Park Board reports strong May finances despite minor revenue decline

The Spokane Park Board convened on June 12, 2025, to discuss several key issues impacting the community, including financial updates and land use policies. The meeting highlighted the board's commitment to transparency and responsible management of park resources.

One of the most significant discussions revolved around the financial performance of the park system. The board reported a strong financial month for May, with a net positive gain of over $500,000. This positive trend was attributed to a substantial reduction in expenses, which were down by approximately $389,000 compared to the previous year. The board emphasized the importance of maintaining this momentum, especially as they approach the peak season for park activities.

Golf operations also showed promising results, with a net gain of about $92,000 for the month. Despite being lower than typical for May, this was largely due to intentional capital expenditures for improvements, such as work on the Downriver cart path. The board noted that the hot and dry weather conditions in May could lead to increased utility costs, particularly for water usage, which they will monitor closely.

In addition to financial matters, the board addressed land use policies. The Land Committee reported on a recent meeting where five action items were discussed. Notably, a request for an easement on park property near Mystic Falls was denied. The committee determined that the proposal did not align with the new policy requiring any alternate land use to provide a quantifiable net improvement to the park system. This decision underscores the board's commitment to preserving parkland for community benefit.

As the meeting concluded, the board reiterated its dedication to enhancing Spokane's parks and ensuring that any changes to land use align with the community's needs and values. The next steps will involve continued monitoring of financial trends and careful consideration of land use proposals to support the city's park system effectively.