Media: Fianna Dickson, 625.6297
Friday, March 13, 2020 at 4:19 p.m.
We would like to provide an update on actions the City of Spokane Parks & Recreation, under the umbrella of the City, is taking to help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 Coronavirus.
Our focus is on supporting the health and well-being of our customers, staff, partners, and the community. We are following the recommendations of the Spokane Regional Health District and Governor Inslee, in alignment with Mayor Woodward’s administration, to help slow the spread of COVID-19.
Current impacts to Parks & Recreation
Based on recommendations from the Spokane Regional Health District and Governor Inslee on March 13, 2020, Spokane Parks & Recreation is making the following changes. We anticipate additional changes as the situation evolves, and will communicate with you when those occur.
Large gatherings: All City of Spokane Parks and Recreation events with an anticipated attendance of 250+ scheduled between March 13 – April 24 are postponed or cancelled. The only event this impacts at this time is the Riverfront Park Easter Egg Hunt. For large events run by third parties that utilize Riverfront space, staff will work with organizers to re-schedule those planned for March 13 – April 24. We will re-evaluate future events on March 31. Contingency plans are being prepared for events occurring in later April and into May.
Recreation programs: Recreation programs scheduled to occur between March 13 – April 24 are either postponed or cancelled. This includes spring break camps, outdoor programs, adult and youth sports, Corbin Art Center classes/camps, personal interest classes, and Therapeutic Recreation Services.
Participants will be notified via email in the coming days, and offered a credit on their account. For classes partially completed, a pro-rated credit will be placed on your account. For classes scheduled to start before April 24 but end after, we will contact you and make adjustments on a case-by-case basis as new information unfolds. We will re-evaluate programs scheduled for late April and May on March 31. If you have questions, please call us at 311 (outside the city, dial 509.755.2489) and we will be happy to find the best option for your needs.
Riverfront events and activities: Riverfront events and activities scheduled to occur between March 13 – April 24 are either postponed or cancelled. This includes Riverfront Moves Belly Dance Fitness, Cecil’s Magic, Penny’s Puppets, Story Time at the Carrousel, and the Easter Egg Hunt and Brunch. Brunch tickets will be refunded. We will re-evaluate events and activities scheduled for later in April and May on March 31.
Riverfront attractions: Riverfront attractions are operating as planned at this time, with enhanced cleaning measures in place and social distancing encouraged. If attractions close based on new recommendations from the Spokane Regional Health District and the City of Spokane, we will post notice on social media and our website. Attraction hours are posted at RiverfrontSpokane.org.
Indoor event space rentals: We will honor current indoor facility rentals, but suspend new reservations at this time between now and April 24. We will re-evaluate future reservations on March 31. This includes Corbin Art Center, Finch Arboretum’s Woodland Center, and meeting spaces in Riverfront Park. If you would like to postpone your event or reservation, please call 311 (outside the city, dial 509.755.2489), and we’ll help you coordinate.
Outdoor event space rentals: For outdoor event space rentals, there is currently no impact unless the event is over 250 people (see ‘large gatherings’ information above). If you would like to postpone your event or reservation, please call 311 (outside the city, dial 509.755.2489), and we’ll help you coordinate.
Golf: As social distancing is possible in the game of golf, we don’t anticipate impacts at this time unless related to weather. Additional cleaning measures are in place at our facilities. If you would like to cancel your tee-time, please contact the course directly and we’ll be happy to assist. SpokaneGolf.org.
Community & Senior Centers: Centers operate independently, please contact the center directly to inquire about their activities and hours. Contact information for Senior and Community Centers.
Parks are Open
City of Spokane parks and natural areas remain open for drop-in public use, as are Riverfront attractions (see ‘Riverfront attractions’ section above). Please follow the CDC’s guidelines on how to stop the spread of germs when enjoying these spaces.
Enhanced Cleaning Practices & Additional Measures
In response to COVID-19, we are following recommendations from the Spokane Regional Health District and CDC.
Thank you for your role in supporting the health of our community.
We ask that participants please not attend Parks & Recreation facilities if you experience symptoms or have been in contact with someone experiencing symptoms; our staff will do the same.
Next steps
We are monitoring the evolving situation closely, and will continue to follow the recommendations of the Spokane Regional Health District and Governor Inslee in collaboration with the City of Spokane leadership. We will communicate with you as the situation changes. We appreciate your patience as we navigate this as a community, and remain committed to providing excellent customer service with safety at the forefront.
The City of Choice
509.625.6200
parks@spokanecity.org
808 W. Spokane Falls Blvd, Spokane, WA 99201
