Spokane Summer Parkways is an idea inspired by an event in Bogota, Colombia called Ciclovia (meaning “bike path” in Spanish) and similar events in other parts of the world. The focus is on recreation, fitness, and community when we close 4 miles of roadway to automobiles and open up the streets to bikes, pedestrians, skaters, and other human-powered transportation.
Physical fitness activities like yoga, Zumba, hula hoops, tai chi, fencing, dancing, Pilates, self defense, jump rope, hacky sack, and martial arts will be offered free along the course to encourage a healthy lifestyle for everyone. Folks of all ages and abilities may enter and exit the course at any point and enjoy these activities. Participants are also encouraged to bring their own games and hobbies along (e.g. picnics, music, chalk art, hopscotch, bubbles, juggling, jump rope, etc).
In 2011, we’ll be expanding Spokane Summer Parkways to include three different neighborhoods, one of which will host our first night-time event!
Summer Parkways takes place:
Wednesday, June 22, 6-9 PM- Comstock/Manito Neighborhood (map)
Sunday, July 24, 10AM-2PM- North Hill Neighborhood (map)
Sunday, August 14, 10 AM-2PM- Northwest Neighborhood (map)
I am ready for summer, and what better way to begin thinking about summer than Spokane Summer Parkways.
I am concerned that the comstock/manito neighborhood event is being held in the middle of the week at the precise time that hundreds of us (in a swath this large) will be returning home from work. This time frame will make it extremely hard for us to get to our homes and down our streets for 3+ hours. Not everyone in these neighborhoods are interested in this kind of event. Who planned this event on a work night while the other 2 events are on a weekend during a less busy time?
Hi Eric, we are sorry to hear about your disappointment with the timing of this event. We have been working closely with your Neighborhood Councils and they are very enthusiastic about hosting Summer Parkways in this neighborhood at this time. The evening time was actually their suggestion. We hope that you can come and enjoy the event, and we are making arrangements so that access to driveways will not be too much of a hassle. Please keep in mind that this is one night out of the entire year, and is meant to be a celebration and a way for busy folks such as your self to take some time to meet new neighbors and get outside in a new way.
Also, we were not intentionally not posting your comment, we are a volunteer group and have limited time to reply to and publish comments. Feel free to contact us at summerparkways@gmail.com if you have other concerns you would like to discuss.
Who planned the comstock/manito route???? Why chose 24th, 31st and especially 32nd which narrows as you approach Division. These streets are too narrow to accomodate an event such as this.
What’s wrong with 37th which is much more suitable. Someone sure goofed. Everyone I’ve mentioned this to in this neighborhood is not pleased with some of the streets that have been selected.
Bad planning!!
And I agree with Eric…..Wednesday between 6:00 and 9:00 NUTS!
Thanks for posting my comment and I would prefer to keep the comments for everyone on the site to see instead of sending you a private email.
You state that you will try to keep driveways accessable, how will this help when the streets are closed to traffic all around?
I spent several hours Saturday canvasing my street after your reply and found that none (zero) had been asked by our Neighborhood council if they were interested in having an event such as this on a work night. If you lived in the manito/comstock area you would know as most do that our council people do not allow people to have opposing views from theirs or you are “shouted down” literally at their meetings. So, that it was suggested by our council to have it in our area and in the evening is not a surprise nor an open invitation by the rest of us. You also state that this is an event for busy folks like myself to meet new people, etc. Well, I’m too busy as most on my street are to meet new people on a work night. Most blue collar folks who live along this route cannot cancel their jobs and the events of their children for an event such as this even if it is “only one night a year”. Those who plan these things probably have no children, flexible work hours and have no idea what a long work week is like. If this is printed, I promise to write no more as it’s obvious that it will make no difference. I did encourage neighbors on Saturday to write in and let their feelings be known so that “hopefully” the citizens of the manito/comstock neighborhood will be heard next year and not just the “hand full” that say they represent us. Thanks Eric
So glad I found this site so I will have some kind of warning about this event planned on my street. I am usually racing home from work on Wednesday at 6:15 to pick up my 11 year old daughter to get her to her cello lesson by 6:30. How do you think I will be able to get through the maze of closed streets around my house and please don’t suggest that she should drag a cello around to meet me on an open street. I have to agree with the other comments that a mid week night is a horrible time to plan such an event as this. I nor any of my neighbors were asked our opinion on this.
