Downriver Park River Access Area Now Open

New infrastructure benefits river health and improves recreational access

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Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at 2:27 p.m.

Spokane, WA – Today, the City of Spokane reopened Downriver Park near TJ Meenach Dr. with an improved and expanded small watercraft access area. The Cochran Downriver Stormwater Management Facilities construction projects that began in September 2022 to improve the health of the Spokane River required the closure of the park since that time.

 

View the City Cable 5 video of the opening event

 

The Cochran Basin is a natural topographic basin located in northwest Spokane. The basin comprises approximately 60 percent of the City’s separate stormwater system and is the largest in the City at approximately 5,160 acres in size. To protect the river, treatment areas were constructed serving as stormwater biorention facilities minimizing pollution from leaked motor oils and fuels, lawn chemicals, and other hazardous materials.

“This is another example of the success of doing infrastructure work and improving above-ground amenities,” says Public Works Director Marlene Feist. “Anytime we can combine protecting the river and outdoor recreation, it’s a win-win.”

“In addition to a much-improved river access point, the collaboration with Public Works also brought support for our irrigation upgrades completed at Downriver Golf Course and a renovated disc golf course, opening early summer once the grass grows in a bit,” said Garrett Jones, interim City Administrator. “Partnerships like this maximize community investment.”

In addition to improving river health, the Cochran Basin Stormwater Facility project is providing:

  • A renovated non-motorized watercraft access area
  • A new paved lot for more parking, two 50-foot stalls, and space to accommodate trailers
  • An information kiosk
  • Natural habitat area
  • Improved trail access

Fast Facts:

  • Cochran Basin collects stormwater runoff from over 5,000 acres reaching from as far as Market St. and Francis Ave. to TJ Meenach Bridge
  • Stormwater runoff mostly comes from three types of land use: residential (85%), commercial (2%), light industrial (3%)
  • Thousands of people access the Spokane River every year from City of Spokane Parks locations

 

About City of Spokane Parks & Recreation

City of Spokane Parks and Recreation stewards nearly 120 properties across 4,000 acres of park land, including manicured parks, natural lands, aquatic centers, golf courses, sports complexes, and an arboretum. We also offer hundreds of recreation opportunities for all ages and abilities to improve the health and quality of life for our community. Enjoy all your city has to offer by visiting spokaneparks.org. Follow us @SpokaneParks on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

 

About the City of Spokane

The City of Spokane, home to more than 229,000 people, is located in the heart of the Inland Northwest. Our 2,000 employees strive to deliver efficient and effective services that facilitate economic opportunity and enhance the quality of life for all our residents. For more information, visit www.spokanecity.org and follow us @spokanecity on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter) and Instagram. 

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