The property which is now known as Ingalls Creek Enrichment Center was obtained in the early 1980s as part of the dream and vision of Alan and Anna Waltar to create a retreat center for those seeking to know the Lord in a more intimate and personal way.

The first official use of the facilities was the First Annual Wild & Rugged camp in July, 1985, and was attended mostly by members of West Side United Protestant Church in Richland, Washington, to which Alan and Anna belong. At the time, the only facility on the property was an outhouse, plus a few crudely marked campsites where some 40 people spread out tents and trailers throughout the planned 15-acre retreat center. A temporary shelter was constructed from wood and several blue plastic tarps, but being under this shelter during a windstorm was certainly exciting! This "temporary" shelter was used for several years until the gazebo was constructed.

The first major construction project was actually conceived and promoted by the children who enjoyed Ingalls Creek. The project? A treehouse! But not just any treehouse—a multi-level towering treehouse capable of holding quite a large crew, with an outstanding view of the creek and the rest of the grounds. It has quite an impressive swing, which is popular among adults and children alike.

Another popular item was a solar-powered enclosed outdoor shower (which has since been converted to electric heating with the expansion of the utilities). The service road was improved, and a beautiful sign was designed and constructed for the entrance.

Over the next few years a septic system was built and flush toilets were installed. Ownership of the entire 15-acre property was transferred to Ingalls Creek Enrichment Center, Inc. We took advantage of a naturally shaped amphitheater and with the help of youth from Westminster Presbyterian Church in Yakima built a stage, fire pit, and seating for 120 people.

Our largest completed structure is the gazebo, a steel-frame and steel-roof structure that took the place of the wood-frame and tarp-roof which had stood in its place. The gazebo was dedicated in the fall of 1996, and has been a popular meeting place ever since.

Construction has now begun on a new structure, The Lodge at Ingalls Creek, a multi-purpose building which will allow Ingalls Creek Enrichment Center to be used in summer and winter, and expand the services that we can provide.