I clicked on all of the links below of the other cities who have events such as this and amazingly ALL happen on a weekend. Must be a good reason why – don’t you think?
Hmmm…..Summer “parkways” seems to imply that this event will be held in parks. But I see from the map that this event heads right in front of my house on 32nd. Although the streets and sidewalks are city property, my private yard IS NOT. When I go to your vendor section it does not say anything about staying off of private property (ie all yards that belong to residents.)Should not this be noted? I don’t think any person should endure any damage, trash, etc. to their personal private property without ones permission. You’re asking (or the vendor) to be sued without this added. Finally, we all live in residental areas because we do not want business around our neighborhoods. If we did, we would live downtown. Even if it’s only for “one night” it is not what we all intended when we moved into our quiet neighborhoods.
To concerned Manito/Comstock neighbors, we apologize for any inconvenience caused by this event being held on a Wednesday, and we will certainly take your concerns into account when planning future events. The weekday evening time was, as mentioned, suggested by your neighbors as a fun way to relax after a long day of working and to spend time with their families. The members of our planning group as well as the neighbors we are partnering with do have full time jobs, and many have families. This is an event that we are working on in our spare time because we believe it is important to provide opportunities to raise awareness about a healthy lifestyle and to get to know our neighbors better. We will be canvassing the neighborhood during the weeks before this event providing residents with information on accessing their homes and will be able to answer questions in person.
Hello,
I was wondering – will this event be moved around to different locations each year? My family lives on the east side of the south hill and events always seem to be focused on the west side of the hill. Just putting in my 2 cents that there “are” nice neighborhoods on the east side as well. I realize that everyone from the east side of the south hill is invited to this event but thought we might get a turn to show off the great biking and walking areas that we possess.Maybe folks from the west side of the hill would realize we have attractive areas as well. Thanks for posting my comment. P.S. Most of our streets are wider as well!
Yes, Anne we plan on migrating through town in the coming years. If you have an idea for a route, preferably between parks so we can have a couple of central points for information, first aid, etc, send it our way at summerparkways@gmail.com. It’s never too soon to start planning for next year!
I wanted to clarify a posting I just read here. I live in the Manito neighborhood and I want it stated that we have GREAT council people and council meetings! The Manito and Comstock neighborhood councils are not the same. Each are separate. Many have heard as well as I that this is not the case with the Comstock council. The “shouting down” does occur if dis-agreement arises with their views. It is truly a shame and I think this is why people in that neighborhood are so upset. Not many attend meetings because of the group that makes up the council. I encourage the people of Comstock to “make it better”! Vote these people out! Start with a clean slate and enjoy your neighborhood again. It is so worth it! And maybe you would have been asked “first” about an event such as this that will obviously impact so many people on a busy work night. Thankfully, as stated above, the staff of summer parkways will be canvassing the area and getting your views, this should have been done through the council first before planning this event. I too will be impacted and cannot get out of work in time until after this event has started. I have sport events for my kids that I will NOT miss (my kids come first) and so we are still trying to figure out what we will do. I wish our event was on the weekend as well as we would have liked to have partcipated. Thanks for the help. Ryan
This is such a cool idea. I’m kind of surprised to read the negative comments by many of the S. Hill residents. It may be an inconvenience but life is full of inconveniences. It seems people are missing the point of the event. To slow down, meet their communities and enjoy life. As a Valley resident I would welcome a little inconvenience of this nature. Feel free to move your event from the S. Hill to my Valley neighborhood next year. Shut my street down if you like. And WELCOME.
