Manito Park could get national historic recognition

The Spokane City-County Landmarks Commission last week voted unanimously to recommend Manito Park and Manito Boulevard to the National Register of Historic Places.

If approved by the National Park Service, the listing would be the first for a Spokane city park or cultural landscape.

Manito Park has 35 buildings, structures and other features that are considered contributing elements to a historic register listing.

Park Board member Susan Traver said the parks department will provide financing for future park nominations to the national register.

About Manito, she said, “It is a treasure” that deserves to be documented and recognized.

The nomination goes to the state advisory council for consideration in October before it can be sent to the National Park Service, which will decide on register listing.