Walla Walla Community College has completed the purchase of 43.3 acres of agricultural land adjacent to its campus and has acquired permission to acquire an additional 29.6 acres in the near future.
“This chance to expand the footprint of the college is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said WWCC Board Chair Tara Leer. “In the short term, this land will be used by our agricultural education programs, including expanding and enhancing our Farm to Fork initiative. In the long term, this is a strategic investment that will allow for WWCC campus expansion, student housing or other yet-to-be-identified purposes.”
Conversations about the possible purchase began last year when the college was approached by members of the Klicker family, who recognized a rare opportunity for WWCC to acquire contiguous land.
“The roots of our family in this valley date back to the 1860s and WWCC sits on land that was once owned by our family. We are honored that the history of the Klicker family is inextricably linked with the history of the college that means so much to our community,” said Kirk Klicker, Manager of Klicker Strawberry Properties, LLC.
“Furthermore,” Klicker added, “the land is not needed for strawberries, pumpkins or Christmas trees. The majority of this land has been planted to wheat in recent years, and this sale will not affect the strawberry operation nor the Klicker Store, which is not part of this transaction. We will be able to lease back a portion of the property for existing strawberry crops. We still will own plenty of acreage to plant more fields; therefore, Klicker Strawberries will be able to continue raising kids using strawberries. The Klicker Store will continue selling strawberries, pumpkins, seasonal produce, Christmas cheer and antiques. Selling this property, provides the opportunity for the multiple owners to reinvest in other opportunities.”
WWCC’s Board of Trustees approved the purchase of 43.3 acres in July, with an option to purchase an additional 29.6 acres following environmental remediation. The Washington State Board of Community and Technical Colleges gave its approval in August.
The sale closed on the first parcel last week. Soil remediation on a small portion of the second parcel is underway and WWCC intends to purchase that parcel upon completion of that soil project. The purchase price for the first parcel is $1.55 million and the second parcel will be $1.25 million, to be drawn from the college’s strategic reserves.