Spokane Complex Fire completely destroys Westgate playground in northwest Spokane

SPOKANE, Wash. — The Westgate Park playground in northwest Spokane is a total loss from the Spokane Complex Fire, according to Park and Recreation.

As of Wednesday, Parks and Rec says most parks previously in evacuation zones are now open. The Dwight Merkel Sports Complex is expected to open on Thursday.

Wyakin Park and the natural area and playground in Westgate Park remain closed until further notice so crews have a chance to do a full hazardous tree assessment and removal. The developed area of Westgate Park is reopened as of Wednesday.

Parks and Recreation says despite the loss of the Westgate playground, it was already planned for full replacement under the Park levy slated to start in late fall or early spring. That project is planned to stay on schedule.

Parks crews are attending a damage assessment class this week, and then they will conduct thorough damage assessments at affected parks. Once that is done, damaged amenities will be repaired and everything else will be cleaned.