Parks & Recreation Department News Releases for 2014

December

Here's One More Opportunity to See the 2014 HOLIDAY LIGHTS display

Dec. 23 at 3:04 p.m. - Spokane Parks and Recreation and The Friends of Manito invite you to view the 2014 Holiday Lights display in the Gaiser Conservatory on more time.

Riverfront Park Season Passes Now Available

Dec. 12 at 12:50 p.m. - 2015 Riverfront Park season passes are now available at Guest Services in the Pavilion in Riverfront Park and at the best price of the season.

It's Time for the Spectacular Manito Park Holiday Lights

Dec. 11 at 10:09 a.m. - The Holiday Lights in the Gaiser Conservatory at Manito Park kicks off with the open house on December 13 and 14.

Friends of Manito 2015 Calendars Now Available

Dec. 9 at 9:53 a.m. - The Friends of Manito 2015 Calendar featuring spectacular images of Manito Park makes a great holiday gift for just $15.

Give the Gift of Golf - No Need to Shop 'til You Drop

Dec. 8 at 10:18 a.m. - Give the gift of golf 2015. Golf pre-season pass sales are available now.

Conservatory Holiday Lights Display Opens December 12

Dec. 8 at 10:14 a.m. - Join us for the spectacular 2014 Holiday Lights show at Manito Park’s Gaiser Conservatory.

November

Riverfront Park Holiday Hours of Operation

Nov. 26 at Midnight - Riverfront Park Holiday Hours of Operation

Thanksgiving Day Dog Walk

Nov. 25 at 3:28 p.m. - Please join us Thursday for SpokAnimal's annual Thanksgiving morning dog walk, taking place this year on November 27 at 8:30 a.m.

Holiday Lights at Manito Park's Gaiser Conservatory

Nov. 25 at 9:33 a.m. - The Spokane Parks & Recreation Department and The Friends of Manito invite you to join us for Holiday Lights at Manito Park’s Gaiser Conservatory.

It's the Spokane Winter Glow Spectacular

Nov. 24 at 10:39 a.m. - See and experience more than 25 lighted displays, including the Riverfront Park holiday tree and the Carrousel in our beautiful downtown park.

Icy Weather Closes Steps and Sidewalks

Nov. 20 at Midnight - Beginning today Huntington Park and the Spokane Tribal Gathering Place plaza will be closed for the season.

Create Holiday Flower Arrangements

Nov. 13 at 11:25 a.m. - A Day at Manito Park Lecture Series presents Holiday Flower Arranging by Steven Nokes on Saturday, November 15, at 10 a.m. in the Manito Meeting Room

Spokane Voters Say YES to Park Bond

Nov. 5 at 10:59 a.m. - As polls closed, results showed the super majority of votes needed to approve the Park Bond.

October

Curling Rocks!

Oct. 31 at 2:15 p.m. - Check it out at our Curling Clinics Sunday at the Riverfront Park Ice Palace. Register Now at My Spokane, 509.625.6200

The Friends of Manito Official 2015 Calendar Now Available

Oct. 29 at 12:25 p.m. - The official Friends of Manito 2015 Calendar featuring spectacular images of Manito Park is now on sale for $15.

Ice Palace set to open

Oct. 28 at 9:57 a.m. - The Riverfront Park Ice Palace is scheduled to open for the season on Wednesday, Oct. 29.

Play BIG with Recreation's New 16-inch Softball League

Oct. 24 at 1:32 p.m. - Spokane Parks & Recreation is offering a brand new indoor 16-inch softball league. Hurry and get your team’s spot today! Only $199 per team.

All You Can Eat Breakfast for a Good Cause

Oct. 24 at 10:39 a.m. - Therapeutic Recreation staff and volunteers are planning a fantastic all-you-can-eat breakfast to raise funds for TRS Sport Programs.

Recruiting for Therapeutic Recreation Ski & Snowboard Programs

Oct. 23 at 4:17 p.m. - Therapeutic Recreation Services programs, Powderhounds Downhill Ski/Board, Nordic Blue Waxers, and Adaptive Ski/Board, are seeking volunteers.

Still Time to Play Golf - Courses Gear Up for Winter

Oct. 23 at 1:21 p.m. - Don’t forget our October Promotion – 9-hole rounds booked after 2 p.m. in October just $13 at all four courses

It's the Grind Railjam at EWU

Oct. 21 at 4:16 p.m. - Experience Eastern Washington University’s EPIC Adventures, “The Grind” Ski and Snowboard Railjam on October 25. Registration at 9 a.m.

