Chapter 12 - Parks and Recreation
PlanSpokane 2046 draft
Aug 7, 2026
[Page 1]
This cover page is not part of the draft Comprehensive Plan and is intended to only help with navigation of the drafts.
The chapter you see here is the result of months of
work by countless individuals throughout the
community. It represents a combination of inputs
generously provided by the public, Plan
Commission, City Council, and many others. This
updated chapter will eventually be considered by
the Plan Commission and City Council for inclusion
in PlanSpokane 2046.
Our teams have worked hard to create these
updated chapters. Each has been discussed at the
Plan Commission, by various Plan Commission
subcommittees, with City Council in general, and
shared with the public at various points along the
way. These chapters represent the efforts of many,
helping to describe the policy and guidance the
Comprehensive Plan can provide in each topic area.
Please note this version supersedes any previously
published versions, including the release of many
chapters last October. All prior versions should be
considered out-of-date from this point on.
As with prior versions, this chapter includes the
basic text, but might not match the visual look and
format of the final document (we're still working on
that). To help readers identify where updated
language has been provided, a series of icons are
shown at right along the way. These aren't part of
the final document--they're provided to help
readers understand where certain changes may
have come from, where past policies have been
combined, etc. A guide to those icons is provided
below. Each chapter will use the same set of icons
for consistency.
General information or
notation is provided, clarifying
overall changes to the text.
Language was streamlined or
condensed for readability
or clarity.
A new Goal or Policy was added,
not sourced from the currently
adopted plan.
Policy language was added to ensure
consistency with changes in law at the
State/Federal level.
USEFUL
ICONS
Multiple Policies from the currently adopted
plan were combined into one, usually done
to eliminate redundant language.
Text was added as a result of the City's
study of Racially Disparate Impacts and
Displacement.
A policy or text was added as recommended by the Climate Resilience and
Sustainability Board (CRSB).
A goal or policy was removed or moved to
another chapter. These are listed at the end of
each chapter and include a reason.
What's Next for PlanSpokane?
Because this is the first complete view of some
chapters (e.g. Growth Strategy, Transportation,
Capital Facilities), we anticipate one more release
of updated chapters and maps later this summer.
After that, Plan Commission will likely hold a
hearing to consider the overall document. We'd
love to hear from you along the way.
Document Version: August 5, 2026
If you have any comments on the chapters, please
engage with us at http://planspokane.org or by
email at planspokane@spokanecity.org. All
comments are considered and each will be
provided to the Plan Commission and City Council
for their consideration prior to any hearings on
the proposed document.
[Page 2]
Chapter 12: Parks and Recreation
Introduction
The benefits of parks and open spaces, including relaxation, recreation, and
the enjoyment of natural features and landscaping, has long been
recognized as important in the City of Spokane. Throughout its history,
Spokane’s residents have encouraged and supported the development of a
high quality and beautiful park system that has frequently ranked in the top
25 in the United States.
Today, changing recreational pursuits and demographic characteristics of
the population have made the provision of parks and open spaces even
more challenging and important. Seeking to explore and understand the
new environment in which parks and recreation will operate in the future,
the Parks and Recreation Department adopted a Master Plan for the City in
2022. This document outlines the challenges and opportunities the City
faces when providing an integrated and interconnected network of parks
and recreational opportunities available for all in the City of Spokane.
The Spokane Parks Master Plan, incorporated by reference in the
Comprehensive Plan, provides guidance and background information the
City should use in decision-making and planning of funding, programs, and
development in the near future. Along with the Master Plan, which has a
shorter planning horizon than the Comprehensive Plan, the following goals
and policies are provided to inform parks and recreation decision-making
into the distant future, aligned with the overall vision and values the
community has identified.
Goals and Policies
Goals and policies provide specificity for planning and decision-making.
Overall, they indicate desired directions, accomplishments, or aims in
relation to the growth and development of Spokane as it relates to the
development, maintenance, and operation of parks and recreational uses in
the city.
Goal: PR-1, Preservation and Conservation
Assure the preservation and conservation of unique, fragile, and scenic natural
and non-renewable resources for the enjoyment and use of the public.
Policy: PR-1.1, Regional Open Space System
Partner with regional park and open space providers to create and maintain
a regional system within the urban growth boundary that connects open
spaces and habitat for wildlife corridors.
Review notes
The introduction has been rewritten to
reflect the current situation as well as
the recently adopted Parks Master Plan.
The previous Comprehensive Plan goals
and policies used PRS in the title. Goal
and policy titles in this version use PR.
