Cannon Hill Park

A Historic Green

Tucked away in Spokane's South Hill neighborhood, Cannon Hill Park is a 13.11-acre green space offering tranquility in the midst of the city. This charming green space has been a neighborhood sanctuary for generations, and it's not hard to see why.

Before it was a peaceful retreat, this spot had a rather dusty beginning - it was actually a brickyard back in the 1880s. When Henry Brook discovered clay deposits here, little did he know those bricks would help rebuild downtown Spokane after the devastating Great Fire of 1889. Talk about a phoenix story!

From Brickyard to Beautiful Park

Once the clay reserves were exhausted, the brickyard closed up shop, leaving behind a shallow depression that would later become one of the park's most popular features. In 1907, the prestigious Olmsted Brothers (yes, the same landscape architects behind New York's Central Park) were brought in to work their magic.

Their vision included a sturdy stone shelter, two elegant pergolas, and a children's wading pool. That depression from the old brickyard days? It was transformed into a shallow pool where kids could splash around in summer and where winter brought the magic of ice skating under open skies.

Natural Beauty

Wandering through Cannon Hill today, you can find yourself meandering through gentle meadows, crossing charming stone-built footbridges, and walking beneath a canopy of deciduous trees that put on quite the color show each fall. The landscape has a natural beauty that many find inspiring.

At the heart of the park sits a serene duck pond, where life moves at its own unhurried pace. If you're patient, you might spot turtles sunning themselves on rocks, frogs taking leisurely dips, or even the occasional heron or falcon doing a flyby. The pond has become something of a neighborhood gathering spot - for humans and wildlife alike.

The park blends seamlessly with the surrounding neighborhood, with beautiful historic homes framing its edges, creating what feels like a living Norman Rockwell painting.

Recreation and Amenities

For the little ones, there's a playground with a variety of slides, swings, and a jungle gym where kids can play and expend energy. Safety first: the play area sits on a cushion of wood shavings to soften any tumbles.

Grassy areas spread across the park offer perfect spots for impromptu picnics, tag games, or just cloud-watching. There's plenty of room for kicking a soccer ball or tossing a frisbee, and when the summer sun gets intense, those mature trees provide welcome patches of shade.

You can find restrooms housed in a classic basalt building (typically open during spring and summer) and drinking fountains to quench your thirst after all that outdoor fun.

A Community Treasure

What makes Cannon Hill truly special is how it represents the neighborhood's living room. Unlike some of the city's larger parks, it rarely feels crowded here - you can actually hear yourself think.

The walking path circling the pond stretches about a quarter mile, well-suited for a leisurely stroll or walking your four-legged friend (dogs are welcome, just keep them leashed). The path is gentle enough for all ages and fitness levels.

There's something about the calm atmosphere that makes this park a favorite backdrop for family photos and celebrations. Maybe it's the dappled light, or perhaps it's just the sense that you've found a little pocket of peace in the city.

With its blend of history, natural beauty, and amenities, Cannon Hill Park is a valued space in the South Hill neighborhood.