Downstream Park River Access area now open

Downstream Park River Access area now open

Kirstin Davis, Communications Manager, 509.625.7773

Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at 1:53 PM

Today, the City of Spokane created Downriver Park near TJ Meenach Dr. reopened with an improved and expanded small watercraft access area. Cochran Downriver Stormwater Management Facilities construction projects that began in September 2022 to improve the health of the Spokane River have since required the park’s closure.

The Cochran Basin is a natural topographic basin in northwest Spokane. The basin comprises approximately 60 percent of the city’s separate stormwater system and is the largest in the city at approximately 5,160 hectares. To protect the river, treatment areas were created to serve as stormwater bioplants, minimizing pollution from leaked motor oils and fuels, lawn chemicals, and other hazardous materials.

“This is another example of the success of infrastructure works and improving above-ground facilities,” says Marlene Feist, Director of Public Works. “Anytime we can combine river protection and outdoor recreation, it’s a win-win.”

“In addition to a greatly improved access point to the river, the partnership with Public Works also brought support for our irrigation upgrades completed at the Downriver Golf Course and a renovated disc golf course, which will open in early summer once the grass grows a bit” , said Garrett Jones, interim city manager. “These types of partnerships maximize investments in the community.”

In addition to improving river health, the Cochran Basin Stormwater Facility project will:

• A renovated access area for non-motorized watercraft
• A newly paved area for more parking, two 15 meter high stalls and space for trailers
• An information kiosk
• Natural habitat area
• Improved trail access

Quick Facts:

• Cochran Basin collects stormwater runoff from more than 5,000 acres, reaching from Market St. and Francis Ave. to TJ Meenach Bridge
• Stormwater runoff usually comes from three types of land uses: residential (85%), commercial (2%), light industrial (3%)
• Thousands of people access the Spokane River each year from locations in the City of Spokane Parks