Any references to previous
Comprehensive Plan goals and policies
will use the PRS indicator.
The order of these goals (and their
attached policies) has changed
somewhat to flow better and to
correspond more closely to the format
and layout of the Parks Master Plan.
Policy 1.1 was reworded to make
collaboration a stronger part of the
sentence.
[Page 3]
Policy: PR-1.2, River Corridors
Recognize, enhance, and preserve access to the Spokane River and various
waterways for the recreational enjoyment and use of the public, recognizing
the health, social, and cultural benefits access to the waters of Spokane
provides, while maintaining consistency with habitat preservation and
protection standards.
Policy: PR-1.3, Acquisition of Natural Areas
Acquire and preserve natural lands that support opportunities for passive
recreation while preserving the land in its natural state and help to preserve
and provide priority wildlife and habitat protection.
Policy: PR-1.4, Open Space Dedication
Implement and maintain development standards calling for required natural
open space and parks dedication and development within new developments
where appropriate while working cooperatively with property owners and
developers to secure and preserve open spaces between developments where
possible.
Policy: PR-1.5, Open Space Buffers
Establish standards for and encourage the use of both developed and
undeveloped open space buffers between conflicting land uses and
infrastructure, including provisions and incentives for clustering of
development.
Goal: PR-2, Parks and Open Space System
Provide a park system that is an integral and vital part of the City’s public
amenities, taking advantage of the opportunities for passive and active
recreation provided by a comprehensive open space network.
Policy: PR-2.1, Amenities Within City Boundaries
Provide open space and park amenities that serve all residents throughout
the city, as determined by the Level-of-Service (LOS) standards.
Policy: PR-2.2, Access to Open Space and Park Amenities
Provide equitable public access to linkages and connected open space and
park amenities, including features such as sidewalks, trails, bicycle paths,
and mass transit.
Policy: PR 2.3, Connecting the River and Adjacent Uses
Study and develop ways to enhance the river by coordinating access and use
of the waterways in Spokane with access to adjacent uses and opportunities,
such as providing river access for both people and watercraft adjacent to
shops and restaurants.
Review notes
A cross-reference to Chapter 9, Natural
Environment, will likely be included
here, as that chapter deals heavily with
surface waters.
Policy 1.3 was updated to focus more on
acquisition and less on finance.
A cross-reference to Chapter 3, Growth
Strategy, is likely to be included here as
well as to the Parks Master Plan.
A cross-reference to Chapter 9, Natural
Environment, will likely be included
here, as that chapter deals with open
space as well.
Equitable access was added here in
reference public engagement
discussions.
Previously policy PR-1.3 in a former
draft, recommended as a new policy
from the Chapter Review Subcommittee,
tying business and river access together.
[Page 4]
Policy: PR-2.4, Parks and Recreation Amenities
Develop and maintain parks and recreation amenities, including but not
limited to interpretive areas, sports complexes and fields, structured play
areas, public gardens, and entertainment venues, that provide benefits to
both residents and visitors and enhance the local economy.
Policy: PR-2.5, Urban Forestry Coordination
Coordinate with the urban forestry program when developing parks and
recreation facilities throughout the city.
Policy: PR-2.6, Historic and Cultural Value in Parks
Preserve and showcase the cultural integrity and historic characteristics of
individual parks and the overall park system.
Policy: PR-2.7, Efficient Property Management
Assess unimproved park land holdings within the city and, considering Level-
of-Service (LOS) standards, develop modifications and solutions to increase
LOS benefiting residents.
Goal: PR-3, Recreational Programs and Facilities
Maintain and expand an indoor and outdoor recreation program in the city,
providing well-rounded recreational opportunities for people of all ages and
abilities.
Policy: PR-3.1, Inclusive Recreational Access
Provide and improve recreational opportunities that are affordable to all
people in Spokane and that reflect the diverse needs and socio-economic
status of people in the city.
Policy: PR-3.2, Community Partnerships
Create public-private partnerships and develop funding and incentives for
community-oriented recreational programs responsive to the diverse needs
of participants of all ages and abilities.
Policy: PR-3.3, Parks for All
Upgrade park facilities and recreation opportunities to be accessible,
culturally inclusive, and responsive to the needs of all Spokane residents,
regardless of income, age, gender, or ability.
Policy: PR-3.4, Community Outreach
Promote parks and recreation programs, services, and facilities through an
effective and inclusive community outreach program and marketing
campaign, utilizing a variety of communication methods and ensuring
language access and cultural relevance.
Review notes
A cross-reference to applicable parts of
Chapter 9, Natural Environment, is likely
here.
