Authorized by and Date: The Park Board was authorized by Chapter 04.11 of the City's Municipal Code in accordance with Ordinance C33995. Effective on May 6, 2007.
Mission Statement/Purpose: The Spokane Park Board was created in 1910 and granted power by Article V of the City Charter to layout, establish, purchase, procure, accept and have the care, management, control, and improvement of all parks grounds and parkways controlled by the City of Spokane and used for park purposes. The Charter also mandates eight percent of the City's annual expenditures be earmarked for Parks and Recreation. Additional funding comes from fees and charges for programs and services. The City's golf courses are operated as an enterprise fund and are not supported by tax dollars.
Park Board Meeting date, time and location: The board meets at 3:30 p.m. on the second Thursday of the month in the City Council Chambers, lower level City Hall.
Study Session Meeting date, time and location: Sessions are held on an as-needed basis and are held at City Hall. Conference room location varies.
The Spokane Park Board Toolkit (PDF 44 MB) offers detailed information on the duties, responsibilities and goals of being a Park Board member. Additional tools include contact information, meeting schedules, organizational chart, annual budgets and related articles.
Are you interested in becoming a Park Board member? Learn more about the opportunity to impact your community. Interested applicants, please email SpokaneParks@SpokaneCity.org.
| Members | 1st Appointment | 1st Full Term Ends | 2nd Term Begins | 2nd Term Ends |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jennifer Ogden, President | 5/15/2017 | 2/2/2021 | ||
| Bob Anderson, Vice President | 11/8/2018 | 2/1/2022 | ||
| Nick Sumner | 5/14/2015 | 2/4/2020 | 2/4/2020 | 2/4/2025 |
| Vacant | ||||
| Rick Chase | 10/24/2016 | 2/1/2022 | ||
| Greta Gilman | 8/31/2016 | 2/7/2023 | ||
| Sally Lodato | 2/27/2017 | 2/1/2022 | ||
| Gerry L. Sperling | 2/5/2019 | 2/6/2024 | ||
| Vacant | ||||
| Barb Richey | 5/6/2019 | 2/6/2024 | ||
| Lori Kinnear, City Council Liaison |
N/A |
City Staff
Garrett Jones
Director, Parks and Recreation
509.363.5462
gjones@spokanecity.org
Pat Dalton
Legal Counsel
509.625.6200
pdalton@spokanecity.org
Executive Team – This advisory group to the Riverfront Park Committee meets weekly and steers overall strategy for the redevelopment of the Riverfront Park relating to internal and external communication, design, and construction.
Members include:
Nick Sumner
Park Board Member
Greta Gilman
Park Board Member
Gerry Sperling
Park Board Member
Garrett Jones
Parks and Recreation Director and Park Board Secretary
Mac Mikkelson
Avista, Hydro Safety, Security and EAP Specialist
