Conceptual plan receives council endorsement

MOSES LAKE —The walking trail from McCosh Park to the Japanese Peace Garden could open up the possibility for a youth fishing pond as well, following the general endorsement of a plan by the Moses Lake City Council Tuesday night.

The 1.2-1.4 mile Heron Trail is scheduled to be completed next year, and will feature a 1,500-foot boardwalk at the northern end of Pelican Horn in Moses Lake. As part of a land agreement to build the trail, one Moses Lake landowner has proposed building a youth and senior fishing pond alongside the trail.

Gregg Vehrs came to Tuesday's council meeting to explain the proposal, which would allow for senior and youth fishing on the land owned by his father, Norm Vehrs. The city is working with the family to donate the 10-acre parcel as part of the Heron Trail project.

Greg Vehrs proposed the idea in part because the project would allow him to clean up his family's own property, and also after being impressed with the Japanese Peace Garden project.

The 10-acre parcel would consist of the ponds, a walkway connecting to Division Street, and the removal of debris to clean up the shoreline in the area. The city said Gregg Vehrs would be responsible for the costs and construction of the public ponds. City staff said Tuesday the proposal had already received conceptual approval by the city's Parks and Recreation Commission.

The council unanimously voted to endorse the conceptual project, in which city staff said future details would be worked out with the city and Gregg Vehrs.

"I'm excited," Councilman Jon Lane said of the addition to the trail. "This is just one more dimension that adds to the feasibility."

Also at Tuesday's council meeting:

? The city council held a public hearing on the proposed vacation of Main Street from between Schneirla Avenue and Barbara Avenue. The council is scheduled to take final action to vacate the street at its next meeting in February.

? Council members unanimously approved letting the Columbia Basin Farmers Market and Craft Bazaar use the city's Civic Center Park for the 2006 season.