A cross-reference to applicable parts of
Chapter 8, Urban Design and Historic
Preservation, is likely here.
This new policy was added to help Parks
and Recreation begin to improve and
adjust their unimproved land holdings
to maximize efficiency and effectiveness.
Diversity was added here in reference to
RDI and public engagement discussions.
Diversity was added here as well. A
cross-reference to Chapter 10, Social
Health, is likely to be included as well.
[Page 5]
Policy: PR-3.5, Community Gardens
Establish and maintain publicly accessible community gardens on City
property, as appropriate, in partnership with local organizations to support
traditional Indigenous food gardens and culturally specific growing practices
as well as to increase access to local and culturally diverse food for all
residents.
Policy: PR-3.6, Indoor Recreational Facilities and Programs
Provide facilities and programs that provide the public the opportunity to
participate in a broad range of indoor recreational activities year-round.
Policy: PR-3.7, City Golf Courses
Provide for and maintain the public golf courses in Spokane as appropriate.
Goal: PR-4, Trails in Parks and Open Spaces
Provide a convenient and pleasant open space-related network for walking,
rolling, hiking, and biking circulation throughout the City of Spokane and the
region through coordination with local partners.
Policy: PR-4.1, Trails and Linkages
Provide trails, pathways, and linkages between and among parks, open
spaces, and nearby communities in accordance with City plans and
programs, prioritizing people-oriented transportation in natural areas while
considering special interests like equestrian use.
Policy: PR-4.2, Trail Corridor Development and Enhancement
Include landscaping, revegetation, and reforestation in trail corridor and
shared-use pathway development where appropriate and desirable,
providing a pleasant trail experience, compatible with adjacent uses, and in
consideration of the natural environment found in the region.
Policy: PR-4.3, Innovative Trail Development Techniques
Incorporate innovative techniques into trail and pathway design, including
but not limited to Low-Impact Development, natural drainage patterns,
native landscaping, protection of natural features, and porous pavement to
further protect and enhance the natural environment.
Goal: PR-5, Coordination and Cooperation
Encourage and pursue cooperation between government agencies, nonprofit
organizations, and private business in providing open space, parks facilities, and
recreational services that are beneficial for the public.
Review notes
Policy 3.5 recommended from the
Climate Resilience and Sustainability
Board (CRSB).
Policy 4.1 is a combination of two
original policies that both dealt with
trails and circulation. (Original policies.
PRS 3.1 and PRS 4.2) Connections to
nearby communities was suggested by
Parks staff.
This new policy (4.3) was formerly found
in the discussion of another policy. It
warrants highlighting in its own policy
here.
[Page 6]
Policy: PR-5.1, Avoiding Duplication of Recreational Opportunities
Facilitate cooperation and communication among government agencies,
nonprofit organizations, school districts, and private businesses to maximize
efficiency when recreational opportunities are planned and provided for the
community.
Policy: PR-5.2, Joint Park and Open Space Planning
Ensure that parks, open space, and trails are planned and funded in
coordination with Spokane County prior to allowing urban development
within the City’s Urban Growth Area (UGA), yet outside City limits.
Goal: PR-6, Quality Parks and Recreation Services
Provide the community with a parks and recreation system that is enjoyable,
efficient, financially responsible, and a source of local pride.
Policy: PR-6.1, Up-To-Date Management Practices
Employ state-of-the-art techniques in the park and recreation profession,
seeking to increase efficiency in both staff operation and facility mechanism,
such as providing staff training, labor-saving equipment, automated and
weather-based controls, and development of drought response plans, etc.
Policy: PR-6.2, Celebrate Local Landscapes and Build Resilience
Model Spokane’s natural landscape and the value of the SpokaneScape
program by seeking opportunities to incorporate lower water use
meadowland and natural landscape with trails into parks and open spaces
wherever possible.
Policy: PR-6.3, Park Equity and Investments
Equitably expand the City's programming, park maintenance, and
preservation activities to increase amenities that address comfort and
protection from extreme weather such as shade and drinking fountains and
that improve safety, education, and community resources at parks,
prioritizing investments in the most vulnerable parts of Spokane.
Policy: PR-6.4, Standards and Policies
Address areas of the city where parks and recreation facilities and
opportunities do not meet current Level-of-Service (LOS) standards,
maintaining open communication and utilizing collaborative planning
processes that help define service levels based on good management
practices while providing quality service to the public.
Review notes
Goal 6 (originally goal 7) and Policy 7.1
were combined as they contained
duplicate information.
Policy 6.1 has been modified in
response to public feedback on
modeling sustainable practices.