Michelle; You don’t understand what the south hill has been through lately. Our voice has not been heard where our neighborhood is concerned on so many issues. People are tired of having no control of what happens where schools are concerned, where business is concerned and where our streets are concerned. We are not represented properly and it looks like we’re all tired of the whole thing. This was probably not a good time to hold an event of this nature in the comstock neighborhood because of the raw feelings still present. We are and have always been a friendly area and we’re proud of our parks and beautiful trees and the people who reside here. Normally, we too would welcome an event such as this with open arms but at this time (and unless you lived here, you will not understand)it just looks like one more thing that none of us had any say in. A Sunday or Saturday event would have been so much better and the North events will be held on Sunday. Why weren’t we asked about an evening event? You and the moderator say the point of the event is to slow down and enjoy life. The problem seems to be for most folks who are complaining is that this will just make their life “More” hectic as they race around at an even faster pace trying to avoid an event that should be held on the weekends. I would bet real money that there will be no complaints of any quantity for the other 2 events simply because they will be on the weekend.
And fortunately for other neighborhoods, because of our complaints, future events will probably be held on the weekend. So complaining in this forum does serve a purpose.
Michelle,send a route plan in for the valley for next year. No one knows their neighborhood better than the residents!
Blah Blah Blah, South Hill..is a perfect place for a event…. get over it. “People are tired of having no control of what happens where schools are concerned” NOBODY has any control over any area in Spokane. Did you forget the SH is one are of the city?
This has been an interesting topic. I googled and found on the “Spokane Southie” that the only 2 other times this event was held, it was mainly in the downtown area AND on the weekend. I would like to blame our Mayor as the sole problem that this thing has been moved to our narrow neighborhood streets and on a work night to boot but according to the article, she is only half to blame. She wanted the event moved to neighboords on 3 seperate Sundays. So, complain to her that this event will mess up your neighborhood but complain to your council that it is on a Wednesday!
And I will be taking note of any business that sets up on my street to black-list them from my money in the future. Business should only be set up in the common area (such as Manito Blvd.) and the parks, NOT on the neighborhood streets.Code says this is a residental area not zoned for business. (Unless of course, it’s a child LIVING in my neighborhhod with a lemonade stand).
It will be a fun evening and a nice way to welcome people into our neighborhood. it is a win-win!
I just saw the map that shows my street will be closed. My kids are super excited to be able to bike in the street without having to watch for cars. Thanks for doing this. I am excited to have it on a week night when the streets would otherwise be full of cars driving too fast for my kids to be safe. I do work, and I welcome the ‘inconvenience’.
We are very excited! Our house is right on the course and let us know if you need anything. We would love an ice cream truck right there in front of our house! Scoop?
I love that you are doing it on a week night. We were out of town last summer on both weekends and will be out of town for Spokefest this year too. This really builds community and teaches our children how to exercise and love it! Thank you!!!!
I will be getting home after the streets are closed and I really don’t mind parking my car down the street and walking in! Love it!
In my humble opinion. While I live on 25th and won’t be directly impacted, I have two points/issues.
1. A weekend would be better and safer.
2. The route crosses 29th, a major arterial, twice. And, the ride will be starting while rush hour is still on. Are they going to shut down 29th? Or, will they trust the riders to obey the traffic light?
I am thrilled to live one house away from the route and surprised to see above that a couple of neighbors are unhappy about this event. Think of those who live in Browne’s and endure days of Art Fest. Our streets are never busy and three hours of folks enjoying our lovely area and having fun certainly is worth a bit of thinking ahead. I urge you all to jump on a bike for the evening–all is well when you are on a bike!
On more thought–my guess is that 29th will not be closed, so those who need to get home will be able to get there. You might have to park a block from home, but it shouldn’t be much trouble. As for vendors, I welcome them as businesses who wish to support active, outdoor fun. And finally, even if you feel put-out by this event, remember the organizers are volunteers and are working hard to find the best ways to make these events possible. As a very involved community volunteer, I know that criticism is defeating. Rather than complain,agree to volunteer for the evening or grab a lawn chair and wave as we pass your house. Make Spokane a place we all want to live.
