Connelly Park recovery update: progress made, work still ahead

MOSES LAKE — Repairs at Connelly Park are steadily moving forward following a destructive windstorm in May that toppled nearly 15 trees and uprooted at least 10 more, causing extensive damage to park infrastructure. According to Moses Lake Irrigation and Rehabilitation District General Manager Sam Castro, the park is showing significant signs of recovery – but it is not yet ready to reopen. 

“We have truly made a significant amount of progress,” Castro said. 

As of Monday, all fallen trees have been removed. Crews from Basin Tree Services completed the majority of the cleanup in about three weeks, cutting the trees into manageable rounds and grinding down remaining stumps. 

“They did a wonderful job – they were quick,” Castro said, noting that Moses Lake residents were also part of the crew. “There’s a lot of love and dedication; many of those people were helping and also grew up enjoying this park.” 

In total, about 25 trees were ultimately removed after arborists determined they posed safety risks. 

The storm damage extended far beyond fallen trees. Several critical structures, including the park’s bathroom facility and pump house, were destroyed. 

“The building is a total loss,” Castro said. “We’re working toward getting final documentation from the insurance company so we can move into demolition.” 

Before demolition begins, crews must disconnect utilities, including power, water, and sewer systems. Castro explained that preparation work is already underway to ensure safety and efficiency once demolition starts. 

This week, crews are focused on rebuilding the park’s irrigation system and restoring its landscaping. While the system sustained significant damage, temporary repairs have allowed water to flow again. 

“It is damaged, but we still had it on,” Castro said. “It gave us a chance to figure out what we need to do, we were able to bypass a few broken parts just to get grass going.” 

Workers are also beginning to fill large holes left behind by uprooted trees and re-level damaged areas. 

“I’m more than confident that in two weeks things will be green,” Castro said. 

Despite visible progress, Castro emphasized that the park must remain closed for now due to ongoing safety concerns. 

“We have to keep people away from that building,” he said. “I’ve been directed by the insurance company to keep people out until demolition is complete.” 

Another factor is fire risk. With several weeks of dry conditions and limited water until recently, reopening prematurely could pose hazards. 

“It doesn’t take much to spark a fire,” Castro said.  

MLIRD estimates it is still about one to two weeks away from setting a definitive reopening date. The initial reopening may be partial, with limited access to areas such as the boat launch while construction continues elsewhere. 

The storm caused widespread damage to park amenities. Castro estimates that about 16-20 benches were lost, many of them custom-built. 

“They’ve been completely destroyed, and they were part of this park for a long time,” he said. 

In addition, significant vandalism and theft have occurred during the closure, including the destruction of security cameras. 

“It just saddens me that individuals continue to come in and cause damage,” Castro said. “When we do find out who they are, we intend to press charges.” 

All of the removed trees have been cut into firewood and placed in the upper parking lot. Castro said the district plans to distribute the wood to MLIRD ratepayers this fall, once burn restrictions are lifted. 

“We encourage the community to give us a call and schedule pickup,” he said, estimating there could be 50-100 cords of firewood available. 

Despite the challenges, Castro said the community response has been overwhelmingly positive. 

“It puts a smile on our face,” he said. “Every day you wake up knowing you have that support, it makes you want to do more.” 

MLIRD is also exploring grant funding and partnerships to replace lost infrastructure, improve accessibility, and potentially upgrade facilities. 

“This is really an opportunity for the community to come together,” Castro said. 

While the park is not yet open, Castro remains optimistic that residents will soon be able to return. 

“We hear our community loud and clear,” he said. “And the answer is, we’ve got good news coming soon.” 

    The bathroom and pump house at Connelly Park have been declared a complete loss, according to General Manager Sam Castro. Castro said he is waiting for final paperwork from the insurance companies before demolishing the two buildings.
  

Crews at Connelly Park will be working on repairing irrigation systems and filling holes left by the uprooted trees this week. There should be a set opening date for the park in the next two weeks, according to the general manager.

    Around 50-100 cords of firewood will be free for pickup to Moses Lake Irrigation and Rehabilitation ratepayers this fall, after the burn ban is lifted.
  

    Around 16-20 of the benches at Connelly Park were destroyed by trees landing on them during the May windstorm. General Manager Sam Castro said he plans on working with Columbia Basin Job Corps to ask if they would be willing to make more of the signature cement benches found at the park.