County Agrees To Help Build Mirabeau Point Government Would Contribute $700,000 For Infrastructure If Ymca Makes Commitment

With one commitment in hand, backers of a proposed Spokane Valley community center complex will now go after a second one that would effectively launch Mirabeau Point.

County officials have agreed to help fund infrastructure construction for the 70-acre multi-purpose complex at the former Walk in the Wild zoo site - provided the YMCA commits to building its new Valley facility there.

“Frankly, we’re anticipating that (commitment) will come (today),” said Denny Ashlock, a Valley insurance agent who has been leading the push to build the $39 million Mirabeau Point complex. “All of the major problems relative to the Y committing have been solved.”

The YMCA’s executive committee meets this morning to decide if it will build a 38,000-square foot fitness center at Mirabeau Point, said Rich Wallis, Inland Empire YMCA executive director.

Uncertainty surrounding four issues has left the YMCA hesitant to commit to the project. However, answers the group recently received to questions about remodeling a railroad crossing near the site, infrastructure funding, traffic flow issues and identification of a specific site within the proposed Mirabeau Point complex have the committee ready to make a decision, Wallis said.

He declined to speculate on how the committee would vote, but said he has been impressed with the work done by Mirabeau Point backers.

“In our mind it is the preferred site,” Wallis said. “There aren’t absolutes in all of the cases, but I’ve been real pleased with how hard the Mirabeau group has worked.”

The YMCA plans to break ground on its $5.4 million Valley facility - which will include a youth center, two pools, a gymnasium and exercise room - this spring.

One of the last major sticking points for building at Mirabeau Point had been lack of funding to build a road, sewer and water system through the proposed site. County commissioners cleared up that problem by agreeing in a letter dated Nov. 27 and signed by Phil Harris and Steve Hasson to contribute to infrastructure costs.

The letter proposed two options for building the road between Indiana and Euclid avenues. One option called for a five-lane road, while the other proposed constructing a two-lane road initially and widening to five lanes when the need arises.

The cost in both options would be covered jointly by the county, the non-profit group promoting Mirabeau Point and grant money, possibly from the federal Transportation Improvement Account, according to the proposal prepared by Dennis Scott, county public works director.

The county would contribute $700,000. Infrastructure work is planned to begin this spring and wrap up by fall.

County funding hinges on a commitment from the YMCA.

“In order for the county to follow through we must see a formal commitment from the YMCA that they will, in fact, construct at the Mirabeau site,” the commissioners wrote. “We believe that this commitment is necessary for us to make a reciprocal commitment of public money.”

Mirabeau Point’s ability to offer services compatible to the county Parks Department and its proximity to the Spokane Valley Mall convinced Harris to support funding for it. Additionally, the community center and mall could provide an economic boost to the area beyond their immediate draws by attracting other developments, Harris said.

“That’s going to bring some real attention to our community,” he said.

Added Hasson: “In my 15 years with the county, (Mirabeau Point) is the best thing I’ve seen going yet. This really speaks to the Valley’s recreational and cultural future.”

A temporary ice skating rink is ready to open at the site. Ice House, which will operate in a building adjacent to the former zoo offices, was scheduled to open last month, but the opening was delayed by the ice storm and power outage two weeks ago.

Construction on a new Ice House building, which will feature two competition-sized ice rinks, is scheduled to begin next summer.

Mirabeau Point backers also have proposed building a senior center, an outdoor amphitheater, a planetarium, nature trails, play fields and community college classrooms.

“It’s a project that really seems to have broad appeal,” Ashlock said.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Map of area.