The Yakima 2000's Nostalgia still lives on

There was a time when Yakima summers weren’t about plans—they were about instincts. You didn’t need tickets or timelines. You just knew: if the sun was out, you were heading to Franklin Park.

If you grew up here in the ’90s or early 2000s, you remember:

Music echoing from the bandshell—acoustic sets, cover bands, and the occasional cousin-of-a-coworker with a bass guitar.

Franklin Pool, with its towering twisty waterslide, was the crown jewel of summer freedom. And we all knew the golden rule:

“If you see poop bail” 

Teens took over the tennis courts with skateboards and scraped-up shins. The littles were rolling down the terraces.

Parents brought blankets, sandwiches in baggies ,and watermelon in Tupperware. (and a beverage or 2 in mugs)

And just a short walk away The Soda Fountain, Brian the owner Lincoln Avenue Espresso was making banana splits and hot fudge sundaes like summer depended on it. 

And for the brave ones! 

Ice Blocking: Our Unofficial Summer Sport

One block of ice.

One steep hill.

One towel, if you were smart.

You sat, pushed off, screamed the whole way down, and either stuck the landing or flipped into a giggling pile of grass-stained painful glory.

If you know, you know.

But This Rhythm Didn’t Stop

Today, the soda fountain’s alive and well with nostalgic decor, it’s a coffee shop now,  and the pool’s a little quieter. But the feeling? The spirit?

It’s still here.

Yakima’s summer culture has grown—more vineyards, more music, more flavor—but it’s still built on the same foundation: community, connection, and warm nights with people you love.

Here’s where that magic still lives today, it has spread, but it’s everywhere

The Franklin Summer Concert Series STILL lives on today. 

📍 Every Friday at dusk, bring your blankets and enjoy the Rock, Jazz and Blues sponsored by Health Alliance NW. 

🎶Downtown Summer Nights

📍 Downtown Yakima | 🗓️ August 21

Live music in the streets. Food trucks, artisan vendors, local wine and beer. Kids still dance like nobody’s watching. It’s the modern-day bandshell, with just with a little more bass.

My personal favorites  -

Wine Down Wednesdays at Wilridge Winery

📍 Cowiche Canyon | 🗓️ Wednesdays through August

Start with a hike along scenic trails. End with a glass of wine, live music, and a sunset patio view.

Pro Tip: Grab their Hiker Punch Card—earn $5 off a bottle every 3rd visit (if you hike!)

🍷 Music in the Vines – Gilbert Cellars

📍 The Hackett Ranch | 🗓️ August 15 – Andrew Duhon

Vineyard concerts with a soul-soothing soundtrack. Kids can cartwheel in the grass while adults unwind with a bottle and a view. & not enough can be said about that view! 

Yakima may have traded Otter Pops for rosé, but the summer spirit hasn’t changed.

Whether you’re reliving your ice-blocking glory days or making new memories with your own kids on a winery lawn…

You’re part of a rhythm that’s been playing for decades.

So grab a blanket.

Follow the music.

And if you’re feeling bold—maybe pick up a block of ice on your way to the hill.

I hope that the next time you consider a picnic in the park, you choose Franklin and enjoy a little of reminder of how the beautiful city has grown.