Come With Us on a FREE Walking Tour of the Finch Arboretum

Oct. 21 at 2:16 p.m. - Come With Us on a free walking tour of the Finch Arboretum on Friday, October 24 at 1 p.m. Register now.

SkyRide Closes for Scheduled Maintenance

Oct. 21 at 1:25 p.m. - The Riverfront Park SkyRide Over the Falls is closed for scheduled maintenance with a to be determined re-opening date.

Mother nature delays Riverfront Ice Palace opening

Oct. 15 at 2:18 p.m. - Due to unseasonably warm weather, the opening date of the Ice Palace has been moved to a new target date of October 29.

Friends of Manito Membership Meeting at MAC Museum

Oct. 15 at 11:23 a.m. - The Friends of Manito Annual Membership Meeting will be held Saturday, October 18 in the auditorium at the MAC Museum, 2316 W 1st Ave.

Sekani Trail Run

Oct. 2 at 3:21 p.m. - The 6th annual trail run is a 5k/10k event (plus a free Kids' 1k) located at Spokane's Camp Sekani Park 6707 E Upriver Drive

Support Spokane Arts

Oct. 1 at 10:56 a.m. - In support of Spokane Arts' October, Corbin Art Center and MONARCH Arts are co-sponsoring an exciting art exhibit featuring works by artists age 55+.

Join Us for the Fall Leaf Festival

Oct. 1 at 9:43 a.m. - Spokane's annual Fall Leaf Festival at John A. Finch Arboretum will be held on Saturday, October 25 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

September

Park Cafes Closing for the Season

Sept. 17 at 5:56 p.m. - Sunday, September 22 is last day for park cafes to be open

Indian Canyon Golf Pro Named National PGA Teacher of the Year

Sept. 16 at 3:28 p.m. - Kathy Jensen of Indian Canyon Golf Course has been named PGA National Teacher of the Year.

THIS SATURDAY - Children's FREE Renaissance Faire in Manito Park

Sept. 16 at 1:03 p.m. - The Friends of Manito Present Children's Renaissance Fair

Dogwood in Arboretum Features New Fall Colors

Sept. 10 at 12:15 p.m. - Fall colors begin with dogwood.

Fountain Cafe & Park Bench Cafe Extend Hours

Sept. 10 at 12:07 p.m. - Both Cafes plan to stay open later this summer

Last Week for Neighborhood Splash Pads

Sept. 9 at 1:43 p.m. - Al l splash pads are scheduled to close September 14th.

Friends of Moore-Turner Gardens Present - ART IN BLOOM Fundraiser

Sept. 8 at 12:21 p.m. - Art In Bloom 2014 will be held at the Corbin Art Center on Saturday, September 20, 2014

August

Draw Down of Mirror Pond Underway - Project Will Improve Water Quality

Aug. 29 at 2:14 p.m. - Manito Park will begin to draw down the water in Mirror Pond to improve water quality

Autumn Marks the Return of Many Annual Events in Riverfront Park

Aug. 28 at 2:33 p.m. - Fall will soon arrive. Mark these dates for activities in Riverfront Park

Most Park Restrooms Close for the Season September 2nd

Aug. 28 at 2:07 p.m. - It still may seem like summer but it's time to plan ahead

Ready For the Friends of Manito Fall Plant Sale

Aug. 27 at 10:41 a.m. - September 6th - Manito Fall Plant Sale

Upgrade in SkyRide Cabins Underway

Aug. 26 at 4:28 p.m. - SkyRide over the falls cabins get new ventilation

This Saturday in Manito Park

Aug. 21 at 11:23 a.m. - Plants that have it all

Thank you Spokane Central Lion's Club & Spokane Fire Fighters Union

Aug. 21 at 11:20 a.m. - Thank you Spokane Central Lion's Club & Spokane Fire Fighters Union Local 29 for Sponsored Swimming

City Pools Open Up for Doggie Dips to End the 2014 Season

Aug. 19 at 10:12 a.m. - City of Spokane Pools go to the dogs to end the 2014 swim season

SkyRide May be Impacted by Rock Work in Huntington Park

Aug. 18 at 4:49 p.m. - Spokane Falls SkyRide may experience some limited closures as the project is finalized.

Gathering at the Falls POW WOW Runs August 22 - 24 in Riverfront Park

Aug. 18 at 10:43 a.m. - The official Gathering at the Falls POW WOW in Riverfront Park

Free Riverfront Park Master Plan Tour on Wednesday

Aug. 11 at 10:12 a.m. - Find out more about the Riverfront Park Master Plan with a free tour August 13.