Policy 6.2 is a newly proposed policy in
response to public feedback and in
collaboration with the Parks
Department. Potential cross-reference
to SpokaneScape-related policy in the
Natural Environment will be added.
Policy 6.3 recommended from the
Climate Resilience and Sustainability
Board (CRSB).
[Page 7]
Policy: PR-6.5, Community Volunteers
Encourage and recruit volunteers to serve on advisory boards for program
and facility design, leadership in program offering, and community service
stewardship.
Policy: PR-6.6, Evaluations and Monitoring
Conduct periodic monitoring of the Spokane Parks and Recreation
Department services, facilities, and programs through staff, participant, and
public evaluations.
Policy: PR-6.7, Master Planning
Develop and implement periodic updates to the Park Master Plan to ensure
effective maintenance and operation of existing parks while exploring needs
for new and updated parks and recreational opportunities.
Goal: PR-7, Maintenance and Funding Programs
Recognize and update Spokane’s existing park resources by continuing
preventative maintenance and exploring various funding possibilities for both
construction of new parks and maintenance of the City’s existing facilities and
resources.
Policy: PR-7.1, Maintenance Management Program
Implement an ongoing maintenance management program that will include
preventative and ongoing maintenance, efficient and comprehensive facility
management, and funding for the replacement of facilities and equipment.
Policy: PR-7.2, Park Sign Plan
Implement and maintain a park signage and wayfinding plan that
standardizes all park signs, enhances clarity in direction, and integrates
universal accessibility. Features should include entrance, direction, and rules
signs and exclude historic park signage where appropriate.
Policy: PR-7.3, Park Funding
Consider all potential funding sources to maintain and enhance the adopted
Level-of-Service (LOS) standards for parks, seeking funding in addition to the
general fund contribution to Parks and Recreation.
Policy: PR-7.4, Opportunity Fund
Create an “Opportunity Fund” to protect open space or acquire parkland,
targeting valuable open space lands that would otherwise be lost to
development, ensuring that funding is sustainable for long-term stewardship
of these areas.
Review notes
A cross-reference to applicable parts of
the Governance Chapter may be added
here.
The polices here are not new—they
have been moved into this topic from
various other goals in the existing
chapter. Some language has been
updated.
While not strictly new, policies 7.4 and
7.5 were reworked in consultation with
the Chapter Review Subcommittee to be
more robust and to better consider
original intent.
[Page 8]
Policy: PR-7.5, Funding for Open Space and Shoreline Land Acquisition
Ensure that any funding for the purchase of open space and shoreline land
maintains sufficient balance and flexibility to nimbly and rapidly acquire and
protect land when it becomes available.
Policy: PR-7.6, New Development Funding Needed Parks
Adopt development fees and development requirements ensuring public
park land dedication and improvement occurs at the time of development or
redevelopment, commensurate with adopted Levels-of-Service (LOS).
POLICIES REMOVED FROM THE TEXT:
The following policies in blue have been removed from the text, largely due
to redundancy, unclear goals/success, and similar factors.
Policy: PR-3.7, Outdoor Recreational Facilities
Provide facilities and programs that allow the public the opportunity to
participate in a broad range of outdoor recreational activities, including
expanding the hours and dates these locations are available where feasible.
Policy: PR-5.3, Cooperative Planning and Use of Recreational Facilities
Coordinate and cooperate with local private and regional entities when
planning and operating recreational facilities to ensure efficient, integrated,
and cooperative uses and operations.
Policy: PR-7.1, Quality of Service
Provide high quality service to the community in all parks and recreation
programs, services, and facilities.
Policy: PR-7.3, Capital Improvement Program
Prepare and update annually a six-year capital improvement program for
implementation of the Parks, Recreation, and Open Spaces Plan.
Policy: PR-7.7, Public Participation
Ensure that decisions regarding the city’s park and open space system
encourage the full participation of Spokane’s citizenry.
Review notes
Policy 7.6 was added per the Parks
Master Plan, calling on development to
help fund the parks needed because of
new growth.
Policy PR-3.7 (originally PRS-5.6) being
removed as it is redundant with Policy
1.2.
Policy PR-5.3 (originally PRS-6.2)
removed as it is redundant with Policy
5.1.
Policy 7.1 was incorporated into its
overarching goal, as it provided no
additional detail in its original form (see
Goal 6)
A CIP is a requirement of state law for all
capital projects by the City. Repeating it
here adds nothing to the process and is
redundant.
Policy 7.7 is already covered
substantially by the Governance
Through Civic Participation Chapter.
