Petition to Revitalize Zintel Canyon into a Safe, Vibrant Community Space

To the City of Kennewick, Parks & Recreation Department, and Community Stakeholders:

We, the undersigned, call for the revitalization of Zintel Canyon into a safe, accessible, and thriving community space for all Kennewick residents. This 68-acre natural gem in the heart of our city has the potential to be a crown jewel—a hub for recreation, education, and connection. However, persistent issues like homelessness, safety concerns, and underutilization prevent it from reaching this potential. We urge the City of Kennewick to act swiftly to transform Zintel Canyon into a community asset we can all cherish.

Our Story and Urgency: 

My name is Joey DiDesidero, and I was born and raised at 815 S. Anderson, next to Zintel Canyon. I’ve experienced the good—building treehouses, exploring forests, and playing in its swamps as a child—and its challenges. Over the years, I’ve witnessed homeless encampments with tarps, stoves, and machetes; police raids; and devastating fires, like the 2018 blaze that nearly destroyed my parents’ home. Most recently, in April 2025, my mother’s house was ransacked by 12-15 individuals over a week, with video evidence showing them retreating into the canyon to evade police. These incidents, combined with ongoing safety concerns, leave families like mine and neighbors feeling vulnerable, as homes along the canyon remain targets for crime.

Zintel Canyon faces two critical issues:

Lack of Visibility: Dense brush and secluded pockets create hidden areas that invite encampments and unsafe activities. My daughter and I, along with many residents, have encountered unsettling groups in these hidden spots, making the canyon feel unsafe. Neighbors often say, “Zintel Canyon used to be such a nice place, but…”

Underutilization: The canyon, primarily a pass-through for walkers and runners on the Spirit of America Trail, has untapped potential as a community hub. It could host:

• Botanical Garden: Showcasing the Pacific Northwest’s native plants to educate and inspire visitors.
• Community Garden: A space for residents to grow organic produce, engage with nature, and teach children the therapeutic benefits of gardening.
• Small Music Venue: A natural amphitheater for local performances to unite the community.
• Park with Grass Field: A family-friendly area with picnic spaces and a stream, free from safety concerns.
• Partnerships with Local Shelters: To support our unhoused neighbors with compassion and resources, fostering a stronger, more inclusive community.

Increased community presence through these initiatives will naturally deter crime and unsafe activities, reclaiming the canyon as a sanctuary for all.

Our Vision for Zintel Canyon:

We propose transforming Zintel Canyon by:

Enhancing Visibility: The 2018 fire cleared some overgrowth, improving sightlines, but nature is reclaiming these spaces. Clear dense vegetation, remove secluded pockets, and install low-impact lighting and signage along the Spirit of America Trail to ensure safety at all hours.

Creating Community Spaces: Develop a botanical garden, community garden, small amphitheater, and park to attract families and foster connection.

Addressing Homelessness: Partner with the Kennewick Housing Authority and local shelters to provide outreach and housing solutions for those camping in the canyon. Increase police patrols and explore responsible use of trail cameras to monitor activity.

Promoting Community Engagement: Host regular events like clean-ups, the Zintel Canyon 4K, and cultural activities to boost community pride and presence.

Why This Matters: Zintel Canyon, shaped by a spring in the 1970s and enriched by its unique wetland ecosystem, is a rare treasure in our arid region. Past efforts, like the Spirit of America Trail and fire mitigation projects, show progress, but more is needed to make it safe and welcoming. My family’s experience with the 2025 break-ins, alongside the canyon’s history of fires and encampments, demands urgent action. We cannot let Zintel Canyon remain a place of fear and missed opportunities.

Call to Action: We believe in the City of Kennewick’s commitment to its residents and call on the community to join us in revitalizing Zintel Canyon. We urge the city to:

Allocate resources and seek grants (e.g., through the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office).
Hold a public meeting to discuss these proposals.
Together, we can transform Zintel Canyon into a safe, vibrant space that reflects the heart of our community.

Signed,

Joey DiDesidero and Concerned Residents of Kennewick