Vision 2020 discusses tourism, cleanups

MOSES LAKE - Vision 2020 discussed several issues to improve Moses Lake through tourism attractions, cleanup efforts and named two award recipients Tuesday afternoon.

There is an opportunity for Moses Lake to obtain an airplane to use as a tourist attraction, possibly in a park, Chair Bill Ecret said.

He said it could also be used as something children can play on or it could be a display. He said the city would have to consider liability issues and maintenance costs.

Secretary Sally Goodwin suggested the possibility of renovating an airplane into a movie theater. The airplane could also connect it to the history of the local airports.

The group expressed interest in obtaining an airplane but is waiting for more information before taking any action to recommend the project to the Moses Lake City Council.

The presenters on the information about obtaining an airplane were not at the meeting, leaving the group with little information.

The group also discussed the success of the adopt-a-street program. Bev Shuford said several people, businesses and organizations have joined the program to select a portion of a street and pledged to keep it clean.

To adopt a portion of a street, contact Parks and Recreation Supervisor Spencer Grigg at 509-766-9240.

At a previous meeting the group discussed measures other cities are considering about banning the use of plastic bags at retail outlets.

The group continued discussion about the topic to reduce the use of plastic bags. Vision 2020 does not propose banning plastic bags from retail outlets but is considering an incentive program to either reduce use of plastic bags or to increase recycling of the product.

The group began discussing the issue after several members advised of a large amount of plastic bags constantly found in the lake and along the roadways during litter cleanups.

Shuford said it's possible to begin an education program to inform people about alternatives to using plastic bags, such as reusable cloth bags. She also suggested offering a small monetary incentive or a point program to gain rewards to encourage people to recycle plastic bags.

Vision 2020 selected two Visionary Award recipients. The award is given on a monthly basis to people, businesses or organizations who help to improve Moses Lake.

The October recipient is the Moses Lake Parks and Recreation Department for improvements to the Surf 'N Slide Water Park. The November recipient is Lowe's for their new building.