SPOKANE, Wash. — What used to be a reliable parking solution for families attending youth soccer games has become a source of frustration and unexpected expenses for Spokane parents.
The Southeast Sports Complex parking lot, which once provided convenient parking for spectators, closed several weeks ago as the city undertakes a major expansion project. The closure has left parents scrambling for spots on game days, with some resorting to parking in nearby private lots where they’ve faced towing fees exceeding $600.
The city is working to increase the lot’s capacity from 88 parking stalls to 140, while also adding more restrooms and a new storage unit at the fields. However, the temporary inconvenience has created real problems for families trying to support their children’s athletic activities.
Carl Bruscoe learned this lesson the hard way. After driving more than 40 minutes to watch his granddaughter play, he parked in a nearby lot across from the fields, only to return and find his vehicle had been towed.
“We didn’t see a place on the street and it just seemed so congested and there were people running across the street so we thought hey lets just pull into a parking lot,” Bruscoe said.
The towing bill stung. “It’s predatory I mean and I guess that’s legal from everything I’ve read that they can do that…it just seems completely unnecessary…and then the charges. How excessive? $650-$620 to take somebody’s vehicle,” he said.
Douglass Properties owns the private shopping center lot and has been towing vehicles parked in spaces reserved for customers. Despite multiple attempts to reach the company for comment, they did not respond.
A business owner in the lot acknowledged that parking overflow is affecting their Saturday customer base but clarified they are not responsible for the towing operations.
The parking shortage has affected not just parents but also coaches and volunteers who work at the complex. Amber Domrese, a coach, said the situation has become increasingly difficult.
“It is absolutely brutal. I’m going to say for the average person, you’re carrying a chair, maybe a bag, parents got a couple extra things and it’s a long walk,” Domrese said of having to park up to half a mile away.
The disruption extends beyond the sports complex. Southgate homeowners have noticed increased traffic on their streets during game days. However, not all residents view the situation negatively. Amy Heppler, a Southgate homeowner, said she appreciates the activity.
“There’s a lot of cheering that you can hear in the neighborhood, and I like the energy of it,” Heppler said.
City officials acknowledge the challenges but maintain the project is necessary. Garrett Jones, Director of Parks and Recreation, said the improvements will benefit the community long-term.
“Apologies for the inconvenience you know as we work on this in a partnership with a private developer. As we look at any improvements, there is some inconveniences that need to take place for that work to happen,” Jones said.
The city projects the expanded parking lot will be completed by spring 2027, with officials saying the finished product will justify the current disruptions.
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