SkyRide opens for Hoopfest weekend

The Sky Ride at Riverfront Park will have its official opening this Friday at 10 a.m., just in time for Hoopfest.

“We couldn’t miss this opportunity,” said Jon Moog, director of Riverfront Park. “People from all over the United States come to participate at Hoopfest, and it’s just a really good opportunity to showcase our city.”

The 12-year-old Ride was closed for roughly a year to work on repairs and maintenance.

Fianna Dickson, communications manager for Spokane Parks and Recreation, said the total repairs cost an estimated $212,000. Those costs were covered by a separate reserve fund the city planned for in advance, Moog said.

The ride is about 15 minutes long, and loops under the Monroe Street Bridge where riders get an up-close view of the lower falls in Peaceful Valley.

The state approved the Skyride’s reopening Wednesday, with staff working a “soft opening” Thursday afternoon to prepare for the flood of visitors over the weekend.

“Hopefully we’ll be able to take on more crowds,” Moog said. “We should be in a good position to load the ride thoroughly and quickly.”

The SkyRide shares its ticketing facilities with the Riverfront Skate Ribbon, which includes a new water mister to cool off on warm days. The skate ribbon is free and open during all park hours, with skate and scooter rental available 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Helmets are available for guests to borrow.

The Rotary Fountain will also open Friday.

“This is a really good weekend to come down,” Moog said.