Convention center to get some green

A $1.3 million landscaping project will begin next week at the Spokane Convention Center, said Kevin Twohig, executive director of the Spokane Public Facilities District, which oversees the facility.

Plans call for new sidewalks and a breezeway and the creation of three new “pocket parks” fronting Spokane Falls Boulevard.The parks will serve as green space with trees, seating and receptacles for trash and recyclables. New park lights will be installed to replace the outdated fixtures that are more than 30-years-old.

To make way for the project, 16 ailing trees — planted for Expo ‘74 — will have to be removed, said Twohig.

The new trees will be better suited to Spokane’s climate and will thrive in their urban environment, Twohig said. Additional foliage will include shrubs, plants and vines.

“It’s really going to change the whole feel and add some green to this sterile atmosphere,” said Matt Walker, the PFD’s project manager.

Work is expected to wrap up by September.