Kirstin Davis, Communications Manager, 509.625.7773
Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at 1:53 p.m.
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.
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:
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