Spokane Complex Fire Parks & Recreation update 08-12-26
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Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at 10:44 a.m.
Parks & Recreation Update // Spokane Complex Fire
August 12, 2026
What’s Open
- Developed / manicured City Parks & Recreation properties previously in evacuation zones
- Westgate Park (developed area only; natural area and playground closed)
- Indian Trail Park
- Sky Prairie Park
- Pacific Park
- Sports Complexes
- Franklin Park & Sports Complex
- Dwight Merkel Sports Complex (opens Thursday, August 13)
What’s Closed
- Undeveloped / natural City Parks & Recreation properties previously in evacuation zones
- Wyakin Park
- Westgate Park (natural area and playground closed, developed area open)
- These places are closed until further notice, to give crews a chance to conduct full hazard tree assessments and removals
- In the meantime, please avoid these areas as there may be unstable trees or hanging branches
Damage Assessments & Repairs
- Learn - Parks crews are attending a damage assessment class this week, produced by Washington State Emergency Management
- Assess - Parks will then conduct complete and thorough damage assessments
- Repair & Clean - They will then repair damaged amenities, and thoroughly clean undamaged elements
- What’s known now:
- The Westgate Park playground is a total loss. The playground was planned for full replacement under the Park Levy, slated for late fall 2026 or early spring 2027, and that project will stay on schedule.
- Additional damage reports will be released after completion
Tree work
- Fire and Urban Forestry crews continue hazard tree removals in parks and along City of Spokane streets. They have completed hazard tree removals in the “what’s open” section above, and their work is ongoing in natural areas.
- To help protect public safety and electric infrastructure, Avista Utilities contract crews will remove fire-damaged trees and vegetation near power lines and utility equipment.
- Removing these hazards helps ensure safe access for first responders and supports a safer recovery process.
Meadowglen Park construction
- Meadowglen Park just broke ground a few weeks ago. While construction was obviously paused during evacuation, it will resume shortly.
- The contractor, Cameron Reily, assessed the site with the Parks team and created a site-specific Wildfire Mitigation Plan, adding additional safety and fire prevention measures as construction resumes.
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