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Council approves 1-year interlocal with DNR to allow Mirabeau Park parking for Pinecroft preserve trail access
Summary
The city authorized a one‑year interlocal agreement with the Washington State Department of Natural Resources allowing Mirabeau Point Park parking to be used by visitors to the Pinecroft Natural Area Preserve if DNR builds an interpretive trail connection.
The Spokane Valley City Council unanimously approved an interlocal agreement authorizing use of Mirabeau Point Park parking by visitors to a proposed interpretive trail at the adjacent Pinecroft Natural Area Preserve, managed by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
Parks and Recreation Director John Battelle told council that Pinecroft is a roughly 100‑acre wooded natural area adjacent to Mirabeau Point Park and that DNR recently updated its management plan after addressing illegal camping and cleanup efforts. "There are actually about 12 illegal campsites cleaned up, over 50,000 pounds of trash removed," Battelle said, and DNR now proposes an interpretive trail and limited public access connected to Mirabeau Park.
The interlocal agreement, described as a one‑year arrangement extending toward the end of the next year to allow DNR to secure funding and construct a trail, would let Pinecroft visitors use the city’s existing parking facilities at Mirabeau Point Park if DNR builds the trail. Battelle told council the physical connection point exists via a maintenance access at the northwest corner of Mirabeau Meadows and that no city trail extension would be required to connect to DNR’s proposed trail.
Council members asked whether the agreement would impose costs on the city and whether the agreement included enforcement responsibilities. Battelle and staff said the connection already exists and that DNR would retain responsibility for management within the natural area. Battelle said DNR has law enforcement capacity and that coordination with the city’s police occurs when necessary.
The motion passed unanimously.
Speakers quoted or referenced in this article: John Battelle (Parks and Recreation Director), Deputy Mayor Hatenberg, Council Member Patton, members of the public who supported opening the preserve.
Ending: The one‑year interlocal gives DNR time to secure funding and build the interpretive trail; council can revisit the agreement if DNR requests a longer arrangement or if funding timelines change.
