Pools & Splash Pads Remain Closed This Summer Under Phase 2

Parks seeks community feedback on fall programming

Parks & Recreation: 311 or 509.755.2489. Media: Fianna, 435.1866


Tuesday, August 18, 2020 at 2:53 p.m.


SPOKANE – City of Spokane Parks & Recreation has made the difficult decision to begin winterizing pools and splash pads that aren’t allowed to operate beyond extremely limited capacities until at least Phase 3.

We collaborated with our regional partners and evaluated various options for operating pools and splash pads this summer, with every hope of safely opening in some form. Under the Governor’s Safe Start Washington Plan, we could not feasibly open swimming pools or splash pads until at least Phase 3, and then only at 10% capacity. As fall nears, we are at the unfortunate point of being unable to staff and prepare our facilities for an opening if Phase 3 were to come soon.

“Our aquatic facilities are a highlight of a Spokane summer, and we are saddened to have to make this decision for 2020 but recognize it’s in the best interest of our community’s health,” said Garrett Jones, Director of Parks & Recreation for the City of Spokane. “We look forward to again providing free access to our pools and splash pads when it’s safe to do so.”

The City operates six outdoor aquatic centers (A.M. Cannon, Hillyard, Liberty, Comstock, Witter, and Shadle) and 17 splash pads. Winterizing will begin this week.

Meanwhile, we continue to focus on providing other recreation opportunities that are important to our community’s physical and mental health. Our Mid-Summer Activity Guide offers programs in alignment with Phase 2 guidelines. We also offer private outdoor recreation tours, like kayaking or stand up paddle boarding – with all equipment provided for your small group!

This fall, we’ll look to expand those options even more. We ask for the community’s feedback in a survey about the types of recreation programs they would like to see this fall.

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