Park Board Accepts EWU Students’ Vision for Sky Prairie Park

Fianna Dickson, 509.625.6297

Wednesday, November 30, 2016 at 3:13 p.m.

At a Park Board meeting, the City of Spokane Park Board accepted a Master Plan prepared by Eastern Washington University Urban and Regional Planning students as a long-range vision for Sky Prairie Park. The plan is intended to guide future development of the park as funds become available.

The Sky Prairie Park Master Plan is the result of multiple neighborhood meetings and insights given to the EWU students by the Five Mile Neighborhood Association, the Five Mile Parks Committee and representatives from the City of Spokane and Spokane County. The Master Plan outlines a reimagined Sky Prairie Park tailor-made to fit the wants and needs of the neighborhood while preserving the natural beauty of the space.

The Master Plan outlines three alternative scenarios for varied use and development. The plan selected by the neighborhood would add 22 improvements including revised pathways, basketball and volley courts, a programmed soccer field and a splash pad. This will serve as the foundation of the Master Plan and will be used as a point of reference for future capital projects as funds become available.

Created in the early 2000s, Sky Prairie Park is one of Spokane’s youngest parks. The 26.25 acre neighborhood community park designed by Idaho landscape architect Jon Mueller currently features softball/baseball fields, tennis courts, hiking trails, soccer/football fields, picnic areas, playground equipment and restrooms.

City Council Member Candace Mumm was involved early in the creation of the park, and is one of the key community stakeholders in the project.

“The EWU students’ master plan for Sky Prairie Park is the result of decades of hard work and planning by many stakeholders throughout our community to ensure a park in the area. Five Mile neighbors have been part of the vision for the park since day one, and the park wouldn’t exist without their commitment and dedication,” said Mumm. “The reimagined Sky Prairie Community Park could benefit not only Five Mile, but all of North Spokane. The park’s improvements could preserve the character of the natural prairie environment while adding exciting elements for all age groups and ability levels. I’m excited to see a renewed focus on the Sky Prairie and would support its enhancements.”

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