Media: Fianna Dickson, 625.6297
Tuesday, March 17, 2020 at 3:42 p.m.
March 17, 2020
Our focus remains on supporting the health and well-being of our customers, staff, partners, and the community. We are following the recommendations of Governor Inslee, President Trump, and the Spokane Regional Health District, in alignment with Mayor Woodward’s administration, to help slow the spread of COVID-19.
On March 16, Governor Inslee signed a Washington statewide emergency proclamation temporarily shutting down restaurants, bars, recreational and entertainment facilities until at least March 31. This proclamation, coupled with recommendations from President Trump and the Spokane Regional Health District, is leading to temporary changes in the operations of City of Spokane Parks & Recreation. We are also aligning some closures with facilities at Spokane Public Schools.
View infographic for closures/non-closures and additional details from the Governor’s office
Current impacts to Parks & Recreation, as of March 17, 2020
New impacts are in italics
Golf: Golf courses are temporarily closed while we set and implement social distancing and sanitation measures established by the CDC and the Washington State Department of Health, as required by Governor Inslee’s proclamation. We want to ensure our operational plans are solid, so when you’re enjoying the game, we’re providing the safest environment possible. We’re also working with Spokane County on consistent plans. An announcement for courses re-opening will come soon!
Riverfront attractions: Riverfront attractions are now closed until at least March 31 in alignment with Governor Inslee’s proclamation. The Visit Spokane center is also closed. The park’s open space remains available for public use. There may be limited restroom availability. Please follow the CDC’s guidelines on how to stop the spread of germs when enjoying this space.
Recreation programs: Recreation programs scheduled to occur between now – April 24 are postponed. For programs that begin April 25 – June 19, we will be pausing the registration date until April 24 when we can re-assess. This includes spring break camps, outdoor programs, adult and youth sports, Corbin Art Center classes/camps, personal interest classes, and Therapeutic Recreation Services.
Participants scheduled for activities now – April 24 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. 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 now – 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.
Gatherings of 10+ people: All City of Spokane Parks and Recreation events with an anticipated attendance of 10+ scheduled between now and – April 24 are postponed or cancelled. For events of 10+ people 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.
Indoor and Outdoor event space rentals: We will unfortunately not be able to honor reservations between now and March 31. We will suspend taking future reservations at this time, and will re-evaluate on March 31. This includes Corbin Art Center, Finch Arboretum’s Woodland Center, and meeting spaces in Riverfront Park. We will be in touch with those who have reservations between now and March 31 to discuss account credits or refunds. 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.
Community & Senior Centers: Centers operate independently. Please contact the centers directly for questions. Contact information for Senior and Community Centers.
We anticipate additional changes as the situation evolves, and will communicate with you when those occur.
Parks are Open
City of Spokane parks and natural areas remain open for public use, with the exception of Gaiser Conservatory at Manito Park. Please follow the CDC’s guidelines on how to stop the spread of germs when enjoying these spaces. You may find some restrooms closed, we apologize and appreciate your understanding at this time.
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 will share updated communications as the evolving situation changes. We will follow the recommendations of the Spokane Regional Health District, Governor Inslee, and President Trump in collaboration with the City of Spokane leadership. Thank you for your patience as we navigate COVID-19 as a community. We 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 # 5, Spokane, WA 99201
