SPOKANE, Wash. — Projects funded by the Together Spokane initiative will begin this year, including all-weather turf fields and park improvements across the city.
The work includes ongoing projects like the Adams Elementary demolition and new construction starting this summer.
Spokane Public Schools will build turf fields over the next one to two years. The fields will let kids and adults play sports year-round.
“It’s part of that initiative with the school district, every kid, every day doing something out of school,” said Adam Swinyard, superintendent of Spokane Public Schools. “And even broader than that, we want everyone in our community off of their phones, out of the house, doing something in real life.”
Spokane Parks will improve every park in the city. The department plans to renovate or replace bathrooms and playgrounds. Officials want feedback from park users about what to fix first.
“What we love is we’re hearing from a lot of people that we don’t normally hear from,” said Garrett Jones, director of Spokane Parks and Recreation. “So I think with the passage and the excitement of the Together Spokane Initiative, it has really energized the community.”
Westgate Park will get new playgrounds and bathrooms by early 2027. The city also plans to hire more staff to keep parks clean.
Susan Poffenroth visits parks daily and says the maintenance is needed.
“I know there’s other parks that are in dire need of upgrades as well,” Poffenroth said. “Getting more workers, getting a job with good wages, it will go faster to beautify our parks.”
The schools and parks department will work together on many projects. This includes expanding the Dwight Merkel Sports Complex and adding new fields.
The turf fields, including one at Shadle Park, can be used in any weather. Grass fields get muddy and damaged in rain, but turf fields stay playable all year.
The Together Spokane initiative passed through a bond and levy vote. Supporters are excited to see the projects they voted for get started.
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