Red Wagon in Riverfront to Receive Fresh Paint, Minor Repairs

Parks & Recreation: 311 or 509.755.2489


Friday, May 27, 2022 at 10:20 a.m.


SPOKANE – The red wagon in Riverfront Park, officially named The Childhood Express and created by artist Ken Spiering, is slated to receive a fresh coat of paint along with minor metal repairs.

Work is anticipated to begin Tuesday, May 31, 2022 and last for about 3 weeks. The red wagon will be closed during renovation, and the perimeter around the sculpture will be fenced off and tented to protect the public and environment during repainting work. Paved pathways in the vicinity will remain primarily open.

The project includes stripping all existing paint and rust, making minor metal repairs, and applying new primer and paint to match the original.

It has not received any significant repairs since its construction 33 years ago. Modern Construction and Consulting Services, LLC was awarded the contract as the lowest bidder, and the project is slated to cost $73,000. Sherwin Williams has generously donated the paint.

 

About The Childhood Express

Created by artist Ken Spiering, this larger-than-life symbol of childhood is also an interactive sculpture, as the handle doubles as a slide.

It was created for the Centennial Celebration of Children in 1989. The Junior League of Spokane plaque, dated August 18, 1990 reads: "This sculpture is dedicated to Spokane's children, as a reflection of the past, created in the present, to last into the future."

The dimensions are 12' high x 12' wide x 27' long, and it weighs 26 tons. It’s made of steel and reinforced concrete, and will hold as many as 300 people.

 

About City of Spokane Parks & Recreation

City of Spokane Parks and Recreation stewards nearly 120 properties across 4,000 acres of park land, including manicured parks, natural lands, aquatic centers, golf courses, sports complexes, and an arboretum. We also offer hundreds of recreation opportunities for all ages and abilities to improve the health and quality of life for our community. Enjoy all your city has to offer by visiting spokaneparks.org. Follow us @SpokaneParks on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

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