Campaigns
Currently engaging the community in preserving and supporting our parks.
The Spokane Parks Foundation has served our Spokane community for more than 71 years, investing over $5 million in parks throughout Spokane County. It was created in 1951 to engage the community in preserving and supporting parks. Today, we continue to honor and celebrate that vision and the outdoor community spirit that draws so many of us to make our homes here.
Our Current Projects
We fund park projects and outdoor recreation programs that demonstrate active and committed community involvement and increase accessibility for all. Here are our current projects and programs we support:
Make a Splash in a Kid’s Life
Did you know?
According to USA Swimming:
- 79% of children in low income households have little-to-no swimming ability
- Our region is home to over 70 bodies of water including pools, lakes, rivers, and streams.
- Formal swim lessons reduce the likelihood of childhood drowning by 88%
YOU can make a different by making a donation to Make-A-Splash in a Kid’s Life.
Our region is home to over 70 bodies of water and boasts 12 beautiful aquatics facilities, making it a child’s summer playground. While there are many opportunities in our area, we must remove financial barriers so all children can enjoy their summer safely. Drowning is still a leading cause of death for children under the age of 14. With our donor’s help, the Spokane Parks Foundation can change this reality for children in our community.
Through our Make a Splash in a Kid’s Life program, we increase access to life-saving swim lessons and water safety swim clinics for at-risk and low income youth.
The Foundation also funds free open swim opportunities and community pool parties each year.
Since appropriate swim attire is required for entry into our area pools, thanks to our partnership with The General Store we are also able to provide free swimsuits for children in need.
We Need Your Help
This program depends entirely on donations from corporations and individuals. You can help kids throughout our region splash safely next summer.
Riverfront Park Dog Park
Dogs and dog parks are a vibrant part of many cities, including Spokane.
A Dedicated Place For People And Their Canine Companions
Riverfront Park is the heart of Spokane. These 100 acres offer dynamic community events, celebrations and a beautiful green space for locals and visitors alike. As more and more people come to live, work and play at the center of our city, a dedicated place for people and their canine companions will boost the quality of life in downtown Spokane. That is why the City of Spokane Parks and Recreation Division and the Spokane Parks Foundation are working together to establish a space in Riverfront Park for dogs to play and run while their owners enjoy the outdoors and socialize.
The Spokane Humane Society is a participant in the construction of the urban dog park. The future Spokane Humane Society Paw Park will be located on Havermale Island, east of the Pavilion, and will surround the historic Expo ’74 Forestry Shelter. Local design firms NAC and AHBL partnered to create the design. The design is based on feedback from more than 1,500 people via survey about their desired design features, amenities, and uses. The dog park will be funded entirely by donations, and the timeline for construction will depend upon fundraising.
Interested community members and businesses have a unique opportunity to be a visible partner in this endeavor and can build on the momentum of the Spokane Humane Society’s generous gift. Dogs and dog parks are a vibrant part of many cities, including Spokane. This asset will be a benefit to our beautiful downtown core for generations to come.
We Need Your Help
Memorial Benches
We work with donors who are interested in dedicating a bench, and coordinate with the City on bench placement and installation.
A Lovely Gift To Our Community
A memorial bench is a wonderful way to honor a loved one, and a lovely gift to our community.
The Spokane Parks Foundation partners with the City of Spokane on their memorial bench program. We work with donors who are interested in dedicating a bench, and coordinate with the City on bench placement and installation.
The Foundation accepts a tax-deductible donation of $5000 for a memorial bench. This donation amount includes the cost of a beautiful black metal bench, site preparation, installation, a 10” x 2” bronze recognition plaque, and future maintenance of the bench.
If you would like to learn more, please contact Yvonne at the Spokane Parks Foundation at 509-280-1664 or by email at yvonne@spokaneparksfoundation.org
We Need Your Help
A memorial bench is a wonderful way to honor a loved one, and a lovely gift to our community.
Campaign For Riverfront Spokane
Four years ago, we began this journey to our new Riverfront Park as a community—and now it’s time to take the final steps.
Riverfront Park Will Be The Health &
Heart Of Our Community
As we realize a vision for Riverfront Park that will be our mark on this city, we are rallying together to build on the bond’s momentum in the most lasting, spectacular, and accessible way possible.
That’s why the Spokane Parks Foundation is launching a philanthropic campaign that will add to the transformation of the park we love, and leave a lasting legacy for generations of family, friends, and neighbors.
Through the Campaign for Riverfront Spokane, we will help create a remarkable public space that offers something
for every Spokane resident and visitor.
A place where:
- Play is part of each day
- We know and share our history
- Nature is for everyone
- Community is visible and vibrant—regardless
of physical ability or financial means; whether you’ve lived in Spokane for weeks or generations, or are just passing through
Four years ago, we began this journey to our new Riverfront Park as a community—and now it’s time to take the final steps.
This place means something different to each and every one of us, but belongs to ALL of us. So, dream big with us today and make our vision for Riverfront Park a reality!
We Need Your Help
“If we do things right, we’ll have an even better gathering place where people can really connect. Young people, old people, people from all walks of life. We need that—that’s what makes a community healthy and strong.”
Lisa Cole Taylor
Campaign Honorary Co-Chair