Chapter 12 - Parks and Recreation
PlanSpokane 2046 draft
Aug 7, 2026
[Page 1]
This cover page is not part of the draft Comprehensive Plan and is intended to only help with navigation of the drafts.
The chapter you see here is the result of months of
work by countless individuals throughout the
community. It represents a combination of inputs
generously provided by the public, Plan
Commission, City Council, and many others. This
updated chapter will eventually be considered by
the Plan Commission and City Council for inclusion
in PlanSpokane 2046.
Our teams have worked hard to create these
updated chapters. Each has been discussed at the
Plan Commission, by various Plan Commission
subcommittees, with City Council in general, and
shared with the public at various points along the
way. These chapters represent the efforts of many,
helping to describe the policy and guidance the
Comprehensive Plan can provide in each topic area.
Please note this version supersedes any previously
published versions, including the release of many
chapters last October. All prior versions should be
considered out-of-date from this point on.
As with prior versions, this chapter includes the
basic text, but might not match the visual look and
format of the final document (we're still working on
that). To help readers identify where updated
language has been provided, a series of icons are
shown at right along the way. These aren't part of
the final document--they're provided to help
readers understand where certain changes may
have come from, where past policies have been
combined, etc. A guide to those icons is provided
below. Each chapter will use the same set of icons
for consistency.
General information or
notation is provided, clarifying
overall changes to the text.
Language was streamlined or
condensed for readability
or clarity.
A new Goal or Policy was added,
not sourced from the currently
adopted plan.
Policy language was added to ensure
consistency with changes in law at the
State/Federal level.
USEFUL
ICONS
Multiple Policies from the currently adopted
plan were combined into one, usually done
to eliminate redundant language.
Text was added as a result of the City's
study of Racially Disparate Impacts and
Displacement.
A policy or text was added as recommended by the Climate Resilience and
Sustainability Board (CRSB).
A goal or policy was removed or moved to
another chapter. These are listed at the end of
each chapter and include a reason.
What's Next for PlanSpokane?
Because this is the first complete view of some
chapters (e.g. Growth Strategy, Transportation,
Capital Facilities), we anticipate one more release
of updated chapters and maps later this summer.
After that, Plan Commission will likely hold a
hearing to consider the overall document. We'd
love to hear from you along the way.
Document Version: August 5, 2026
If you have any comments on the chapters, please
engage with us at http://planspokane.org or by
email at planspokane@spokanecity.org. All
comments are considered and each will be
provided to the Plan Commission and City Council
for their consideration prior to any hearings on
the proposed document.
[Page 2]
Chapter 12: Parks and Recreation
Introduction
The benefits of parks and open spaces, including relaxation, recreation, and
the enjoyment of natural features and landscaping, has long been
recognized as important in the City of Spokane. Throughout its history,
Spokane’s residents have encouraged and supported the development of a
high quality and beautiful park system that has frequently ranked in the top
25 in the United States.
Today, changing recreational pursuits and demographic characteristics of
the population have made the provision of parks and open spaces even
more challenging and important. Seeking to explore and understand the
new environment in which parks and recreation will operate in the future,
the Parks and Recreation Department adopted a Master Plan for the City in
2022. This document outlines the challenges and opportunities the City
faces when providing an integrated and interconnected network of parks
and recreational opportunities available for all in the City of Spokane.
The Spokane Parks Master Plan, incorporated by reference in the
Comprehensive Plan, provides guidance and background information the
City should use in decision-making and planning of funding, programs, and
development in the near future. Along with the Master Plan, which has a
shorter planning horizon than the Comprehensive Plan, the following goals
and policies are provided to inform parks and recreation decision-making
into the distant future, aligned with the overall vision and values the
community has identified.
Goals and Policies
Goals and policies provide specificity for planning and decision-making.
Overall, they indicate desired directions, accomplishments, or aims in
relation to the growth and development of Spokane as it relates to the
development, maintenance, and operation of parks and recreational uses in
the city.
Goal: PR-1, Preservation and Conservation
Assure the preservation and conservation of unique, fragile, and scenic natural
and non-renewable resources for the enjoyment and use of the public.
Policy: PR-1.1, Regional Open Space System
Partner with regional park and open space providers to create and maintain
a regional system within the urban growth boundary that connects open
spaces and habitat for wildlife corridors.
Review notes
The introduction has been rewritten to
reflect the current situation as well as
the recently adopted Parks Master Plan.
The previous Comprehensive Plan goals
and policies used PRS in the title. Goal
and policy titles in this version use PR.
