The Power of Partnerships

Since 1945, Spokane Public Schools (SPS) and Spokane Parks & Recreation (Parks) have collaborated on making the most of public resources to improve schools, parks, and other shared spaces. Now, we’re partnering to present a shared vision for the future of our city’s parks, schools, and neighborhoods.

Washington State Law authorizes and encourages local governmental entities, like SPS and Parks, to cooperate and partner to exchange property and use each other’s facilities, personnel, and services to operate joint projects that meet the needs and benefit their local communities:

  • RCW 39.34.060 (Participating agencies may appropriate funds and provide personnel, property, and services)

With legislative support, SPS and Parks have developed a proposal to deliver the greatest value for tax dollars provided by our local community. Each partner entity has a vested interest and a responsibility to ensure mutual success as stewards (not owners) of the public’s funds, property, facilities and services.

This report outlines ideas being presented this spring to our governing boards – the SPS Board of Directors, the Spokane Parks and Recreation Board, and the Spokane City Council. The projects you see here are recommendations, and elected officials will ultimately decide how to move forward with ballot measures.

Our proposal is based on years of community input, study, and a commitment to making improvements that will benefit every Spokane neighborhood. This historic effort aligns two proposed ballot initiatives to maximize taxpayer investments in:

  • Youth Wellness
  • Education & Workforce Development
  • Public Safety
  • Arts & Culture
  • Healthy Neighborhoods & Adult Recreation
  • Contributing Partners

SPS and Parks are the foundation of this transformative initiative, but the true strength of Together Spokane lies in the collective power of public-private collaboration.

The following organizations have signed Letters of Intent to contribute finances, infrastructure and/or programming for one or more proposed projects, demonstrating an unprecedented investment in Spokane’s future:

The Boys & Girls Club of Spokane County

Spokane Hoopfest Association

Launch Northwest

Northwest Museum of Art & Culture

Pacific Northwest Qualifier

Spokane Community CollegeSpokane Colleges

Spokane Indians Baseball

Spokane Youth Sports Association

United States Tennis Association PNW

As of March 2025, these groups are planning to commit over $11 million to Together Spokane.

By uniting under a shared vision, these partners are shaping vibrant spaces that enhance education, recreation, and community wellness. This collaboration spans public institutions and private organizations to ensure that Spokane residents of all ages, from youth to seniors, benefit from expanded opportunities and lasting community impact.

Featured Projects