Critics say park plan needs editing

A lot of folks like at least a little in a bond proposal to improve city pools and parks.

But if testimony of a couple dozen people Monday night is any indication, what they don’t like is the $78.4 million price.

Next week, Spokane City Council will decide if it will ask voters for the whole amount or present them with a slimmer version.

On Monday, the council ruled out the possibility of splitting the list into separate ballot questions.

The Park Board has requested that the council go to voters to rebuild six outdoor pools, construct an indoor aquatics center, add 10 spray pads to city parks, build a new park near Joe Albi Stadium, improve city baseball fields and build a promenade in Riverfront Park.

“We are doing something for all people,” said Park Board President Frank Knott.

But many who spoke, while praising parts of the plan, said the list is too much.

Jeff Stevens, who leads the Northwest Neighborhood Council, said the city should pull the aquatics center and promenade from the list, at least for the November vote.

“Those other ideas are great ideas, but my concern is that they will sink the whole ship,” he said.

Doug Kelley, of the Spokane Regional Sports Commission, testified that the proposal for an indoor pool should be delayed so surrounding governments can participate.

A regional pool likely would be better and bigger and more easily draw national events that would help sustain it, he said.

Many, like Kelley, testified that the proposed 25-meter indoor pool simply isn’t big enough.

Eric Stapleton, who serves on the board of Spokane Area Swimming, said swimming groups have to go to Cheney or farther to hold tournaments.

He said the proposed indoor aquatics center still wouldn’t allow for large competitions.

“A 25-meter pool just doesn’t cut it,” he said.

George McGrath, who is running for City Council, said the city should build new outdoor pools, but questioned why they should cost $4 million each.

“Are they fur lined with mink?” he asked. “Doesn’t $78 million scare you people a little bit? It scares the hell out of me.”

Dr. Bruce Becker, who often prescribes aquatic activity to his patients, recommended that the city consider building a warm-water pool in the indoor center. He said there are few options for warm-water therapy in Spokane.

City Councilman Al French proposed splitting the measure into four separate votes so citizens can pick and choose the items they most support.

“I’m really troubled by the idea that it’s an all or nothing package,” said French, a mayoral candidate.

His measure failed because no other council member seconded it.