Any references to previous
Comprehensive Plan goals and policies
will use the PRS indicator.
The order of these goals (and their
attached policies) has changed
somewhat to flow better and to
correspond more closely to the format
and layout of the Parks Master Plan.
Policy 1.1 was reworded to make
collaboration a stronger part of the
sentence.
[Page 3]
Policy: PR-1.2, River Corridors
Recognize, enhance, and preserve access to the Spokane River and various
waterways for the recreational enjoyment and use of the public, recognizing
the health, social, and cultural benefits access to the waters of Spokane
provides, while maintaining consistency with habitat preservation and
protection standards.
Policy: PR-1.3, Acquisition of Natural Areas
Acquire and preserve natural lands that support opportunities for passive
recreation while preserving the land in its natural state and help to preserve
and provide priority wildlife and habitat protection.
Policy: PR-1.4, Open Space Dedication
Implement and maintain development standards calling for required natural
open space and parks dedication and development within new developments
where appropriate while working cooperatively with property owners and
developers to secure and preserve open spaces between developments where
possible.
Policy: PR-1.5, Open Space Buffers
Establish standards for and encourage the use of both developed and
undeveloped open space buffers between conflicting land uses and
infrastructure, including provisions and incentives for clustering of
development.
Goal: PR-2, Parks and Open Space System
Provide a park system that is an integral and vital part of the City’s public
amenities, taking advantage of the opportunities for passive and active
recreation provided by a comprehensive open space network.
Policy: PR-2.1, Amenities Within City Boundaries
Provide open space and park amenities that serve all residents throughout
the city, as determined by the Level-of-Service (LOS) standards.
Policy: PR-2.2, Access to Open Space and Park Amenities
Provide equitable public access to linkages and connected open space and
park amenities, including features such as sidewalks, trails, bicycle paths,
and mass transit.
Policy: PR 2.3, Connecting the River and Adjacent Uses
Study and develop ways to enhance the river by coordinating access and use
of the waterways in Spokane with access to adjacent uses and opportunities,
such as providing river access for both people and watercraft adjacent to
shops and restaurants.
Review notes
A cross-reference to Chapter 9, Natural
Environment, will likely be included
here, as that chapter deals heavily with
surface waters.
Policy 1.3 was updated to focus more on
acquisition and less on finance.
A cross-reference to Chapter 3, Growth
Strategy, is likely to be included here as
well as to the Parks Master Plan.
A cross-reference to Chapter 9, Natural
Environment, will likely be included
here, as that chapter deals with open
space as well.
Equitable access was added here in
reference public engagement
discussions.
Previously policy PR-1.3 in a former
draft, recommended as a new policy
from the Chapter Review Subcommittee,
tying business and river access together.
[Page 4]
Policy: PR-2.4, Parks and Recreation Amenities
Develop and maintain parks and recreation amenities, including but not
limited to interpretive areas, sports complexes and fields, structured play
areas, public gardens, and entertainment venues, that provide benefits to
both residents and visitors and enhance the local economy.
Policy: PR-2.5, Urban Forestry Coordination
Coordinate with the urban forestry program when developing parks and
recreation facilities throughout the city.
Policy: PR-2.6, Historic and Cultural Value in Parks
Preserve and showcase the cultural integrity and historic characteristics of
individual parks and the overall park system.
Policy: PR-2.7, Efficient Property Management
Assess unimproved park land holdings within the city and, considering Level-
of-Service (LOS) standards, develop modifications and solutions to increase
LOS benefiting residents.
Goal: PR-3, Recreational Programs and Facilities
Maintain and expand an indoor and outdoor recreation program in the city,
providing well-rounded recreational opportunities for people of all ages and
abilities.
Policy: PR-3.1, Inclusive Recreational Access
Provide and improve recreational opportunities that are affordable to all
people in Spokane and that reflect the diverse needs and socio-economic
status of people in the city.
Policy: PR-3.2, Community Partnerships
Create public-private partnerships and develop funding and incentives for
community-oriented recreational programs responsive to the diverse needs
of participants of all ages and abilities.
Policy: PR-3.3, Parks for All
Upgrade park facilities and recreation opportunities to be accessible,
culturally inclusive, and responsive to the needs of all Spokane residents,
regardless of income, age, gender, or ability.
Policy: PR-3.4, Community Outreach
Promote parks and recreation programs, services, and facilities through an
effective and inclusive community outreach program and marketing
campaign, utilizing a variety of communication methods and ensuring
language access and cultural relevance.
Review notes
A cross-reference to applicable parts of
Chapter 9, Natural Environment, is likely
here.
