About Us

Did you know?
Nearly all of Spokane’s parks were originally conceived by the Olmsted Brothers, the legendary landscape architect firm responsible for designing Central Park in New York City?

Our History

The Olmsted Brothers issued a report in 1908 proposing a massive project to introduce nine new parks and undergo significant improvements to the existing parks in Spokane.

Fast forward to 1951, when Spokane City Park Board President Laurence Hamblen appointed a committee to create a foundation to provide support for parks and recreation. Led by A. William Morris, Thomas J. Meenach and Joel E. Ferris, the committee founded what we now know as the Spokane Parks Foundation.

Since then, the Foundation has invested over 7 million in the community to provide resources for vibrant, healthy, accessible recreation programs and parks. As an independent, non-partisan advocate we fill the gap between what our parks need to thrive and what annual budgets can provide. We serve parks throughout Spokane County – providing the dollars to ensure that everyone can enjoy these valuable community assets for generations to come.

Find a Park

To explore and learn more about the many parks, trails, and recreation areas our region has to offer, please click on the links below:

City of Spokane Parks and Recreation
Spokane County Parks, Recreation and Golf
Airway Heights Parks and Recreation
Cheney Parks and Recreation
City of Medical Lake
City of Spokane Valley Parks and Recreation

Our Mission

The Spokane Parks Foundation cultivates the health, growth and continued enjoyment of our communities by inspiring giving and passion for our parks.

Our Vision

The Spokane Parks Foundation will be the premier foundation to provide resources for vibrant, healthy, accessible recreation programs and parks throughout the region.

Our Values

Providing Access
Advocating & Collaborating
Raising Funds
Knowledge & Education

Our Leadership

Board of Directors
Our volunteer Board of Directors oversees the Parks Foundation, supporting our mission and vision, and ensuring that the Foundation continues to strengthen parks throughout Spokane County.

  • Executive Committee
  • Wade Schertenlieb, Board President – Partner, WE Financial Partners
  • Gene Fitzpatrick, Board Treasurer    – Retired CEO, Spokane City Credit Union

Board Members

  • Julie Banks – Community member and Summer Parkways Chair
  • Roger Chase – Community member and retired attorney
  • Massoud Emami – Community member and retired downtown Spokane business owner
  • Jazmin Ely – Senior Project Manager, Maker + Made 
  • Rendall Farley – Manager, Clean Energy Solutions, Avista
  • Tricia Gessele – Principal, Linwood Elementary School
  • Amy Lutz –  NEWESD 101
  • Ted McGregor – Publisher, The Inlander
  • Fran Papenleur – Audubon-Downriver Neighborhood Council Board Member and Community Assembly Representative
  • Shaina Schroeder – Director of Outpatient Rehabilitation Services, Providence St. Luke’s
  • Lindsey Shaw – Spokane Park Board liaison and community advocate

Staff

  • Yvonne Trudeau – Executive Director, Spokane Parks Foundation
  • Melissa Owens – Community Outreach Coordinator