Coeur d'Alene Park

Historic Origins

Tucked away in Spokane's charming Browne's Addition neighborhood, Coeur d'Alene Park holds a special place in local history as the city's very first public park. This 10-acre green haven has been bringing people together for over a century since its establishment in the late 1800s.

The park came to life through the generosity of early Spokane residents - A.M. Cannon and his wife Jennie donated the southern half, while J.J. Browne contributed the northern portion. Their gift kicked off Spokane's suburban growth and created what would become a popular community treasure for generations to come.

Park Features

Walk through Coeur d'Alene Park today and you'll immediately notice its timeless layout. The park's heart is its beautiful gazebo - a faithful recreation of the original 1891 bandstand that continues to serve as the gathering spot for community events and summer melodies.

Strolling along the pathways, you'll appreciate the park's simple elegance: expansive green lawns, majestic mature trees offering cool shade on hot summer days, and colorful flower beds that change with the seasons. It's a peaceful retreat right in the middle of the historic Browne's Addition neighborhood.

For those interested in more active pursuits, the park offers several options. There's a well-equipped playground with separate areas for different age groups, a refreshing splash pad that's excellent for those hot summer days, and basketball and tennis courts for sports enthusiasts. Planning a get-together? You'll come across BBQ pits and picnic areas scattered around the grounds, well-suited for family gatherings or casual meetups with friends.

Community Events

Come summer, the park becomes especially active. The gazebo transforms into a community stage for Thursday evening concerts, where you can spread out a blanket, relax on the grass, and enjoy live music floating through the warm evening air.

Saturday mornings bring a bustling farmers market to the park, where locals shop for fresh produce, handcrafted items, and tasty treats. It's an ideal way to experience the neighborhood's friendly vibe while supporting local vendors.

If you're visiting in late spring, you might catch ArtFest, typically held around late May or early June - just one more way this historic space continues to bring people together through cultural celebration.

Community Significance

Like any centenarian, Coeur d'Alene Park has weathered its share of challenges. In earlier years, it struggled with vandalism issues and funding shortages that threatened its upkeep.

Yet time and again, dedicated community members and city officials have stepped up to preserve and enhance this green space. Recent initiatives have focused on cleaning and maintaining the park, ensuring it remains a safe, welcoming place for everyone.

The park sits surrounded by stunning historic homes and buildings that showcase Browne's Addition's architectural heritage, making your visit as much a glimpse into Spokane's past as it is a refreshing outdoor experience.

Today, Coeur d'Alene Park continues to host events, offer recreational opportunities, and provide a tranquil urban escape within Spokane's historic Browne's Addition neighborhood.