Spend a day in Spokane's park

Great Falls Tribune, July 26, 2009

Spend a day in Spokane's park

I thought that Riverfront Park in Spokane, Washington would be just an afternoon “walk in the park,” to lollygag and enjoy a restful hour along the Spokane River.
It is that, and much more.
Sitting on a park bench enfolded in the larger than life shadow of artist Ken Spiering’s Radio Flyer Red Wagon, my mind wandered from the rapid glee of children sliding down the twelve foot high wagon handle to the crashing sounds of nearby white water.
Activity and energy surrounded me on these 100 acres of land where the Native Americans once gathered and fished; where pioneers settled and started the city of Spokane; and, where eventually, the city’s growth was fueled by the railroad industry. As history progressed, rail yards covered Havermale Island, the present site of Riverfront Park.
When Spokane became the site of Expo ’74, “The World’s Fair,” the rail yards were removed leaving only the Clocktower from the 1902 depot.
Today, you can set your watch by the clock tower looming 155 feet in the distance. Once a week, a technician climbs five stories to rewind the gigantic time piece.
A second glance lured me closer to the water and the spectacular Spokane Falls SkyRide. There‘s no better view than the fifteen minute ride in the all weather enclosed cabin that fearlessly glides high over the tumbling falls. The calculated slow pace moves you past art deco City Hall, and then, with mist spitting water circles on the cable car window, it gradually drops down 200 feet over the Huntington Park Natural Area. After several stops which allow fantastic photo ops, the SkyRide continues under the historic Monroe Street Bridge with a return to the Riverfront Park.
With my feet on the ground, but not for long, I waited briefly in line to board the Loof Carrousel, a 1909 hand carved carrousel that features: 54 horses, one giraffe, one tiger, and two Chinese dragon chairs. Feeling like a kid again, I swung my leg over the long necked giraffe and claimed my steed for several up and down laps on this animated merry go round. But, I wasn’t quick enough to catch the golden ring (like some of the younger riders) for a free second ride. Nevertheless, I hesitated in dismounting for a long last look at the beautiful animals, preserved so well that they merit a spot on the National Register of Historic Places.
I waived the temptation for cotton candy and ice cream cones as the extended carrousel exit queue satisfies the sweet tooth for many riders.
But, my appetite for art was met as I stumbled upon the nearby Sculpture Walk which highlights seventeen original sculptures placed throughout the park. Most prominently viewed, and and easily seen by motorists, are David Govedare’s metal people which depict runners of all kinds celebrating the Spokane tradition of Bloomsday, one of the largest 12K road running races in our country. Spokane’s Vietnam Veterans are respectfully remembered in the engraved pedestal of Deborah Copenhaver’s memorial sculpture. One can’t help but smile at Sister Paula Turnbull’s corten steel sculpture of a goat. The popular statue, usually surrounded by children, will eat small pieces of trash with the aid of its vacuum digestive system. The Sculpture Walk continues along the Centennial Trail with many equally inspiring and thought provoking pieces.
At the south entrance to Riverfront Park, artist, Harold Balazs, “Rotary Fountain” invites all park goers to beat the summer heat. Five stainless steel columns support a 30 foot diameter ring that contains 40 overhead jets. The jets spray towards the middle of the fountain producing a dome of water and a waterfall in the fountains. If you don’t care to get wet, it is just entertaining to admire the beauty of the fountain and watch the dancing waters soak up the dashing bodies of children and adults, as well.
And, oh, yes, there still is a train in Riverfront Park. The Spokane Falls Northern Railway Tour Train makes a forty minute loop through the park. You can relax and enjoy the ride as the conductor highlights points of interest and historical facts.
The hour stretches into a day at Riverfront Park as there is much more to catch: a movie at the IMAX theater, amusement rides, and mini golf. Even a planned picnic or a sandwich from the Pavilion’s catering menu will satisfy one’s desire to stay.
Riverfront Park is a popular gathering place for locals, like Pam Leonard who describes it as a “must see” for anyone living in Spokane or just visiting.
Sometimes our adventures aspire us to chase melting glaciers and shoreline seas.
With white water, fountains, carrousels, trains, and art, Spokane’s Riverfront Park is something to remember.