Alcohol in city parks could happen

Alcohol could be allowed at each Spokane city park once a year under a new policy approved last week by the Spokane Park Board.

The new rules also permit alcohol to be served at the Park Bench Cafe in Manito Park.

Under the new guidelines, the parks director will be allowed to approve alcohol use in each park once a year for community events sponsored by a nonprofit group. Organizations first must receive permission from the park’s neighborhood council.

The previous policy did not allow alcohol at any city park except golf courses, Riverfront Park, the Corbin Art Center, Finch Arboretum and the Southside Senior Activity and Community Center. Exceptions could be granted by the park board.

Stone said changes were spurred by nonprofits groups that organize events like ArtFest at Coeur d’Alene Park and the Hillyard Festival.

City Councilman Bob Apple, who sits on the park board, said the rules create a more “regimented” system to give the department clear direction for approving alcohol without needing a board vote.

Sam Song, food and beverage supervisor for Riverfront Park, said the Park Bench Café will not serve alcohol this year. He said it’s unclear if it will in the future, despite the rule changes.

Last year, the parks department notified Jeff and Diane Hunter, who had a contract to run Manito Park’s outdoor cafe that it intended to take over operations when their contract expired in October, said parks spokeswoman Nancy Goodspeed.

“We just see it as a revenue opportunity,” Goodspeed said.

The Park Bench will open in June.

The Spokane Park Board voted 7-0 for the changes. Four members were absent. The board makes the final decision on park spending and policies.