Take Our Little Spokane River Shuttle Service - We'll see You Saturday

Aug. 4 at 11:06 a.m. - Leave the Driving to Us! Take Our Little Spokane Shuttle Service

July

Deadline Extended to Monday for Morris Clark Sr. Softball Tournament

July 30 at 4:11 p.m. - Deadline Extended! Sign-up now for the Morris Clark Softball Tournament

Enjoy Summer with Treats at the Manito Park Bench Cafe

July 29 at 10:37 a.m. - Enjoy Manito Park with Refreshments at the Park Bench Cafe & Music Friday Evenings

Reminder - Outdoor Fine Dining & Music at Riverfront Park

July 28 at 9:59 a.m. - Join us for an outdoor fine dining experience at Riverfront Park

Volleyball Leagues Begin October 6th - Sign Up Now - See Our Special

July 28 at 9:56 a.m. - Spike and Dig Special: Register by 8/31 and get $50 off the regular registration

It's Teen Night at the Hillyard Aquatics center

July 25 at 1:14 p.m. - Calling all Teens! It's Friday Teen Night at the Hillyard Aquatic Center

Photograph Your Garden - FREE Friends of Manito Workshop

July 25 at 12:01 p.m. - Saturday, July 26, 10:00 a.m. in Manito Meeting Room (4 West 21st Ave) Free and Open to Public

It's a Real Treat - The Sunset Dessert Train Tour in Riverfront Park

July 25 at 9:29 a.m. - Scenery Abounds but Watch out for the Chocolate! Join Us for the Sunset Dessert Train Tour

Friday July 25 - Park Bench Music Series - Featuring Brad Keeler 6-8pm

July 24 at 3:05 p.m. - Enjoy Manito Park with Refreshments at the Park Bench Cafe

The Giant Screen IMAX in Riverfront Park Continues Its Summer Season

July 24 at 12:26 p.m. - Summer movies at the IMAX continue as scheduled

Qualified Arborists Available

July 24 at 2:25 a.m. - Arborists available to help with post storm cleanup

Riverfront Park Officers Working 24/7 This Summer

July 23 at 11:06 a.m. - Security increases in Riverfront Park in an effort to deter vandalism

No Royal Fireworks Concert This Year

July 18 at 1:39 p.m. - Traditional Royal Fireworks Concert is cancelled this year after 35 seasons

Join the New Senior Aqua Fitness Shallow Water Class

July 17 at 12:54 p.m. - Get your exercise while you cool off from the heat

Movie Night At Riverfront Park

July 16 at 4:45 p.m. - Tonight is the final PEMCO sponsored outdoor movie at Riverfront Park. Come for Live Acts, Trivia, Food, and Big Screen Flicks

Take The Little Spokane River Shuttle

July 16 at 11:30 a.m. - Leave the Driving to Us! Take Our Little Spokane Shuttle Service

Free Summer Movies Return

July 15 at Midnight - The City of Spokane’s Riverfront Park is considered one of the most scenic urban parks in the nation.

Free Master Plan Tours Available July 23 and August 13

July 14 at 4:25 p.m. - Master Plan Tours Available at Fountain Cafe Wednesday Night Music Series

1st Friday Dinner Concert Scheduled for August 1st in Riverfront Park

July 14 at 4:19 p.m. - Join us August 1st for our premiere First Friday Dunner Concert in Riverfront Park

Veterans Court Cap. Improvements Will Limit Access to Centennial Trail

July 14 at 4:14 p.m. - Improvements will include trail lighting, irrigation, new plant material and enhanced pedestrian pathways.

Final Day to Buy Dinner Tickets for Picnic at the Pond

July 14 at 2:34 p.m. - Time is Running Out. Go Online Today to Purchase Your Dinner Tickets. It's a Great Event For a Great Cause!

Legacy of EXPO '74 in the Chase Gallery - Lower Level of City Hall

July 14 at 10:21 a.m. - The Spokane Arts announces, "LEGACY OF EXPO '74," in the Chase Gallery, July 9 - September 26, 2014

Picnic for the Pond Fundraiser for Mirror Pond in Manito Park

July 14 at 9:31 a.m. - The Friends of Manito Present the 2nd Annual Picnic for the Pond

Aquatic Centers Hours of Operation Extended this Weekend & Next

July 11 at 1:11 p.m. - With temperatures soaring into triple digits, open swim will extend at Comstock, Hillyard, A.M. Cannon, Liberty and Shadle pools from 4 6 p.m.

