City of Richland

Richland, with a population over 47,000 is located at the convergence of the Columbia and Yakima rivers. It offers an unparalleled combination of natural beauty and top-ranked city services that contribute to the high quality of life that local residents treasure. The name Richland was like to begin with because it was very appropriate to the region which has the most fertile soil in the world according to an early settler.

Brief History of Richland, Washington
Richland’s first settlement appeared in 1863, and it was originally incorporated in 1910 with a population of 240. Richland started out as a small farming community, but the population boomed from about 1,500 to more than 51,00 residents in 1943 when the government built the country’s first nuclear reactor on the Hanford Site. Richland was maintained as a government town until 1958 when it was incorporated into the city it is today. The Hanford Site continues to play a major role in the Tri-Cities economy and is also a huge partner in the science and technology communities worldwide. The Hanford Reach is the last free-flowing stretch of the Columbia River in the United States and was designated as a National Monument by President Clinton. Currently underway, is the development of a Hanford Reach National Monument Visitor and Heritage Center located near Columbia Point Park at the Gateway of the Hanford Reach.

Richland now has a more diverse economy, which includes a strong business base as well as energy and agricultural industries. It also plays a leading role in the science and technology community worldwide.

Richland, Washington Recreation
Whether it's outdoor activities or indoor cultural event you seek, Richland has much to offer. Each year residents look for to a variety of summer events in addition to monthly orchestra, theatre and ballet performances. There's fine dining and a family restaurants available, after which one can enjoy a number of activities from dancing to sports, a movie or shopping or even a relaxing walk in one of Richland's 46 beautiful city parks. Everything combines to make Richland an amazing city in the heart of Mid-Columbia region.

• Columbia River Exhibition of History, Science and Technology (CREHST) museum for hands-on demonstration activities, ranging from archeology to Nano science.
• LIGO Hanford Observatory LIGO seeks to open a new window on the universe using the world's largest laser interferometers. Cutting-edge science and engineering fuel the Observatory's quest to measure the faint ripples of gravitational waves.
• The Hanford Reach Interpretive Center (REACH) will be the preeminent showcase  for advancing our understanding of the unique forces of Man and Nature that shape the Pacific Northwest  from the Ice Age Floods to the Manhattan Project and beyond.
• Richland Players Theatre The vision that created the Richland Players in 1944 to bring music and laughter to an isolated community, and opportunities for local citizens to directly participate, continues today.
• The Academy of Children's Theatre provides educational opportunities in the theatre arts for young people of all abilities and levels of interest with a unique mission to provide theatre experiences for and by the youth of the greater Mid-Columbia.
• Mid-Columbia Ballet As Southeastern Washington?s prestigious dance company, the Mid-Columbia Ballet (MCB) presents three dance performances throughout the year. In addition to the traditional holiday Nutcracker performances, MCB also presents a children?s ballet and an evening of exciting dance in the spring.
• Mid-Columbia Mastersingers Premier regional 40-voice choral ensemble presents outstanding classical vocal performances of the highest level of choral music, representative of all styles and periods. 
• Mid-Columbia Symphony The Symphony performs live classical and popular music for Mid-Columbia residents. This season, the Symphony's 61st year, features four concerts offering a variety of enriching entertainment and cultural experiences.
• Ye Merrie Greenwood Players A versatile traveling company, producers of Ye Merrie Greenwood Renaissance Faire in June along with interactive original mysteries, school programs, English Country dancing, singing, story telling, live chess, etc.
• Columbia River Journeys Escape civilization on a jet boat tour of the scenic and historic Hanford Reach, the last free-flowing section of the mighty Columbia River. View coyotes, giant white pelicans, deer and more in this unspoiled natural sanctuary. Fun for all ages.
• Market at the Parkway-Richland Farmers' Market A farmers' and artisan market taking place in the Richland Parkway. Open Fridays 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., June through September.

Richland, Washington Education
Educational opportunities are excellent with in the Richland school district, with local students scoring at or near the top academically when compared to other students around the state in the nation. The Washington state University at Tri-Cities is located on the banks of the beautiful Columbia River in North Richland, and offers advanced educational opportunities to the entire region.

• Washington State University Tri-Cities the only public four-year university in south central Washington, provides students with the benefits of a Tier 1 and a PAC 10 university: research, internship, and community service opportunities, as well as classes taught by outstanding faculty.  WSU Tri-Cities offers world-class education in the eight academic areas of Agriculture, Business, Computer Science, Education, Engineering, Liberal Arts, Nursing, and Sciences.  The campus graduates students in 17 baccalaureate, 14 masters, and 5 doctoral degree programs.
• Richland, Washington School District 
• Richland School District Report Card Discover how well the Richland School District compard to other Washington State Schools. Report Card also has tools to compare individual Richland school rankings.

The Hanford Story, an overview. click here for link to video