The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

KENNEWICK-Clover Island in Kennewick is known for more than its restaurants and marina. The 16-acre island owned by the Port of Kennewick includes a quarter-mile walking path to enjoy river views, artwork, and wildlife. 

One of the first things you encounter is the 28-foot-tall gateway arch which spans the road connecting Clover Island with the mainland of Kennewick. Next is a 62-foot-high functioning lighthouse; the tower houses a white beacon that flashes every four seconds.

We visited Clover Island to see the Port's project named Wiyakukpa, meaning The Gathering Place. The art installation highlights the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation's heritage and customs, including gathering tule reeds and capturing fish.

Exhibits at The Gathering Place focus on the tribes' past, present, and future. They include two bronze statues of women holding Tule reeds, one in traditional and the other in modern dress. Along the walkway overlooking the river are four twelve-foot renditions of sapáxikas, willow fish traps. The 12-foot-tall sculptures honor the tribes' tradition of capturing fish with large woven fish traps filled with rocks and placed in the Columbia River.

Waitsburg resident Mark Montgomery assisted with the placement of this attraction while working for Big D's Construction. Montgomery, along with his boys, really enjoyed the time they spent on the project in 2017.

Next time you travel to the Tri-Cities, be sure to walk around Clover Island to enjoy the Columbia River, wildlife, and artwork. You will not be disappointed.