A cross-reference to applicable parts of
Chapter 8, Urban Design and Historic
Preservation, is likely here.
This new policy was added to help Parks
and Recreation begin to improve and
adjust their unimproved land holdings
to maximize efficiency and effectiveness.
Diversity was added here in reference to
RDI and public engagement discussions.
Diversity was added here as well. A
cross-reference to Chapter 10, Social
Health, is likely to be included as well.
[Page 5]
Policy: PR-3.5, Community Gardens
Establish and maintain publicly accessible community gardens on City
property, as appropriate, in partnership with local organizations to support
traditional Indigenous food gardens and culturally specific growing practices
as well as to increase access to local and culturally diverse food for all
residents.
Policy: PR-3.6, Indoor Recreational Facilities and Programs
Provide facilities and programs that provide the public the opportunity to
participate in a broad range of indoor recreational activities year-round.
Policy: PR-3.7, City Golf Courses
Provide for and maintain the public golf courses in Spokane as appropriate.
Goal: PR-4, Trails in Parks and Open Spaces
Provide a convenient and pleasant open space-related network for walking,
rolling, hiking, and biking circulation throughout the City of Spokane and the
region through coordination with local partners.
Policy: PR-4.1, Trails and Linkages
Provide trails, pathways, and linkages between and among parks, open
spaces, and nearby communities in accordance with City plans and
programs, prioritizing people-oriented transportation in natural areas while
considering special interests like equestrian use.
Policy: PR-4.2, Trail Corridor Development and Enhancement
Include landscaping, revegetation, and reforestation in trail corridor and
shared-use pathway development where appropriate and desirable,
providing a pleasant trail experience, compatible with adjacent uses, and in
consideration of the natural environment found in the region.
Policy: PR-4.3, Innovative Trail Development Techniques
Incorporate innovative techniques into trail and pathway design, including
but not limited to Low-Impact Development, natural drainage patterns,
native landscaping, protection of natural features, and porous pavement to
further protect and enhance the natural environment.
Goal: PR-5, Coordination and Cooperation
Encourage and pursue cooperation between government agencies, nonprofit
organizations, and private business in providing open space, parks facilities, and
recreational services that are beneficial for the public.
Review notes
Policy 3.5 recommended from the
Climate Resilience and Sustainability
Board (CRSB).
Policy 4.1 is a combination of two
original policies that both dealt with
trails and circulation. (Original policies.
PRS 3.1 and PRS 4.2) Connections to
nearby communities was suggested by
Parks staff.
This new policy (4.3) was formerly found
in the discussion of another policy. It
warrants highlighting in its own policy
here.
[Page 6]
Policy: PR-5.1, Avoiding Duplication of Recreational Opportunities
Facilitate cooperation and communication among government agencies,
nonprofit organizations, school districts, and private businesses to maximize
efficiency when recreational opportunities are planned and provided for the
community.
Policy: PR-5.2, Joint Park and Open Space Planning
Ensure that parks, open space, and trails are planned and funded in
coordination with Spokane County prior to allowing urban development
within the City’s Urban Growth Area (UGA), yet outside City limits.
Goal: PR-6, Quality Parks and Recreation Services
Provide the community with a parks and recreation system that is enjoyable,
efficient, financially responsible, and a source of local pride.
Policy: PR-6.1, Up-To-Date Management Practices
Employ state-of-the-art techniques in the park and recreation profession,
seeking to increase efficiency in both staff operation and facility mechanism,
such as providing staff training, labor-saving equipment, automated and
weather-based controls, and development of drought response plans, etc.
Policy: PR-6.2, Celebrate Local Landscapes and Build Resilience
Model Spokane’s natural landscape and the value of the SpokaneScape
program by seeking opportunities to incorporate lower water use
meadowland and natural landscape with trails into parks and open spaces
wherever possible.
Policy: PR-6.3, Park Equity and Investments
Equitably expand the City's programming, park maintenance, and
preservation activities to increase amenities that address comfort and
protection from extreme weather such as shade and drinking fountains and
that improve safety, education, and community resources at parks,
prioritizing investments in the most vulnerable parts of Spokane.
Policy: PR-6.4, Standards and Policies
Address areas of the city where parks and recreation facilities and
opportunities do not meet current Level-of-Service (LOS) standards,
maintaining open communication and utilizing collaborative planning
processes that help define service levels based on good management
practices while providing quality service to the public.
Review notes
Goal 6 (originally goal 7) and Policy 7.1
were combined as they contained
duplicate information.
Policy 6.1 has been modified in
response to public feedback on
modeling sustainable practices.
