little help, the Parks department does have recreational programs, activities and even events planned for the city’s outdoor spaces this winter. Although a portion of the programs won’t begin until the city moves into phase three of reopening, some of the new protocols the department has in place for programs and activities include increased sanitizing, modifying activities to maintain distancing, reducing class sizes, requiring participants to wear masks, new check-in procedures and better communication with participants. “A lot of it is about building public confidence, so they understand we’re able to provide safe activities,” Jones says. “We’re in constant communication with health officials, and consistently review our programs to ensure we’re not missing anything.” Winter recreational programs the department is offering include cross-country skiing and snowshoeing tours, including some by moonlight, for smaller groups. “We’ll also provide a list online of trails at area golf courses and conservation lands that have been groomed for hiking and snowshoeing,” Jones says. “Our Therapeutic Recreation Services (TRS) will be working with the Mt. Spokane ski program again this year on classes for those participants,” he adds. “Another of our partners, the Corbin Art Center, is also offering classes for smaller groups.” Jones says the department will continue youth creative programs during the winter as well, including a new favorite, cornhole.
“We’d never offered that particular game before, but it was a surprise hit this summer so we’ll move it indoors this winter,” he says. “We also plan to bring back three-on-three volleyball.” As to attractions and events in the city’s parks this season, Jones says the department plans to utilize its current tools, such as the renovated pavilion at Riverfront Park, in new ways. “We had some success over the summer with re-imagining the Fourth of July fireworks as a drive-thru event,” he says. “Many people enjoyed that change, so we hope to build on that with the attractions, events and programs in these colder months.” One early winter “win” for the department was coordinating with the Spokane Regional Health District on plans to safely reopen the Numerica Ice Ribbon in time for the holiday season. Jones says the department also continues to work with other regional partners like the Downtown Spokane Partnership and the Public Facilities District for ideas on new events and cross-promotional activities. He says one idea being considered is an outdoor winter market, that would include participation from area restaurants and local organizations. “We’re also looking at more passive activities, such as holiday lights, that would allow people to simply walk through and enjoy,” Jones says. “This winter will be much more dynamic as we continue to adapt, so definitely stay tuned for updates.”
“This winter will be much more dynamic as we continue to adapt.”
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