In the early 20th Century, the 79 acres served as the poor farm where poverty stricken residents were sent to live and work. Existing historical poor farm landmarks on the property include the cemetery, the main building and a housing unit/duplex.
The county deeded the property to Washington State University (WSU) in 1949. The deed contained a provision by which the property would go back to the county in the event that WSU stopped using it for agricultural experiments. In April of 2008, the ownership reverted back to Clark County from WSU following nearly 60 years of use for agricultural research.
A few months prior to the shift in ownership, County staff, in partnership with WSU and under the direction of Commissioner Boldt, began looking into the possibility of developing a concept plan for the property that would preserve its agricultural heritage, focus on sustainable practices and provide community access. The initial concept plan was shared with the public through stakeholder interviews in the spring of 2008. Since that time, a sounding board of approximately 15 community members has convened to further discuss and refine potential uses for the 78th Street property, including establishing guiding principles for the site.
Stakeholder Interview Summary (PDF)
Topographic project area map with existing structures (PDF)
Supporting data:
- Natural features map (PDF)
- Soil quality/assessment (PDF)
