Ceremony set for new volleyball courts in Spokane Valley

The new volleyball courts at Spokane Valley’s Browns Park will see some action on Saturday when Mayor Dean Grafos presides over a ribbon-cutting ceremony just prior to the start of the USA Volleyball Junior Beach Volleyball Tour at 9 a.m.

The park had three volleyball courts – one of which was taken out – and with seven new courts opening there are now nine courts available.

Mike Stone, Spokane Valley director of Parks and Recreation, has been an enthusiastic supporter of the new volleyball courts, which he said will become a destination for the region.

“There will be nothing like this facility anywhere around here,” Stone told the City Council.

The volleyball courts are expected to bring in players and tournaments from surrounding states.

The opening of the new courts completes the first phase of the Browns Park Master Plan, which was approved by the City Council last year.

The city budgeted $176,000 toward the courts, with other funding coming in from a $68,000 lodging tax grant and the Evergreen Volleyball Association.

Next steps include the construction of a splash pad, new restrooms and a picnic shelter, as well as playground equipment.

When the project is completed Browns Park will have 16 volleyball courts.