The Harman Center in Yakima Lives to Fight Another Day

Many Yakima city residents were distraught at the news that the place senior citizens love to go, the Harman Center, was on the chopping block from the Parks and Rec department because of the multi-million dollar city deficit when a significantly small number of voters in the November election voted 'no' on passing a new levy.

Public Outcry Leads to Funding Reversal

City Council had listed the Harman Center employees and building maintenance costs on the chopping block alongside cuts to the Yakima Fire Department, Washington Fruit Place Community Center, a gang prevention program run by the Yakima Police Department, and Lions Pool.

After a huge public outcry at a November city council public hearing meeting that lasted until almost 11 p.m., council members regrouped on December 2nd to provide funding for Washington Fruit Place, all of the employee and building maintenance costs for Lions Pool through February 2026, and to fund the Harman Center for one more year.

My Personal Affection for the Harman Center

I have a particular fondness for the Harman Center because it's the place where my newfound joy, the Yakima Valley Quilters' Guild, meets twice a month.

We were ecstatic to hear the news that we could stay in place for another year.

Yakima Valley Quilters' Guild member, Linda Lortie, is stunned and excited to win "Member of the Year" for 2025 on Wednesday, December 3, 2025. Photo Credit: Reesha Cosby

The Harman Center isn't just for seniors, it's for use in the entire Yakima community, too. If you or your child wants to have a picture with Santa, the Harman Center is hosting an event this month. They are also hosting a New Year's Eve party for all the groups that rented out the building this year.