The Spokane Park Board on Dec. 11 approved a capital prioritization framework and a draft list of park projects for 2026, a plan staff said will channel most major work through the recently passed parks levy. Nick (presenter) told the board the framework uses four lenses — equity investment zones, park condition and needs, level of service, and opportunities — and that a weighting matrix in the board packet guides which projects rise to the top.

Why it matters: The board and staff framed the approval as the operational step that turns levy revenue into visible neighborhood projects. Nick said the levy is expected to average about $12 million a year over its life and that roughly $9.6 million in levy-supported work is anticipated for 2026. Staff presented a planned-project list that includes major park renovations, playground and restroom replacements paired together for efficiency, two large trailhead parking-lot projects (Beacon Hill and the Post Street lot in Riverfront Park), and a multi-year Meadow Glen Park buildout.

What was decided: The board moved to approve the prioritization framework and the 2026 project list and passed the motion by voice vote. Nick said the top-tier list includes 15 major capital projects (some fully funded by the levy) and a broader set of design and minor-repair work intended to be deployed quickly in spring; staff will post maps and project signs in neighborhoods so residents can see planned work.

Details and community outreach: Staff stressed design-first timing for major projects, with typical design timelines of six to nine months and construction targeted in later seasons (examples cited: Harmon Park restroom/playground and Coeur d’Alene Park design work targeting construction in 2027). Playground surfacing choices will vary by park type — poured-in-place rubber in larger community parks and engineered wood fiber or bark in smaller neighborhood parks — with accessibility considerations noted for wheelchair access. The department will coordinate with Spokane Public Schools to add school-playground projects to maps and will use the Together Spokane website as an engagement platform for neighborhood feedback and ranking of amenities.

What’s next: Staff said bidding and design work will be concentrated January through April, with most construction spending beginning in May. The board will receive further details on specific contracts and bids as projects move from design to solicitation.