Pool Parties Just For Teens at the Hillyard Aquatic Center

July 10 at 1:15 p.m. - Calling all teens! It's going to be a great summer with brand new activities at the Hillyard Aquatic Center

Let's Make Sure All Kids Who Qualify Learn to Swim This Year

July 8 at 12 a.m. - Currently more than 140 Swim Lesson Scholarships are available.

Mirror Pond Picnic & Silent Auction Fundraiser

July 8 at 12 a.m. - Mirror Pond Picnic & Silent Auction Fundraiser - It's a Great Event for a Great Cause

Spokane Urban Forester Angel Spell Selected for National Advisory Team

July 8 at Midnight - Spell is one of eight named to the NUCFAC's Ten-Year Action Pan Strategic Advisory Team

June

Music, Food & Fireworks at the Riverfront Park 4th of July Celebration

June 26 at 12 a.m. - Plan now to attend the big Riverfront Park 4th of July Celebration

Corbin Kids Summer Act Camps - Sign Up Now Before It's Too Late

June 26 at Midnight - The Clock Is Ticking! Sign Up Now For Corbin Kids Summer Art Camps

Info From The Friends of Manito

June 25 at 12 a.m. - Organic Gardening and Picnic & Silent Auction

Corbin Art Center Adult Recreation Classes Begin July 7

June 25 at Midnight - Great adult recreation classes are now available at the Corbin Art Center

Cami Bradley Featured in Free Hoopfest Concert in Riverfront Park

June 24 at Midnight - FREE Hoopfest Concert Featuring Cami Bradley with the Marshall McLean Band and Cathedral Pearls

Spokane Park Board Approves Riverfront Park Master Plan and Park Bond

June 20 at 12 a.m. - Spokane Park Board votes to support Riverfront Park master plan and Riverfront Park bond.

Famed Garbage Eating Goat to Add Birthday Cake to His Diet

June 20 at Midnight - Spokane's garbage eating goat to add a slice of birthday cake to his diet.

Manito Park Named One of Top 25 Parks in the U.S.

June 19 at 3:13 p.m. - Manito Park listed in the nation's top 25 parks in TripAdvisor's 2014 traveler's choice awards.

We're Out of Summer Recreation Activity Guides

June 19 at Midnight - We're out of summer recreation activity guides, but you can sign up online!

No Riverfront Fountain Cafe Music Tonight

June 18 at 10:26 a.m. - Due to unfavorable weather conditions, tonight's Riverfront Park Fountain Cafe Wednesday Night Music Series has been cancelled.

Riverfront Park Becomes Wi-Fi Hot Spot

June 17 at 3:50 p.m. - Forty-five minutes of free Wi-Fi access per customer will be available daily in Riverfront Park beginning next week, before Hoopfest.

Celebrate the 40th Anniversary of EXPO 74 on Saturday

June 17 at 10:30 a.m. - Saturday, June 21st is a day you won’t want to miss as we celebrate Spokane’s World Fair with “Remembering Expo ’74.”

The Public is Asked to Help Curb Thefts of Recyclable Metals

June 12 at 9:31 a.m. - The Parks & Recreation department is asking for help to curb the theft of metal plumbing parts and other recyclable metals from our parks.

Pemco Outdoor Movies at Riverfront Park Begin TONIGHT

June 11 at 12:15 p.m. - PEMCO-sponsored Summer Outdoor Movies in Riverfront Park begin tonight with the classic comedy, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.

Riverfront Park Attractions Begin Daily Operations June 14

June 9 at 3:07 p.m. - Get ready for a super summer in Riverfront Park with first-run entertainment, food, fun and much, much more!

Free Riverfront Park Fountain Cafe Summer Music Series Begins TONIGHT

June 4 at 9:55 a.m. - Join us for a brand new entertainment treat with the all new Wednesday Night Music Series at the Fountain Café in Riverfront Park

PEMCO-Sponsored Summer Outdoor Movies in Riverfront Park Begin June 11

June 3 at 3:07 p.m. - This is the second season for the very popular PEMCO-sponsored Summer Outdoor Movies in Riverfront Park.

Sponsored Youth Passes & Swim Lessons Now Available

June 3 at 9:20 a.m. - These sponsored lessons are available at all six City of Spokane Aquatic Centers for the 2014 summer season.

Coupon Special - 50% off Swim Lessons

June 2 at 1:51 p.m. - Sign up now for swim lessons at Liberty, A.M. Cannon or Hillyard pools and enjoy a 50% discount, bringing the price down to only $24.

