2) |
| • Urban | 232,954 (US: 171st) |
| • Metro | 303,501 (US: 164th) |
| • CSA | 357,146 (US: 103rd) |
| • Tri-Cities | 215,024 |
| Time zone | UTC−8 (Pacific (PST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−7 (PDT) |
| ZIP codes | 99352, 99353, 99354 |
| Area code | 509 |
| FIPS code | 53-58235 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1513395[2] |
South Richland is a suburban community within the city of Richland, located in Benton County, Washington, United States. Situated in the southeastern part of Richland, South Richland is part of the Tri-Cities metropolitan area, which also includes Kennewick and Pasco. This region has seen significant growth and development.
History[edit]
Early years[edit]
The area that is now South Richland was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Wanapum, Yakama, and Walla Walla. The mouth of the Yakima River, known as Columbia Point, was a crucial site for these tribes to harvest salmon. Captain William Clark of the Lewis and Clark Expedition visited this area on October 17, 1805.[3]
Formative years[edit]
In 1904–1905, W.R. Amon and his son Howard purchased 2,300 acres of land on the north bank of the Yakima River and proposed a town site. The site was named Richland in 1905, after Nelson Rich, a state legislator and land developer. The town was incorporated on April 28, 1910.[4]
World War II[edit]
Richland was a small farm town until World War II, when the U.S. Army acquired 640 square miles of land along the Columbia River to build the Hanford Engineering Works, part of the Manhattan Project. This led to rapid development in the area, including South Richland, to accommodate workers. The population surged from 300 in mid-1943 to 25,000 by the end of the war in 1945 (U.S. Department of Energy, Hanford Site History.[5]
Post-war and Cold War boom[edit]
Following World War II, the onset of the Cold War necessitated increased plutonium production, leading to further growth in Richland. By 1952, the population had grown to 27,000. In 1957, the government sold properties to residents, and Richland was incorporated as a First Class City in 1958.[6]
Modern era[edit]
After the last production reactor at Hanford shut down in 1987, the region transitioned to focus on environmental cleanup and technology. Many residents of South Richland are now employed in these sectors. Richland High School's sports teams, known as the Bombers, reflect the city's historical connection to the Hanford site.[7]
Geography[edit]
South Richland is located in the southeastern part of Richland, bordered by the Yakima River to the west and the Columbia River to the north. The terrain includes rolling hills and river valleys, providing scenic views and outdoor recreational opportunities.[8]
Demographics[edit]
According to the 2020 census, the population of Richland, including South Richland, was 60,560. The community is characterized by a mix of families, professionals, and retirees, contributing to its diverse demographic profile.[9]
Economy[edit]
South Richland's economy is integrated with the larger Tri-Cities area, encompassing healthcare, education, retail, and technology sectors. This diverse economic base supports ongoing growth and development.
Major employers[edit]
- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL): A key research facility operated by the U.S. Department of Energy, specializing in environmental science, energy, and national security.[10]
- Kadlec Regional Medical Center: A major healthcare provider offering comprehensive medical services and employment opportunities.[11]
- Richland School District: One of the largest employers, operating multiple schools and contributing significantly to the local economy.[12]
- Bechtel National Inc.: Engaged in constructing a waste vitrification plant.[13]
- Washington River Protection Solutions: Manages nuclear waste tank farms.[14]
- Energy Northwest: Generates nuclear power at a nearby reactor facility.[15]
Education[edit]
The Richland School District serves South Richland, ensuring access to quality education through schools like Orchard Elementary School, Chief Joseph Middle School, and Richland High School. Higher education institutions, such as Washington State University, Tri-Cities, offer undergraduate and graduate programs.[16]
Higher education[edit]
- Washington State University, Tri-Cities: Offers a variety of academic programs and contributes to local research and economy.[17]
- Columbia Basin College: Provides higher education opportunities with a campus in Richland.[18]
Recreation and culture[edit]
South Richland offers numerous recreational opportunities, including parks, trails, and community centers, fostering a vibrant community atmosphere.
