IMPROVEMENTS

The road to Spokane River improvement after decades of pollution and over-use was a long and arduous process. In 1935, the Washington State Board of Health declared the Spokane River to be “grossly polluted” from raw sewage and began the process of sewage treatment plant construction. Spokane was not the only community to be concerned about the quality of its river, and in 1972, Congress passed the Clean Water Act. The CWA prohibited the discharge of pollutants into navigable waters without an approved permit and also developed a standard of water quality. Within 5 years, Spokane’s treatment plant became one of national acclaim and represented a change in management priorities.

These rising concerns initiated the 1974 World’s Fair that championed the theme: “Protecting the Environment.” Federal funding and private partnerships resulting from the ’74 Expo helped stimulate recreational opportunities and river cleanup. Structures such as the Pavilion and the Spokane Falls gondola garnered deep cultural appreciation and pride for the river. This shift toward environmental awareness and pride in the river continued to grow, and in 2014, the City of Spokane Parks and Recreation collected public opinion which overwhelmingly supported the approval of a $64 million dollar bond for developing and improving Riverfront Park. The revitalization of this iconic park embodies the people of Spokane’s desire for a cohesive vision for the Spokane River.

Left: Riverfront Park circa 1960. Prior to Expo ’74, downtown Spokane was primarily dedicated to railyards, factories, and warehouses.

Right: Riverfront Park 2019. Today, the park features many attractions and green

In 2009 the Spokane Riverkeeper was formed as a project of the nonprofit organization, Center for Justice by a small group of lawyers fed up with polluters abusing the Spokane River.  They recognized the hands-on approach that values a presence on the river and uncompromising advocacy. Over the years, the Spokane Riverkeeper’s work has stopped numerous forms of pollution and set the initiative on getting the Spokane River cleaned up and protected.