A Newcomer’s Perspective On Spokane’s Image

I admit it. I’m not from around here. But don’t write me off as just another invader of the Inland Empire. At least give me a chance to tell you why I’m here.

The idea of moving to Spokane did not come to me in a dream. In fact, the only thing I knew about Spokane was that it was in the state of Washington. You see, I’m married to a man whose job description includes: “Must be willing to move anywhere and often.” Where we live at any given moment is pretty much out of my hands.

So, a year and a half ago we pulled into town.

If you’ve ever been a newcomer you might recall the excitement of being in a new place - that urge to explore every nook and cranny and that feeling of making a fresh start.

And then it hits you. You’re in uncharted territory. The people around you have lived here forever. Maybe the people don’t want you to explore every nook and cranny of their town.

Good thing I’m used to being a newcomer.

Buying a subscription to the local newspaper is one of the first things I do when I move to a new locale. It’s the best way to get to know my new surroundings.

In my reading, I have learned a few things about Spokane and its people. For example, I am now familiar with the term “red light runners.” I have witnessed the city’s growing pains, and while the people who live here may be wary of all the newcomers, they still offer a Newcomers Service to welcome us.

But the newspaper hasn’t been able to answer all of my curiosities. A few things still puzzle me. My biggest source of confusion is the identity crisis Spokane supposedly has.

First, there’s the “Seattle vs. Eastern Washington” complex. I still can’t figure out if Spokane wants to be like Seattle or is afraid of turning into Seattle. I do know I have never seen so many drive-through espresso stands in my life.

Second, there’s the “big-town-small-city” complex.

By the numbers, Spokane is a mid-sized city. But this is a city desperate to hang on to that small-town atmosphere. While this is certainly desirable, I’m not sure it’s possible with the constant influx of newcomers.

I know what you’re thinking. I’m just part of the problem. I’m not one of you.

But we do have something in common. I wasn’t always the newcomer.

We’re originally from Colorado. When we lived in Denver it was still kind of a quiet place filled with Coloradans. That’s when we were in college. By the time we returned from our first assignment in California we found Denver crawling with people driving vehicles with out-of-state plates. We looked at each other and cringed. Where did all of these people come from?

This is the same question I hear my new Spokanite friends ask. I’ve been where you are now so I can’t blame you for being impatient with us.

When you’re stuck in traffic (if that’s what you call it), or you find your favorite trail too crowded to hike on, or you read about another new development waiting to be filled by people who didn’t grow up here, just think of it this way: People actually want to be here. How flattering!

This leads me to my third puzzlement, the “If Spokane is such a nowhere place why are you still here?” complex.

Nothing to do? No excitement? You’re not trying hard enough.

Maybe the newness hasn’t worn off yet but the way I see it there’s plenty to be excited about.

There are all the big events like Bloomsday, the Lilac Festival, ArtFest, Hoop Fest and Pig Out in the Park. There is a new arena for music lovers and hockey fanatics. There’s Riverfront Park, host of the Expo ‘74 World’s Fair and home to a world-class carousel.

Let’s not forget all those great places to sample some of the best micro-brews around. And if that’s not enough, the incredible beauty of the surrounding area is yours to explore. If you’re still bored then you really are in the wrong place.

For those of you convinced that Spokane is a great place to live, I know you care deeply about your city. It’s evident in how you pull together for those in need. And in your concern for unchecked growth, the environment and the quality of life for your children.

Newcomers aren’t here to trash that. Give us a chance and you’ll see that we care about Spokane, too. That’s why we’re here.

The following fields overflowed: CREDIT = Colleen Lippert Contributing writer