Since I work on the weekends, I am so happy that this event is happening on an evening where I can participate. I enjoyed one of the parkways last summer, but it was hard to get to, being across town from where I live. I am thrilled that this time, it will be easy to get there and enjoy it entirely under my own power! I may make the loop twice; once on my bike, and once by walking. I look forward to meeting many neighbors and friends!
Can I bring my dog to this event?
You certainly may, but your dog must be leashed and picked up after.
I was happy to see that the funds were not available for the concerts in the park last year. [Comstock] I didn’t care for the parking problems, the trash left in my yard from people coming and going to their cars, the trampling of the lawn, and the noise. Now this. The first notice of this was a flyer I found stuck to my door yesterday. I would think the organizers would have been required to do a survey of the residents, much like a zoning change requiring a sign of the intended change, before the event was planned. I don’t understand the need for an established route. Why not contain the activities to the park and let the people decide how they will get there? I’m glad that it is being held during the week so I will be here to monitor the scene in front of my house. It seems some people have no regard or respect for the property of others, or for why they choose to live in the neighborhood they do.
Typical snob on the South Hill. The concert is a beautiful event in Comstock.
Not typical. I would guess 99 percent of the people welcomed their neighbors who walked and cycled and danced past their homes. Certainly that was the case with my neighbors who live on the South HIll but are not snobs! Thank you to all the friendly people who made this event so much fun!
Just wanted to send some positive support…My husband and I are very excited about the event and look forward to participating next week. What a great way to slow down…see the neighborhood, meet some neighbors, relax and have some fun. Cheers to all the volunteers who put in their valuable time to make this event happen. Thanks!
So excited and delighted that Spokane is encouraging such a healthy and friendly environment event. I experienced Ciclovia en Bogota’ last year, Calle Septima (7th Street)closed on Sunday for miles y miles y miles from La Candelaria to Norte Zona. It was a beautiful thing, people on bikes or pulling their kids in wagons. Maybe some year we can close Sprague from the East Valley to Downtown Spokane on a Sunday …..just like Septima. That would be cool !!!
I am SO glad this is on a weeknight myself. We would never participate in a Sunday event, so this works out great. And the fact that there is a south hill venue this year is exciting! We are excited to bike!
I am really looking forward to this event! What better way to spend a summer evening?! I used to live off the Bloomsday course and always had to park my car a few blocks away the night before if I needed access to it. But I never minded. I love community events and I appreciate the volunteers who put them on. Thank you so much! It looks like the weather will be beautiful for a long warm sunny summer evening of biking!
The negative comments complaining that every SH resident wasn’t personally contacted to give “permission” for this event are disappointing and embarrassing. Way to confirm the ugly “South Hill Snobs” mentality. The rest of us are beyond thrilled that this wonderful, community-building event is happening in OUR neighborhood!
Stay inside and watch TV and complain that you weren’t included, or get on your bike (or walk) and join us! You might even have FUN.
I am so excited. This looks to be another fantastic event designed to build community, while also showing off Spokane’s truly incredible park system. I love our parks. I love my bike. I love the community I live in. What a wonderful opportunity to enjoy some of the things that matter in life all at the same time. Thank you so much to all the tireless volunteers who toiled to put this event on. Your efforts ARE APPRECIATED!
Aren’t there several other arterial roads going around South Hill? After all, it’s not like we’re downtown LA or NY or Chicago. I attended one of the events last year, and the major road crossings seemed to go pretty well. Besides, doesn’t having a wonderful event justifiy having to drive your car a few streets over (or having to slow down just a bit) to get home one night, doesn’t it? I am glad that these events are growing and expanding to different areas and times during the week. Hopefully as this develops people will come to expect the occasional road closures and will enjoy the festivities. When I first read the negative comments, I wondered how people could be so vehement, but it sounds like they just didn’t expect this. Upon further reading, it sounds like other event experiences, council experiences, and perhaps all of the other construction road closures may be adding to folks frustrations. I sincerely hope they find it to be not too much of an inconvenience and actually positive. After all, they’re my neighbors! Why not have a follow up discussion after the event to see if there were any actual issues?
