Spokane Planning Commission Reviews Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Plan Updates

The Spokane City Planning Commission held its final meeting of the Chapter Review Subcommittee, focusing on updates to the comprehensive plan, particularly regarding natural environment and parks and recreation. This meeting marks a significant step in refining the city’s planning documents, incorporating community feedback, and aligning with state legislation.

During the session, the team discussed the importance of integrating climate considerations into the planning process. A representative from Marin's team is expected to deliver new climate-related policies later this summer, which will be incorporated into the existing framework. This update aims to enhance clarity and relevance in the planning documents, ensuring that community input is reflected in future policies.

The discussion also touched on the shoreline chapter of the comprehensive plan, which is mandated by state law. Although the shoreline chapter will not be updated in this round, it remains a critical component of the city’s planning efforts. The next scheduled update for this chapter is set for 2030, and any changes to its format could lead to a lengthy review process with the state.

The meeting emphasized the importance of parks and recreation in Spokane, highlighting the historical role of the parks board in shaping the city’s open spaces. The parks and recreation chapter serves as a policy framework for the city’s planning division, and while updates are in progress, the collaboration with the parks department is still in its early stages.

As the subcommittee wraps up its work, the planning commission will continue to engage with the broader community in upcoming meetings scheduled for July and beyond. These discussions will focus on streamlining language and enhancing the overall organization of the comprehensive plan, ensuring it meets the needs of Spokane residents now and in the future.