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Spokane Valley gives progress update on cross‑country course; turf, fencing and spectator path near completion
Summary
City staff reported progress at the new Spokane Valley cross‑country course: curb and parking subgrade work, split‑rail fencing with boulders to deter vehicle access, sod installation on the running surface, irrigation and a planned spectator path. Staff said they are optimistic some events may be possible this fall pending turf evaluation.
City of Spokane Valley staff updated the Tourism Promotion Area Commission on Aug. 21 about construction and site work at the new cross‑country course, including recent sod installation and measures to protect turf from vehicle and goose damage.
Mike Basinger, community and economic development director for the city of Spokane Valley, told commissioners that this week crews were installing curb, parking subgrade rock and finishing split‑rail fencing. "We're also finishing the split rail fencing, and that's kind of goes around the parking lot and around the front of the site," Basinger said. He added that boulders placed behind the rail will deter vehicles from driving onto the course.
Basinger said sod was installed across the running course and staff plan to add irrigation on the frontage and in the parking area. He described a planned spectator path—partly ADA‑friendly—that will allow people to access a central viewing area from the parking lot. Paving of Flora Road and the parking lot was hoped for the following week, pending contractor availability; Basinger noted a regional operators' strike had delayed some asphalt work.
On possible use this year, Basinger said staff will meet with turf specialists next week to evaluate the sod and that Spokane Sports had been working to secure events. "We might be able to do a couple of events this year," he said, naming deadlines for two potential events (one with a Sept. 1 deadline, another with an end‑of‑September deadline). Staff noted the city council approved a venue lease and operations agreement for the 2027 NCAA West Regional Championships, and the city hired a consultant to help establish operations templates and sponsorship handling for the venue.
Commissioners asked about a site visit; Basinger offered to coordinate a field visit with the design–build team. Staff also said contingency funds have paid for smaller improvements such as signage, striping, landscaping, irrigation and a spectator path.
No formal vote was taken on the course update; staff and Spokane Sports will continue to coordinate event scoping and turf evaluation before any event commitments are finalized.
The city plans further work through September and will report back on turf condition and event approvals as evaluations conclude.
