In brief: City OKs accepting state loan to fix leaky Cannon Hill pond

SPOKANE – Spokane City Council gave final approval Tuesday for a $277,000 state loan to fix the leaky pond at Cannon Hill Park.

The shallow South Hill pond leaks millions of gallons of water per year and the city has to leave a spigot running 24 hours a day to keep it from turning into a mud pit. Last year, for example, it cost $20,000 to pump 18 million gallons into the scenic pond to keep it full.

The city Park Board already had recommended accepting the 20-year loan, which is administered by the state Ecology Department, and would pay for a pond liner and other improvements. The interest rate is 2.3 percent.

The pond is a central park feature and home to small fish, turtles and frogs.

Opportunity for artists to create piece for arena’s anniversary

SPOKANE – The 20th Anniversary Art Project at the Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena is searching for qualified artists interested in creating new interior entrance artwork for the Arena.

The project is well suited for painters, photographers and artists working with relief sculpture and mobiles. The finished piece will be hung or installed on wall spaces.

The budget is $45,000 – specific proposals are not being requested at this time, just qualifications.

A pre-proposal workshop will be at the Arena, 720 W. Mallon Ave., near the main northeast entrance, on Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. Call (509) 321-9614 for information.

New community service group plans ice cream get-together

DOWNTOWN – Youth United Spokane is having an ice cream social from 4 to 5 p.m. Friday at the Downtown Library, 906 W. Main Ave.

The new group is open to high school and college students. The plan is to participate in social events and community projects together.

For more information find the group on Facebook as Youth United Spokane.