Policy 6.2 is a newly proposed policy in
response to public feedback and in
collaboration with the Parks
Department. Potential cross-reference
to SpokaneScape-related policy in the
Natural Environment will be added.
Policy 6.3 recommended from the
Climate Resilience and Sustainability
Board (CRSB).
[Page 7]
Policy: PR-6.5, Community Volunteers
Encourage and recruit volunteers to serve on advisory boards for program
and facility design, leadership in program offering, and community service
stewardship.
Policy: PR-6.6, Evaluations and Monitoring
Conduct periodic monitoring of the Spokane Parks and Recreation
Department services, facilities, and programs through staff, participant, and
public evaluations.
Policy: PR-6.7, Master Planning
Develop and implement periodic updates to the Park Master Plan to ensure
effective maintenance and operation of existing parks while exploring needs
for new and updated parks and recreational opportunities.
Goal: PR-7, Maintenance and Funding Programs
Recognize and update Spokane’s existing park resources by continuing
preventative maintenance and exploring various funding possibilities for both
construction of new parks and maintenance of the City’s existing facilities and
resources.
Policy: PR-7.1, Maintenance Management Program
Implement an ongoing maintenance management program that will include
preventative and ongoing maintenance, efficient and comprehensive facility
management, and funding for the replacement of facilities and equipment.
Policy: PR-7.2, Park Sign Plan
Implement and maintain a park signage and wayfinding plan that
standardizes all park signs, enhances clarity in direction, and integrates
universal accessibility. Features should include entrance, direction, and rules
signs and exclude historic park signage where appropriate.
Policy: PR-7.3, Park Funding
Consider all potential funding sources to maintain and enhance the adopted
Level-of-Service (LOS) standards for parks, seeking funding in addition to the
general fund contribution to Parks and Recreation.
Policy: PR-7.4, Opportunity Fund
Create an “Opportunity Fund” to protect open space or acquire parkland,
targeting valuable open space lands that would otherwise be lost to
development, ensuring that funding is sustainable for long-term stewardship
of these areas.
Review notes
A cross-reference to applicable parts of
the Governance Chapter may be added
here.
The polices here are not new—they
have been moved into this topic from
various other goals in the existing
chapter. Some language has been
updated.
While not strictly new, policies 7.4 and
7.5 were reworked in consultation with
the Chapter Review Subcommittee to be
more robust and to better consider
original intent.
[Page 8]
Policy: PR-7.5, Funding for Open Space and Shoreline Land Acquisition
Ensure that any funding for the purchase of open space and shoreline land
maintains sufficient balance and flexibility to nimbly and rapidly acquire and
protect land when it becomes available.
Policy: PR-7.6, New Development Funding Needed Parks
Adopt development fees and development requirements ensuring public
park land dedication and improvement occurs at the time of development or
redevelopment, commensurate with adopted Levels-of-Service (LOS).
POLICIES REMOVED FROM THE TEXT:
The following policies in blue have been removed from the text, largely due
to redundancy, unclear goals/success, and similar factors.
Policy: PR-3.7, Outdoor Recreational Facilities
Provide facilities and programs that allow the public the opportunity to
participate in a broad range of outdoor recreational activities, including
expanding the hours and dates these locations are available where feasible.
Policy: PR-5.3, Cooperative Planning and Use of Recreational Facilities
Coordinate and cooperate with local private and regional entities when
planning and operating recreational facilities to ensure efficient, integrated,
and cooperative uses and operations.
Policy: PR-7.1, Quality of Service
Provide high quality service to the community in all parks and recreation
programs, services, and facilities.
Policy: PR-7.3, Capital Improvement Program
Prepare and update annually a six-year capital improvement program for
implementation of the Parks, Recreation, and Open Spaces Plan.
Policy: PR-7.7, Public Participation
Ensure that decisions regarding the city’s park and open space system
encourage the full participation of Spokane’s citizenry.
Review notes
Policy 7.6 was added per the Parks
Master Plan, calling on development to
help fund the parks needed because of
new growth.
Policy PR-3.7 (originally PRS-5.6) being
removed as it is redundant with Policy
1.2.
Policy PR-5.3 (originally PRS-6.2)
removed as it is redundant with Policy
5.1.
Policy 7.1 was incorporated into its
overarching goal, as it provided no
additional detail in its original form (see
Goal 6)
A CIP is a requirement of state law for all
capital projects by the City. Repeating it
here adds nothing to the process and is
redundant.
Policy 7.7 is already covered
substantially by the Governance
Through Civic Participation Chapter.