SPOKANE, Wash. — The Spokane River Forum and the University District announced on Wednesday that they are co-funding the Phase 1 design of the Iron Bridge River Gateway Project.
The project area is located adjacent to Iron Bridge and the Centennial Trail on the City of Spokane Parks and Recreation property. The project will focus on rewilding certain areas and adjusting put-in and take-out access to the river.
The Spokane River Forum says the project will also reimagine and restore the shoreline and surrounding areas for students, the local community and visitors.
“It’s really the beginning of a long-term commitment to rewilding these river reaches from Mission Bridge to Division Street Bridge,” said River Forum Executive Director Happy Avery.
“Rewilding” refers to imaginative river restoration practices in urban areas.
Gonzaga University will host a book reading and panel discussion on Tuesday, October 22 at 6 p.m. to discuss the concept and importance of rewilding.
The event description says urban rivers provide crucial wildlife corridors and connectivity to core conservation areas and offer community members opportunities to connect to the natural environment.
The event is free and open to the public. Those interested in attending can register here.
Designers of the Iron Bridge project are working closely with the Spokane Parks and Recreation Master Plan, the city’s South Logan Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Project that supports connectivity and livability, and the University District’s U Vision 2044 Strategic Plan that prioritizes regenerative, nature-based projects ideas.
The River Forum says they will host public meetings to ensure that community voices are part of the process.
“The U-District, Parks and Recreation and local neighborhoods are on the cusp of creating something uniquely Spokane that speaks to our highest aspirations for environmental restoration, urban living and cultural connectivity," said Avery.
For more information on the project and to follow project updates, visit the Spokane River Forum website.
