Spokane Valley highlights parks season, plans sport courts and playground additions to Balfour Park

Parks and recreation staff gave a year‑end report to council on Nov. 18 and outlined an accelerated timeline for elements of the expanded Balfour Park.

Recreation Coordinator Kendall May said 2025 attendance and program metrics were strong: 23,482 aquatic patrons (about 2,000 more than 2024), 6,795 meals provided through the park‑and‑meal program (about 500 more than last year), expanded Movies in the Park, increased day‑camp demand with waitlists, and growing contracted programs and scholarships. Staff plan a community input session on the Parks & Recreation Master Plan on Dec. 2.

Parks Director John Bothelli described capital elements and funding for the Balfour Park expansion. Phase 1 (infrastructure, plaza and Veterans Memorial) is complete. The city has $415,000 in state legislative funding for sport courts (four pickleball and two basketball courts) slated for construction in 2026, and a $2.5 million Recreation and Conservation Office grant will fund a signature playground and splash pad for construction in 2027. Bothelli said additional grant requests (about $250,000) are under review to add court lighting and park audio.

Councilmembers asked whether playground timing could be accelerated; staff said federal/state grant timelines constrain construction timing but design, engineering and pre‑agreement activities can proceed. Bothelli also confirmed the city is pursuing a land‑lease opportunity for an adjacent property that could provide complementary amenities to the park.

Staff said they will return with project procurement schedules and community outreach milestones as grant agreements and appropriations are finalized.