Balfour Park

Park Transformation in Progress

Balfour Park is in the midst of a significant transformation. What was once a modest 2.8-acre space is expanding to a much more generous 8.3 acres when all is said and done.

Nestled at the corner of E. Sprague Avenue and N. Herald Road, the park sits in what locals often call the "heart of Spokane Valley." There's some cool history here too - this spot once housed the city's first retail mall back in the 70s and 80s. Kind of neat to think about how spaces evolve over time, isn't it?

Current Snapshot

If you visit today, you'll come across the park very much in transition. Much of what's planned isn't quite ready yet, as the expansion is happening in phases with construction still ongoing in various areas.

What you can enjoy right now are some open fields, a Sounders FC Soccer Mini-Pitch (perfect for impromptu games), and the thoughtfully designed Veterans Memorial. Just keep in mind that you're seeing a work in progress - many features from the master plan are still waiting in the wings.

Community Partnerships

This ambitious project isn't happening in isolation. The City of Spokane Valley has teamed up with the Spokane County Library District to reimagine this space. One major milestone already reached is the new Spokane Valley Public Library, which opened its doors in June 2023 in the southwest corner of the park block.

The transformation is methodical, with Phase I improvements completed in 2023. These included the soccer mini-pitch, Veterans Memorial, an Events Plaza, new walking paths with lighting, landscaping, restrooms, and more parking options.

What's There Now

Among the current amenities, you'll come across a practical water fountain that not only fills water bottles but thoughtfully includes a lower fountain for four-legged friends. The Veterans Memorial offers a quiet space for reflection and honoring those who served.

A heads-up about the restrooms - while they've been built, they might not always be accessible during construction phases. The infrastructure is modern, but like the rest of the park, it's still growing into what it will eventually become.

Looking Ahead

Future development phases promise to bring even more to this community space: a large playground where kids can let loose, a splash pad for those hot summer days, sports courts for the active types, a picnic shelter for gatherings, and a covered stage with amphitheater for community events and performances.

Balfour Park is developing into a central gathering spot for Spokane Valley residents - a place to relax, play, and connect with others.

A Bit of Nostalgia

If you've been around Spokane Valley for a while, you might remember the big mulberry tree that used to stand proudly in the southeast corner of the original park. That tree was something of a local legend for its generous fruit production - a cozy location in the park's previous incarnation before this new chapter began.