City cooperation

Public Works/Utilities deserves a big thank you for funding the bridge construction in Riverfront Park as infrastructure upgrade.

It makes good sense. The Howard Street right of way (including its bridges) is not park property. The funding for this vital infrastructure should not be the sole burden of parks.

It seems completely appropriate for utilities infrastructure funding to overlap parks’ significant funding of surface improvements (hardscape, landscaping, irrigation, pedestrian amenities, lighting, electrical power for events, etc.).

This is a wonderful example of interdepartmental cooperation covering a shared expense that will benefit all Spokane citizens.

This also opens the door to truly important improvements that will forever benefit Riverfront Park and its users.

Among other things, it buys added “wow factor” elements and performance venue features for the Pavilion. And it makes possible a truly vital improvement - an upgraded maintenance facility - that will be essential to preserve our $71 million investment in Riverfront Park.

So, again, congratulations and thank you to the city leadership and staff who found their way to cooperation and the “greater good” - and who avoided those occasional internal turf battles that might have derailed this good outcome.

The joys of Riverfront Park will be greater for your good work.

Steve McNutt

Spokane