Concerned about Riverfront Park

Riverfront Park is a true gem for the city of Spokane. We visit it multiple times each week to walk, run or for other events. Therefore it is with tremendous concern that we learn of the massive requested increase in the prime design contract. Of at least equal concern is the lack of openness by officials regarding current estimated project costs and schedule.

The citizens of Spokane approved the funding based upon a master plan. That master plan projected that major elements, including the Pavilion, the power and water infrastructure and the ice rink, would be underway by now. It is hard to see that these delays will not incur additional costs. The majority of the costs in the master plan were for hard construction costs. While officials argue that the prime designer “might get more of the work,” the construction is not something that can be done by the designer.

The park has a website and a newsletter that could provide detailed information, however there is little of substance in either. It is noted that groundbreaking is scheduled for July. Prior to that it is believed that the public is entitled to an updated cost for each item in the plan, and a detailed project schedule. The schedule should include how the park will be accessed by the public. If public access is denied for large parts of the park for several years it may take many more years for it to recover.

Charles Carrier

Spokane