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Kennewick, located in the Tri-cities area of south-central Washington, has a population of about 55,000. It's surrounding cities include Pasco and Richland. A major highway system links the metropolitan areas of Seattle and Portland to Kennewick within three hours driving time. Both Spokane (to the north) and Idaho (east) lies approximately two hours driving distance from Kennewick.
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Kennewick Culture
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Southeast Washington's quality of life is rich in cultural, arts, and entertainment opportunities. From the classics and find arts, to country, folk-life and cowboy art, performance and visual arts abound. The performing arts are rich with a multitude of musicals, exhibits and works of national distinction. Numerous galleries and arts associations showcase the work of regional, national, and international juried artists and craftsmen. The annual "Art in the Park" features more than 100 artisans and artists, and is rated America's top 100 art shows. It is the largest outdoor arts and crafts show in the Northwest. Many areas of our community feature murals, sculptures, and graphic displays of interest.
Arts and cultural organizations include a symphony orchestra, regional ballet, light opera company, jazz society, opera association, children's theater, a renaissance faire, and many others. Historical and scientific museums and educational opportunities are also a string part of the region's cultural mix. In addition to cultural and recreational activities, the Tri-Cities region is the second largest wine-producing region in the US. "At the heart of wine country," this region features more than 40 wineries within a 50-mile radius.
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Kennewick Education
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Academically talented students are given the opportunity to participate in challenging programs and all the area high schools provide advanced recognition as "Gold Star" school districts by Site Selection magazine for their outstanding programs and community support.
Kennewick produces fourteen Elementary Schools, four Middle Schools, and three High Schools.
Washington State University's - Tri-Cities (WSU-TC) branch campus provides students the opportunity to acquire undergraduate and graduate degrees in a variety of programs. WSU-TC branch campus offers nearly 30 undergraduate and graduate programs.
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Kennewick History
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Kennewick was incorporated in 1904. The city's major employers included a creamery, a grape juice factory and the Northern Pacific Railroad. In the 1940's with the area chosen as the Manhattan Project site, Kennewick's population increased from 1,900 to 15,000. Kennewick is now the largest of the three cities with a population of more than 50,000 and a thriving economy supported by light industry, food processing and retail trade.
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Kennewick Nature
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Air pollution in Kennewick is practically non-existent, as the bi-county area attains all EPA air quality standards. Regular dispersing winds minimize the build up of air pollution.
Although climatically a desert, Kennewick has an abundance of water with it's rivers: Columbia, Yakima and Snake. They are crucial to the area's agricultural production and an important component to the variety of recreational activities available in the region.
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Kennewick Recreation
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The Tri-Cities' comfortable year-round temperatures and many sun-filled days create the enjoyment of outdoor activities year-round. The region offers numerous recreational opportunities to its residents. The park system consists of 75 parks spread out in over 3,350 acres.
Golf is a favorite of the Tri-Cities citizens. Two country clubs host thirty-six holes. Another 108 holes are available to the public at six additional courses.
The Tri-Cities Coliseum provides opportunities to ice skate, play hockey and hold other indoor recreational activities year-round including instruction in each.
Youth programs and classes are organized by the school districts, clubs and youth organizations during the summer. Activities offered include arts and crafts, music, sign language, aerobics, martial arts, dance, tennis, softball, swimming and day camps.
The neighboring mountain ranges add a magnificent effect to the visual and recreational variety. The Cascade Range stands about 100 miles west and the Blue Mountains to the east are even close stretching from the Palouse Hills southward into Oregon. Both of these mountain ranges provide excellent opportunities for hiking, hunting, fishing, camping and skiing during the season.
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Kennewick Transportation
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Kennewick is a major hub of transportation in the Pacific Northwest. The Tri-Cities area offers excellent highway linkages, service from two national railroads, commercial air service from three airlines and barge service.
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Kennewick Weather
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Kennewick has over 250 sunny days per year. With a pleasant desert climate typified by warm summers and moderate winter temperatures, the Tri-Cities has a markedly different weather pattern than areas on the west side of the Cascade Mountains and more moderate seasons than many other inland locations.
Thunderstorms have occurred in every month of the year in the Tri-City region, except January and November. The thunderstorm season is essentially from April through September.
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