Whitewater Parks: Spokane WW Park Update
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Spokane WW Park Update

Printed From: ProfessorPaddle.com
Category: General
Forum Name: Whitewater Parks
Forum Discription: Chat about different parks that we wish we had.
URL: http://www.professorpaddle.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9344
Printed Date: 28 Mar 2024 at 2:11am


Topic: Spokane WW Park Update
Posted By: dragorossinw
Subject: Spokane WW Park Update
Date Posted: 23 Mar 2010 at 11:19am

Here is a paste of what Travis Nichols sent out on the latest update for the Spokane Whitewater Park.  Travis writes;

Our last update to this tale was in the Fall of 2009 and since then the update
has gone stale but the project has not. The Washington State government is in
special session, DFW DNR and Shorelines are all working on permits, there is a
new parks board, there is a new parks director, an EIS is still in
consideration, The city struggles to work with grant $, and deadlines loom.
What does all of this mean? The park is still in process but it hangs
precariously in the balance of ego, whim and focus of many hands.

Tom Pratt, Jon Patrouch and notably Steve Faust have continued to work
tirelessly to push the project forward on behalf of the community. The project
is still working through the conditions required to grant permits from various
agencies, each requiring negotiations and consideration to seek an mutual end
project. State matching grant funding for the project is also in jeopardy due
to the state budget shortfalls as well as actions taken by the City of Spokane
Parks Department. The next few months will be very important to the project
as more unfolds in the process.

What can we do? At this point the best thing we as a paddling community can do
is to write general, non issue specific letters of support to the Mayor of
Spokane and Parks Board Members. These people will need to help push the
project forward so vocal citizen support is extremely important to making it
happen. Courteous, honest examples of how the park will benefit all of Spokane
(not just the paddling community) are key. Encouraging their support to
champion this project that will ultimately benefit the city and regions citizens
economically, environmentally, and recreationally.

Contact Information for Parks Board:
Spokane Parks and Recreation Department
Attn: Parks Board
808 W. Spokane Falls Boulevard
Fifth Floor – City Hall
Spokane, Washington 99201-3317

Contact Information for the Mayor:
Mayor Mary Verner
City of Spokane
808 W. Spokane Falls Blvd.
Spokane, Wa 99201


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Tony Z
dragorossinorthwest@yahoo.com
www.nookiekayaking.us
www.dragorossi.com
www.donkeyfIip.com



Replies:
Posted By: James
Date Posted: 23 Mar 2010 at 12:12pm
Here is a copy of the letter i just mailed off.

Originally posted by My Letter Suckaz


March 23, 2010

Mayor Mary Verner
City of Spokane
808 W. Spokane Falls Blvd.
Spokane, WA 99201

Dear Mayor Verner:

I just wanted to write a quick letter to express my excitement regarding our states first whitewater park being constructed in Spokane. As you might know all around the nation whitewater parks are being built with amazing returns to the local community. Many states have realized these returns so quickly they have gone from operating 1 or 2 parks to over 10 in a matter of years. Although I am from the Seattle area, and only pass through Spokane for business, I am already planning to schedule weekend vacations within Spokane to use this park. Thanks again for your support of this project. I look forward to hearing about the financial returns and value this park adds to your city as folks from all around our region visit.

Sincerely,

James Amandus
Director of Logistics
Northwest Distribution Center
United Van Lines & Mayflower Transit

file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5Cjamandus%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml -


Posted By: dragorossinw
Date Posted: 24 Mar 2010 at 2:24am
Awsome James!  Keep em comming you all!  I am drafting letters to fire off too.  I truely believe other cities will follow in step if we can get one of these things build in the state and folks realives the benifits for their communities.

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Tony Z
dragorossinorthwest@yahoo.com
www.nookiekayaking.us
www.dragorossi.com
www.donkeyfIip.com


Posted By: Scott_H
Date Posted: 26 May 2010 at 11:58am

Just saw this.  Any newer updates?  Regardless, I am writing a letter.  I would visit Spokane to take advantage of the park.



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“The problem with people who have no vices is that generally you can be pretty sure they're going to have some pretty annoying virtues.”


Posted By: dragorossinw
Date Posted: 26 May 2010 at 1:31pm
No new updates, but the city of Cascade ID just fifnished their park and it is due to open when they get the summer dam outflow.  The park looks AMAZING and I have seen the proposed features, park, parking lot, building, that Spokane is due to build, and it too will be a wonderful asset.
 
Here is the link to the dedicated website for Kelly's Whitewater Park in Cascade ID
http://www.kellyswhitewaterpark.com/about.html - http://www.kellyswhitewaterpark.com/about.html
 
PS;  I am planning to spend a week at Kelly's mid June if folks want to rally over.


-------------
Tony Z
dragorossinorthwest@yahoo.com
www.nookiekayaking.us
www.dragorossi.com
www.donkeyfIip.com



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