SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash. – Spokane Valley is asking residents to help shape the city’s next Parks and Recreation Master Plan — a long-range roadmap that will guide what gets built and where over the next decade.
An open house at the Spokane Valley Library invited community members to weigh in on the future of parks, trails and open spaces. Tables throughout the room featured design options, sticker-voting boards and information about three undeveloped park properties the city plans to develop based on public input.
John Bottelli, Spokane Valley’s Parks and Recreation Director, said the updated plan depends heavily on feedback from residents.
“It’s a document that guides our park development. We update it every six years, and this is an opportunity for us to get input from the public about what our community’s priorities are for their parks and recreation system,” Bottelli said.
One major discussion centered on the new park site in the Opportunity neighborhood. Chris, a Spokane Valley resident, said preserving the area’s character matters to him.
“It’s got some nice ponderosa pines. I’d like to see that part maintain that character. I think it would be a shame if they knocked down a bunch of trees and put in pavement or a play field,” he said.
Others focused on access, emphasizing the need for trails, walkability and connectivity across the park system. Resident Jake Taylor said he appreciates the city’s approach.
“I feel like they genuinely want the community input and want to do what the community wants,” Taylor said.
Along with the open house, Spokane Valley is collecting feedback through an online survey, an interactive map and a “big idea” form. That input will be used to inform the next draft of the Parks and Recreation Master Plan.
“I often say democracy’s in the hands of those who show up,” Bottelli said. “If you can participate, then it will become part of the result.”
The online survey and interactive map remain open for residents unable to attend the event, and the link can be accessed here:
https://engagekh.mysocialpinpoint.com/SpokaneValleyParks?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
