Spokane Parks Levy Deferred to Explore Partnership with Spokane Public Schools

Two organizations are looking at ways to maximize resources across all neighborhoods

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Monday, December 2, 2024 at 7:33 p.m.

Spokane, Wash. - Tonight, the City Council deferred a Parks levy ballot measure from February to sometime later in 2025, to allow Parks time to explore a partnership opportunity with Spokane Public Schools to better serve the community.

The two organizations, with a long history of partnership, are exploring ways to leverage existing assets and address rising demand for recreation across all 29 neighborhoods.

"Through our Parks master planning outreach, we've heard the top community priorities are around neighborhood park spaces, playgrounds, restrooms, and safety," said Garrett Jones, Director of City of Spokane Parks & Recreation. "We are focusing on what our two public agencies can deliver together, to meet those community priorities at a better value."

A joint workgroup is examining how Spokane Public Schools and Parks can leverage existing assets like shared land and facilities to address rising demands for recreational programs, youth activities, and community spaces. Existing spaces - Shadle Park High School and Shadle Park, or the Spokane Public Library located within Shaw Middle School - demonstrate the value of these collaborations. The workgroup is looking to identify more opportunities for innovative partnerships and greater efficiencies across our city.

"This is a response to what we've heard from our constituents and to a historic increase in participation across youth sports and extracurricular activities. Families, students, and residents are seeking more opportunities to engage in real-life activities, reflecting a growing movement to foster connection, wellness, and a sense of community," said Adam Swinyard, Superintendent of Spokane Public Schools. "This initiative epitomizes smart government, where agencies work together to eliminate redundancies, save taxpayer dollars, and deliver enhanced services across Spokane."

"As an elected official, but most importantly, as a grandparent to school-aged grandchildren, I wholeheartedly support this initiative," said Council President Betsy Wilkerson. "Substantial investments in our neighborhoods will make school facilities more accessible for community learning and activities. We recognize that our future lies with our children, and I am committed to providing them with the best possible start in life."

"Partnership is foundational to our community's overall success. I am happy to see the City explore deepening its partnership with the school district to identify ways to bring new opportunities to Spokane and maximize taxpayer value for a stronger overall future," Mayor Lisa Brown said.

The findings of this workgroup will offer recommendations to guide future investments, enabling their respective boards and councils to make informed decisions about how to best serve the community. They will be released in the first quarter of 2025 alongside additional community engagement opportunities.

By working together, the partners are aiming to amplify the impact of every dollar spent and create a stronger, more unified place to live and play.

The Park Board requested this deferral, and will work with partners and elected officials to return to City Council sometime in the first part of 2025 to request a specific ballot date.

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 X/Twitter.

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