May

Riverfront Park "Blue Bridge" to be closed Tuesday June 3

May 30 at Midnight - The Blue Bridge will be closed to all users, including pedestrians, on TUESDAY, June 3rd from 5 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Park Bench Cafe Offers FREE Friday Night Music Series

May 29 at 2:50 p.m. - Bring your own chair and sit under the stars as you enjoy FREE live music every Friday night, 5:30-7:30 p.m., May 31 - August 23, 2013.

Splash pads open Saturday City-wide

May 21 at Midnight - Spokane is home to a total of 17 splash pads that provide FREE summer fun for kids in neighborhoods. Splash pads open this Saturday, May 24th.

Gaiser Conservatory Upgrade

May 20 at 3:04 p.m. - The center house of Gaiser Conservatory will be closed for renovations from May 27 to September 30. Reopening is dependent on construction schedule.

No Pets in Riverfront Park During Major Events

May 20 at 2:05 p.m. - The City of Spokane Event Pet Ordinance SMC 10.03.110 prohibits dogs and other pets at major Riverfront Park events.

Witter Pool Now Open for Pre-Season Activites

May 19 at 10:43 a.m. - Aquatics staff is busy preparing facilities, hiring and training staff and working to ensure everything is ready for opening day, June 16.

April

Gardener's Alert

April 24 at 10:31 a.m. - Get a head start on spring with garden sales this weekend.

Public meeting April 24 - Riverfront Park Master Plan 2014

April 21 at 2:43 p.m. - The Park Board will host one more public meeting regarding the Riverfront Park Master Plan Citizen Advisory Committee recommendations.

Riverfront Park Master Plan 2014 call for public comment

April 14 at 5:31 p.m. - The City is hosting public comment meetings on April 17 and 24 about the Riverfront Park Master Plan

Earth Day Spokane celebration

April 14 at 2:30 p.m. - The Earth Day Spokane all-volunteer organizing committee is partnering with Riverfront Park to celebrate Earth Day Spokane on Saturday, April 26th.

Spring Opening of the Moore-Turner Heritage Gardens

April 14 at 2:18 p.m. - The Friends of the Moore-Turner Heritage Gardens invite all to our annual Opening of the Gardens' event from 2 to 5 p.m. on April 26.

March

Just seven weeks until Witter Pool opens for the season

March 25 at 11:18 a.m. - Aquatics staff is preparing City pools for summer by taking applications for open positions and selling season passes at a discount rate.

Indian Canyon ready to open

March 24 at 3:08 p.m. - Indian Canyon golf course plans to open for the season on March 27.

Spokane golf courses open

March 17 at 3:24 p.m. - Calling all golfers – here’s the news you’ve been waiting for. All four Spokane golf courses are getting ready to open.

Ready for spring?

March 11 at 11 a.m. - Riverfront Park is opening for spring hours this weekend. Come out and enjoy all of the fun activities in downtown Spokane.

Movin' and Groovin' Fair

March 3 at 3 p.m. - Don't forget to attend the free Moovin’ & Groovin’ Fair on Saturday, March 8 between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the Corbin Senior Activity Center.

February

Looff Carrousel opens for the season Friday

Feb. 27 at 1:51 p.m. - The Looff Carrousel, one of the most visited attractions in Spokane, reopens on Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Leashed or unleashed

Feb. 27 at 10:59 a.m. - SCRAPS is now the agency responsible for enforcing all animal control ordinances and will have a presence in city/county parks this spring and summer.

Randy Cameron elected Spokane Park Board President

Feb. 24 at 2:19 p.m. - With a unanimous vote, long time board member, Randy Cameron, was re-elected to an unprecedented third term as Park Board President.

Riverfront Park is ready for spring

Feb. 24 at 11:34 a.m. - Riverfront Park is prepared for spring and is releasing upcoming park and attraction hours.

January

No school kids camps at Corbin Art Center

Jan. 16 at 2:15 p.m. - We are looking to fill spots in No School Camps on January 20th. Sign the little ones up now for a day of fun at the Corbin Art Center.

Come have fun at the Ice Palace

Jan. 15 at 10:14 a.m. - Whether you're a seasoned skater or have never been ice skating before, come enjoy the fun at the Riverfront Park Ice Palace.

Riverfront Park Ice Palace and mini golf open on Monday

Jan. 14 at 2:42 a.m. - Riverfront Park attractions available on Martin Luther King holiday

Therapeutic Recreation needs additional snowboard instructors

Jan. 3 at 11:41 a.m. - We are in urgent need of additional snowboard instructors for Powderhounds snowboard classes.