New Spokane Falls plaza, park open
A new plaza overlooking the lower Spokane Falls opened today in a dedication ceremony attended by several hundred people.
City Hall plaza provides a gathering spot and a people-friendly link between Riverfront Park and the newly redesigned Huntington Park along the lower falls.
The new plaza, which is yet to be formally named, replaces a parking lot that previously occupied the site on the north side of City Hall.
Mayor David Condon invited the public to submit suggested names to City Hall.
“It’s really a fantastic feeling to be here,” said Spokane tribal elder Pat Moses during the morning plaza dedication.
The roar of the lower falls can be heard from the plaza. “It’s a beautiful sound down there, a beautiful gathering,” he said.
Moses later gave a blessing in his native Salish language.
The plaza is a joint project of Avista Corp., which is celebrating its 125th anniversary, and the city of Spokane. The utility paid to develop the plaza on city land as a gift to the city. Land Expressions of Spokane was the lead contractor on the project.
The plaza contains a series of levels connected by steps, a pair of waterfall fountains and plenty of seating area. The overall effect is geometric and modern.
In a second morning ceremony, the newly redeveloped Huntington Park was rededicated.
