SPOKANE, Wash. — A major initiative for Parks and Recreation aims to ensure every neighborhood has access to a park within a 10-minute walk.
If the proposed levy is approved, the city would build three new parks in North Indian Trail, Shiloh Hills and the Latah/Hangman area.
“We want to make sure that we can provide a space for everyone to enjoy. This has been a national benchmark to hit,” said Garrett Jones.
A “yes” vote would also fund the renovation of three existing neighborhood parks.
City Council member Michael Cathcart pointed to the poor condition of many parks in District 1. “Last year, I walked across our playgrounds and parks and saw the state of disarray in many of them,” he said.
One of the parks Cathcart refers to is Minnehaha Park, which is currently covered in snow. He is excited about the planned complete rebuild of the park. “This is something I’ve been advocating for since joining the council,” he said.
Grant and Harmon Park would also be renovated, if the levy passes.
Another challenge the community faces at our local parks are the restrooms. Sometimes they’re locked, and many are ran down. If the levy passes, the city plans to make restrooms more accessible and safer for families.
“It’s about feeling safe, whether that’s lightings, how the restrooms are designed and maintained,” said Jones, “Also the accessibility just around when the restrooms are open.”
If approved, the levy would also fund more staff to increase daily maintenance of neighborhood parks. This would allow for park restrooms to stay open.
At Harmon Park, a soccer field frequently used by both kids and adults for pickup games is often played in the dark. Rogers High School junior Saige Stuart said players often use flashlights there when they play.
“I think it would make the environment safer, especially since people get nervous when it’s dark,” Stuart said.
If approved, it’s possible the levy could fund new lighting at Harmon Park.
You can go to this link and calculate how much it would cost based on your address.
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