Bridge re-opened to the public ahead of schedule in January
311 or 509.755.2489
Thursday, June 1, 2023 at 9:30 a.m.
SPOKANE – Join us for a ribbon cutting to commemorate the renovation of the Don Kardong pedestrian bridge on Friday, June 2 at 11 a.m. The event will take place mid-bridge at the large overlook and include speakers representing the funding partnerships.
The project began in May 2022, and was completed and re-opened in January, four months ahead of schedule. The renovation included removal and replacement of bridge decking from wood to concrete, replacement of bridge overlooks with ADA accessible platforms, minor concrete pier replacement, guardrails, installation of a new lighting system, and bollards. Interpretive signs will be installed later this year.
The Kardong bridge is part of the Centennial Trail near Gonzaga University, connecting the University District and surrounding area with downtown. The overall management of the 39-mile Centennial Trial is under Washington State Parks, but City of Spokane Parks & Recreation is responsible for the maintenance and repair of the trail within the City of Spokane. The bridge was in critical need of repair, or risked closure. It sees about 160,000 pedestrians and cyclists a year.
“We are so thankful to our partners who ensured this important District 1 connector is renovated for the next 50 years,” said Garrett Jones, director of City of Spokane Parks & Recreation. “Bridges are costly, and dedicating a large portion of our Parks & Recreation budget to their upkeep takes away from neighborhood parks. This funding partnership was key to ensuring multiple community needs are addressed, and we are excited to commemorate the official re-opening of the bridge.”
Funding was made possible by a collaboration of American Rescue Plan funds allocated by the City Council, a Recreation and Conservation Office grant, Friends of the Centennial Trail, University District Public Development Authority, Gonzaga University, and the Lilac Bloomsday Association.
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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The City of Choice
509.625.6200
parks@spokanecity.org
808 W. Spokane Falls Blvd, Spokane, WA 99201
