SPOKANE, Wash. — As construction continues in Riverfront Park, city leaders are revealing more about a new attraction coming to the park’s North Promenade.
By late summer or early fall of 2020, Riverfront Park will have an interactive playground that will be almost an acre in size.
The North Promenade, a revamped gateway to the park with a route for both pedestrians and bicyclists, opened to the public on May 3. One of the iconic Expo ’74 butterflies also made its return to the area.
The Central Promenade connecting the pathway between the blue bridge and the orange bridge in Riverfront Park will open in June.
The playground’s theme is Ice Age Floods, which will allow kids to both play and learn about Spokane's history at the same time.
Designers thought to add this theme since the Ice Age Floods had a significant impact on Spokane's geology.
"You are going to see some water play features, you'll see some geology features too, some rocks in different elements the kids can climb around as they learn what the geology of eastern Washington is and why it is so special to our region," said Fianna Dickson with Spokane Parks and Recreation.
"You are also going to see a really tall tower that the kids can climb up and have a couple different slide options down," she added. "The goal is to really bring people to the center of our city to enjoy and give kids a place to hang out in the park, too, maybe while mom and dad are exploring other parts of the park."
Other playground features include a wheels park for skateboarders, BMX, scooters and kids of all ages and abilities. City staff are also trying to raise funds for a basketball court.
City leaders also plan to add more parking stalls near the new playground.