Quick Facts

Administrative Headquarters:
Spokane Parks and Recreation Department
808 West Spokane Falls Boulevard
Spokane, WA 99201

Phone / Fax:
(509) 625-6200
(509) 625-6205 (fax)

Director of Spokane Parks and Recreation:
Barry Russell,  CPRP

Responsibilities:
Spokane Parks and Recreation is responsible for the professional management and prudent caretaking of more than 4,100 acres of developed parks and conservation land. The Golf Division maintains and operates four championship municipal golf courses, including Indian Canyon, Downriver, Esmeralda and the Creek at Qualchan. Park Operations has responsibility for the maintenance of all park land and park facilities in the City of Spokane including Riverfront Park, Manito Park, Gaiser Conservatory and the many city-wide gardens, Finch Arboretum and the Urban Forestry Program. The Recreation/Entertainment Division offers classes, special events, athletic leagues and activities for youth, teens, adults, seniors and persons with physical and mental disabilities. It also operates Riverfront Park attractions, activities and events, and provides support for community centers, senior centers, the Northeast Youth Center, Corbin Art Center and outdoor swimming pools.

Park System History:
In 1907, Spokane's board of park commissioners retained the services of the influential and nationally renown landscape design firm owned by step-brothers John Charles Olmsted and Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr. With the help of the Olmsted Brothers the Park Board prepared a comprehensive park plan to provide a magnificent park system that Spokane’s citizens still use today. In 1909, with strong support, a $1,000,000 bond issue for parks was approved by the voters.

Ownership:
The Citizens of Spokane

Funding:
Leadership is provided by a 10 member appointed Park Board and a City Council representative. As mandated by the City of Spokane Charter, eight percent of the City’s annual expenditures is earmarked for Parks and Recreation. Additional funding comes from fees and charges for programs and services. The Spokane Parks Foundation, an independent, non-partisan advocate, provides capital funding for park improvements. The City’s golf courses are operated as an enterprise fund that is not supported by tax dollars.

Staff Size:
All facilities and programs are managed by a talented and energetic staff of approximately 80 full-time employees, augmented with several hundred dedicated seasonal workers.

Web Site:
www.spokaneparks.org