Mayor, Neighbors Celebrate Opening of Revitalized Dutch Jake’s Park

Dutch Jake’s Park in the West Central neighborhood officially reopened today with new playground equipment, a new walking track, an amphitheater, a sports court, and more.  The design reflects feedback from park neighbors about enhancements to the park that were the most desired for the neighborhood. 

“Neighborhood parks greatly contribute to the quality of life in Spokane. Creating safe and healthy places in our community is an initiative of our One Spokane joint Strategic Plan,” said Mayor David Condon. “We love when a neighborhood embraces their park, and share their voice to shape its future. Dutch Jake’s revitalization is a shining example.” 

Parks and Recreation funding combined with financial support from the Trust for Public Land and Kaiser Permanente made the revitalization possible.  

“Hundreds of residents in West Central came together to reimagine what’s possible for their neighborhood park,” said Cary Simmons, Northwest Program Director at The Trust for Public Land. “We’re thrilled to support this amazing community in their efforts to leverage the power of parks to make their neighborhood healthier and more livable for generations to come.”

Dutch Jake’s Park, created in 1976, is the City’s first “mini park” at the corner of Broadway and Chestnut.  The home of Harry Baer, Jacob “Dutch Jake” Goetz’s business partner, originally occupied the site.  The park has remained largely unchanged since its creation and neighbors called for improvements like play equipment, lighting, and walking paths. 
 
“Access to great parks means access to physical activity and time outdoors, both of which we need to get and stay healthy,” said David Ward, MD, Kaiser Permanente’s District Medical Director for Spokane.  “Kaiser Permanente is proud to support making Dutch Jake’s a great space to play.”

The opening celebration included food distribution by Second Harvest and giveaways by Avista.

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About Kaiser Permanente
Kaiser Permanente and the Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Washington are committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America’s leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 11.8 million members in eight states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal physicians, specialists and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education and the support of community health. For more information, go to: kp.org/wa.

About the Trust for Public Land
The Trust for Public Land creates parks and protects land for people, ensuring healthy, livable communities for generations to come. Millions of people live within a 10-minute walk of a Trust for Public Land park, garden, or natural area, and millions more visit these sites every year.  To support The Trust for Public Land and share why nature matters to you, visit www.tpl.org.  

About City of Spokane Parks and Recreation
City of Spokane Parks and Recreation is the place to go for events, activities, classes and more. Enjoy all your city has to offer by visiting spokaneparks.org, and follow us @SpokaneParks on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.