Madison Elementary was built in 1949, making it the oldest northside school in the district. It accommodates more special education programs than any other northside school, but space constraints require these and other programs to be housed in five portable buildings.

The current school has surpassed its practical lifespan, and has issues with efficiency, functionality, and security. Building a new, two-story structure on the same footprint as the existing school would provide room for all programs.

Madison is adjacent to Franklin Park, which needs field improvements and other enhancements for public use. The combined sites and facilities provide an opportunity to create a publicly accessible, multi-use recreational facility that meets the community’s needs during and after school hours.

SPS and Parks are proposing that SPS would build a facility that would co-locate Madison Elementary with an enclosed Public Recreation Center, or Field House, to be operated and programed by Parks on Parks’ property.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Spokane County, Spokane Hoopfest, and Pacific Northwest Qualifier have signed letters of intent to invest in the facility, bringing costs down for taxpayers while improving the overall project scope.

Field House amenities may include:

5 indoor basketball courts

16 indoor pickleball courts

Enhanced parking with additional exterior basketball court

Other Franklin Park improvements could include adding practice lights and all-weather field turf for increased evening and off-season use.

This proposal will be considered by the SPS Board of Directors, the Spokane Park Board, and the Spokane City Council, who will determine which projects may be included in future ballot measures presented for voters' consideration.