The Spokane Park Board on Dec. 11 approved proposed 2026 fee increases for city golf courses and ratified a five-year professional contract for Indian Canyon Golf Course.

Fee changes: Golf manager Mark Poyer presented fee and pass increases intended to offset rising supply, fuel, labor and maintenance costs. Staff projected about $842,000 in increased greens-fee revenue and a roughly $995,000 total golf-fund improvement if the new rates and updated pass prices are adopted. The pre-book rate for out-of-town or special bookings was cited as rising to $80; most standard green fees and pass levels rose by about $5 or similar increments.

Indian Canyon contract selection: Poyer described the RFP process (published July 21; outreach to PGA sections and regional professionals; oral interviews and evaluations in October). Two candidates competed; the committee recommended incumbent Doug Ferris (PGA member since 1993) to manage operations at Indian Canyon for 2026–2030. The contract structure leaves major capital and maintenance to the city while the professional handles pro-shop, restaurant, lessons, tournaments and related operations.

Board action and rationale: The board moved and approved the fee increases by voice vote. Members discussed monitoring revenue and the potential to reevaluate mid-year if rounds decline. The five-year professional contract with an optional five-year renewal was also approved by voice vote.

Next steps: Staff will monitor bookings and revenues and report back mid-year if market conditions warrant rate adjustments; the Indian Canyon contract will proceed to finalize terms consistent with the draft in the packet.