In brief: Public aquatics meeting tonight

The third in a series of public meetings on the future of Spokane’s city aquatics program will be today at the Northeast Community Center, 4001 N. Cook St., from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

The public is being asked to provide input on what should be maintained, changed or added to the city’s pools and other water features. The city is looking at aquatics as serving needs for recreation, lessons, competition and wellness.

Parks officials said that many newer aquatic facilities include pool deck amenities such as patio and play areas, party and meeting rooms and snack bar.

Spokane

Summer meals program begins

Spokane Public Schools has begun its Summer Meals Program for low-income children 18 and younger.

There is no registration required, and the meals are free. The program is federally funded to ensure that kids continue to eat nutritious meals throughout the summer months.

The different locations have different dates and times available. Some locations serve breakfast and lunch, some just serve lunch.

Parents can accompany their children, but must bring their own meals. All meals must be eaten at the site.

To find a location near you, call the Children’s Alliance at (866) 328-6325.

– Lisa Leinberger

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East Central

DOT holds open house

The state Department of Transportation is holding an informational open house this afternoon to update the community on progress toward completing a North Spokane freeway.

The event, which is being done on a drop-in format, will be held at the East Central Community Center, 500 S. Stone St., 3 to 7 p.m.

The department is currently designing and building in phases the U.S. Highway 395/North Spokane Corridor project to connect Interstate 90 with U.S. 395 and U.S. Highway 2 north of the city.

Right-of-way acquisition is starting for residential properties north of I-90 and west of Freya Street, said Al Gilson, public information officer for DOT.

Eight construction contracts are currently funded and will create an initial link from Freya and Francis Avenue to U.S. 395 at Wandermere by 2011. Half of that link from Francis to U.S. 2 should open in 2009, Gilson said. Design work on future contracts is under way, he said.

– From staff reports