- Badger Mountain Centennial Preserve: Popular for hiking and offering panoramic views of the Tri-Cities.[19]
- Howard Amon Park: Features walking paths, picnic areas, and playgrounds along the Columbia River.
- Richland Community Center: Hosts events, classes, and recreational activities.[20]
Annual events[edit]
- Cool Desert Nights: A classic car and street rod event held in June.[21]
- Tumbleweed Music Festival: Celebrates folk music every Labor Day weekend.[22]
Transportation[edit]
South Richland is well-connected through highways and public transportation, facilitating easy access to the broader Tri-Cities area.
- Interstate 182: Connects Richland to Pasco and Kennewick.[23]
- State Route 240: Provides access to the Hanford site and other key areas.[24]
- Ben Franklin Transit: Offers bus services throughout the Tri-Cities.[25]
References[edit]
- ^ "2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved August 7, 2020.
- ^ "US Board on Geographic Names". United States Geological Survey. October 25, 2007. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
- ^ Omaha, Mailing Address: 601 Riverfront Dr; Us, NE 68102 Phone: 402 661-1804 Contact. "Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail (U.S. National Park Service)". www.nps.gov. Retrieved 2024-06-28.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ "CONTENTdm". localhistory.richlandlibrary.com. Retrieved 2024-06-28.
- ^ "Hanford Site". Energy.gov. Retrieved 2024-06-28.
- ^ Box 40220Olympia, Contact Us Washington Secretary of StateLegislative Building · PO; Policy, WA 98504-0220Phone Numbers Privacy. "Eastern Regional Branch". www.sos.wa.gov. Retrieved 2024-06-28.
{{cite web}}:|first1=has generic name (help)CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ "Richland School District". www.rsd.edu. 2024-07-09. Retrieved 2024-06-28.
- ^ "USGS.gov | Science for a changing world". www.usgs.gov. Retrieved 2024-06-28.
- ^ Bureau, US Census. "Census.gov". Census.gov. Retrieved 2024-06-28.
- ^ "Pacific Northwest National Laboratory | PNNL". www.pnnl.gov. Retrieved 2024-06-28.
- ^ "Home". www.providence.org. Retrieved 2024-06-28.
- ^ "Richland School District". www.rsd.edu. 2024-07-09. Retrieved 2024-06-28.
- ^ "Engineering, Construction & Project Management | Bechtel". www.bechtel.com. Retrieved 2024-06-28.
- ^ "Washington River Protection Solutions (WRPS)". Washington River Protection Solutions (WRPS). Retrieved 2024-06-28.
- ^ "Energy Northwest". www.energy-northwest.com. Retrieved 2024-06-28.
- ^ "Campus Maps - WSU Tri-Cities". Retrieved 2024-06-28.
- ^ "Campus Maps - WSU Tri-Cities". Retrieved 2024-06-28.
- ^ "Home". www.columbiabasin.edu. Retrieved 2024-06-28.
- ^ signshoplo. "Home". Friends of Badger Mountain. Retrieved 2024-06-28.
- ^ https://www.richlandparksandrec.com/facilities/richland-community-center. Retrieved https://www.richlandparksandrec.com/facilities/richland-community-center.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|access-date=(help); External link in|access-date=|title=(help) - ^ "Cool Desert Nights". Richland Chamber of Commerce. Retrieved 2024-06-28.
- ^ "Tumbleweed Music Festival". Tumbleweed Music Festival. Retrieved 2024-06-28.
- ^ "Washington State Department of Transportation". wsdot.wa.gov. Retrieved 2024-06-28.
- ^ "Washington State Department of Transportation". wsdot.wa.gov. Retrieved 2024-06-28.
- ^ "Homepage | Ben Franklin Transit". www.bft.org. Retrieved 2024-06-28.