Community Center Plans Detailed Commissioners Endorse $27 Million Project

Organizers of the proposed Spokane Valley community center on Thursday unveiled for county commissioners sketches of the 230-acre complex they hope to build.

Commissioners saw plans for two ice-skating rinks, an aquatics center, an amphitheater, a multi-purpose building, an interpretive nature trail and grassy and hard-top play areas.

The complex would be built on the former Walk in the Wild Zoo site, which was donated by Inland Empire Paper Company. It would be funded by a combination of public and private funds.

Commissioners told organizers they would endorse the project, estimated to cost $27 million and tentatively named Mirabeau Point.

“Something like this just fits into what needs to be done (in the Valley),” said commissioner Phil Harris.

Several organizations, including the YMCA and the Community Colleges of Spokane, have expressed interest in the project.

The YMCA is raising $6 million for a new Valley facility it plans to build it as part of the complex, said Inland Empire YMCA executive director Rich Wallis.

Besides the gymnasium, fitness center and locker rooms that come standard with YMCA facilities, a state-of-the-art aquatics center is planned, Wallis said. The proposed pool would be irregular in shape, include slides and would be handicap accessible.

Ron LaFayette, who heads the Community Colleges of Spokane’s Institute for Extended Learning, is also working with the group. He told commissioners several of the community college classes offered at various Valley locations could be consolidated in the multipurpose building.

Organizers are trying to raise $150,000 from private donors to begin work on streets and water and sewer systems on the complex.

They plan to ask private donors and local and state governments to help fund the rest.

“The key is let’s don’t slow it down,” said organizer Denny Ashlock. “The vision is moving.”

, DataTimes