Options For A Science Center
Two primary issues fueled opposition to the Pacific Science Center’s lease of the Riverfront Park Pavilion, says Steve Corker, a leader in the movement that defeated the proposal on last month’s general election ballot in Spokane.
One was location, he said in response to Bagpipes’ invitation for comments about how such an issue might be presented if it returns to the ballot.
“But I think the biggest issue has to do with the synergy of working with the rest of the park.”
He said opponents of the ballot issue wanted the Science Center to accept more responsibility for working with other elements of Riverfront Park outside the Pavilion itself.
“Some of the examples were if the restrooms could have doors on the inside and outside of the building so that at major events the inside doors could be locked; if the kitchen they’re taking over, which has provided food service to the rest of the park, if the Science Center would be willing to provide that food service; allowing at least 100 square feet for housing the security offices so the entire park could be serviced within the footprint of the Pavilion; moving the rides or developing a special summer pass entertainment program involving the Science Center and the Carrousel and other rides.”
Corker said a core group of the opponents would like the Science Center to consider erecting a new building on the north bank of the Spokane River, accessible to parking, the Spokane Art School and other community facilities. They would have liked to see various other facilities around Spokane considered, he said.
Meanwhile, Gina Schrock of Spokane said she’s sorry that the measure didn’t pass, but she added:
“I hope the Park Department will reapproach the issue again, but perhaps they should approach another vendor of science centers.
“Other cities have them. I don’t think we want to be a little Seattle. And we need to concentrate on the science of the Inland Empire - wheat, silver, timber, medicine, perhaps water power, things like that. It needs to be special for Spokane, not something from the Pacific.”
Added Pete Powell of Spokane: “Take the elitist, special-interest-oriented Park Board out of the process and hold the city council accountable for finding a user-friendly site, that has adequate parking without a hike to get there.”
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