We live on 28th and are so happy that this kind of event is happening in our neighborhood. What a great way to enjoy a beautiful evening with our friends and neighbors. Kudos to the planning committee for making this happen. And I hope we can bring back the concerts in the park. These are the kinds of community events that make Spokane a wonderful place to live.
I live near the event route and I’m glad it is happening on a week night, since the weekends are usually crowded with so many other activities. What a great way to kick off summer and enjoy the long hours of daylight and warm temperatures that have finally arrived. My wife and kids and I are looking forward to it. Kudos to the volunteers who have put a lot of time and energy into organizing this fun event! For the grumpy people complaining about the event, I recommend that you watch this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CdvITn5cAVc, take a happy pill, and get over yourselves.
I live a block off the route and can’t wait for tonight! We were out of town for the Parkways last summer and am so glad that we’re here for this one AND that it’s in our neighborhood.
It was a GREAT evening! Lots of people smiling and enjoying riding, walking, strolling up and down Manito Blvd. Kids, families, seniors, everyone was out. It was lovely to see folks sitting out on their lawns watching people go by. The streets were ‘gently closed’. I didn’t see people on private property.
I monitored one intersection. Almost all the drivers were good-natured about avoiding crossing the closed area — well, there was one very grumpy person. And when someone said “I live there”, the response was “Of course we want you to be able to get home!”. Driver and cyclists respectfully watched to be sure everyone was safe.
Congratulations to the planning committee!
What a wonderful evening. I rode my bicycle around the loop twice; once clockwise, and once counterclockwise, with members of my cycling group, Belles and Baskets. Along the way, we watched dancing, stopped for lemonade stands, and watched people on bikes, pushing strollers, walking hand-in-hand, barbecuing, smiling and laughing! I got very little exercise, because I kept running into (not literally of course) people that I knew. It’s my neighborhood, and I have great neighbors! Thank you for a fabulous event!
The event at Comstock/Manito was great last night. Just one suggestion for next year. The road through Manito Park should be closed. The open road through the park was the most dangerous part of the route.
Thanks for your comment. You are right, but we were not allowed to close streets in the park, so we did the best we could, using a paved trail where possible
Thanks for the event last night. My husband and I participated, but also live on the route. A couple concerns: In the future I think it would be beneficial to have a police officer directing traffic at 29th and Manito Blvd, where there is not a crosswalk. A police officer was sitting in her car on Manito Blvd, but not directing traffic. It seems like it would be beneficial so that cars could make it through in a group, rather than each car waiting for one cyclist, etc.
Also, as I stated, I live on the route. I recall receiving a little flyer on the door with the dates, but it would be helpful to have an explicit “you live on the route, please avoid driving”. If this was on the flyer and I missed it I apologize. We stumbled upon Summer parkways on our walk, but didn’t realize our street was on the route. So we were the annoying people that drove down the street on our way to dinner.
Great event, great evening with friends! Thanks so much:)
I had a great time and want to thank everyone involved in putting this together. I hope this community activity continues and it develops nicely into an event we can look forward to each year. We need more community events such as this one. Keep up the good work.
Thanks to the residents of the Manito/Comstock neighborhoods for hosting this Summer Parkways. You have beautiful neighborhoods and friendly neighbors.
As always, your comments and suggestions for next year are welcome.
Let’s do it again next year!
Let’s even do it again on 7/24 near Franklin Park in the North Hill Neighborhood, and on 8/14 in the Audobon Park/Northwest Neighborhood. Let’s visit each others’ neighborhoods.
THANK YOU to all the Summer Parkways organizers and volunteers!! We loved our North Hill event and hope to be part of it again next year. What fun to zip around the mostly car-free streets of our neighborhood on bikes, skateboards and scooters. See you again in August!
I will be bringing my Belles and Baskets group to enjoy the third Parkways. Keep up the good work, you guys!