Nelson Island Paddle Zone

11/22/2025

Gorgeous fall day to enjoy the Columbia River

11/22/2023

Story on the West Richland resident that wants to use his high powered boat through the non-motorized zone.

Army Corps banned motorized boats in 2022

11/14/2023

Update!! Does anyone have contacts with the Corps?

The West Richland Resident that came to parks and rec last week is asking for a special use permit to barefoot water ski in the non-motorized zone. Traveling 42 mph.

Here is the note from the City:

Last Thursday the City provided information to the Corps of Engineers in opposition to the proposal. The Corps is the regulator of this activity.

Thank you,

Joe Schiessl, AICP

Deputy City Manager

625 Swift Blvd., MS-04 | Richland, WA 99352

(509) 942-7778

11/11/2023

Hello fellow non-motorized zone friends.

Last week at Richland Parks and Rec, a gentleman spoke that he has approached the Army Corps of Engineers to allow his boat in the non-motorized zone.

He states in the video he will be driving through at 40+ miles an hour. Before this area became a non-motorized zone, it was a no wake zone.

He said he went out to Nelson Island September 8th. Did he break the law and use the zone?

He also states he can use other areas but it would disturb people fishing.

He wants access from September through May to bare foot water-skiing in the zone. He claimed that no one uses the zone except for a few months of the year...

This picture was taken in September!

Please write to: [email protected] [email protected]
[email protected]

Let them know that we don't want motors in the zone.

11/11/2023

Hello fellow non-motorized zone friends.

Last week at Richland Parks and Rec, a gentleman spoke that he has approached the Army Corps of Engineers to allow his boat in the non-motorized zone.

He wants access from September through May to bare foot water-skiing in the zone. He claimed that no one uses the zone except for a few months of the year...

This picture was taken in September!

Please write to: [email protected] [email protected]
[email protected]

Let them know that we don't want motors in the zone.

06/12/2023

Beautiful day at the zone. Remember that motorized boats (including jet skis) are NOT allowed in the non-motorized Paddle Zone.

09/24/2022

Beautiful day and lots of folks enjoying the motor-free Nelson Island Paddle Zone

Buoys have not arrived yet but I haven't seen a motorized boat in a while.

07/26/2022

Zoom in! Buoys are in place!! Nelson Island Paddle Zone !! Both south and north buoys are out.

07/21/2022

After many years advocating for the Nelson Island Paddle Zone ....
It's finally happening!!
Please watch the July 14, 2022 Richland Parks and Recreation meeting: new business 2nd item!!

07/25/2021

On the West side of Nelson Island. Picnic and garbage pickup on the shore.

07/23/2021

Boat Race Weekend!!
At the swim area and dreaming of the day that we have safe paddling for the entire zone.

05/16/2021

20 paddlers today! And this little fish