In December of 2017, the Riverfront Park Skate Ribbon officially opened in downtown Spokane. It was a great success for the city, exceeding revenue expectations.
The ribbon closed down temporarily in the winter. However, it recently opened back up again (with one small difference). During the transition from winter to spring, the ice ribbon transitioned into a skate ribbon. It was designed like a very similar skate ribbon in Maggie Daley Park, Chicago.
“It was always the plan to host a variety of activities at the ribbon during the warmer months,” said Josh Morrisey, a marketing assistant for Riverfront Park. “You’ll even see drone racing at the ribbon this summer.”
Riverfront is planning numerous events for the park’s new skate ribbon this summer.
“We’ve already got a host of fun, free events planned this spring,” said Morrisey, “including magic shows, Jazzercise sponsored by Athleta, free weekend roller skating lessons taught by Lilac City Roller Derby, sidewalk games, arts and crafts sponsored by Tomato Street, free parkour lessons from Krete Running, and free art classes from Spokane Art School.”
While construction of many other projects has been restricting access to the park, Morrisey claims many people have had no trouble making their way to the skate ribbon.
According to Morrisey, more visitors will come as weather improves and new attractions open. He anticipates the SkyRide will open later this month. The Looff Carousel and Rotary Fountain will be up and running shortly after that.
Aside from the attractions opening across the park in the next few months, Riverfront will still be hosting a lot of events in this park including Pig Out in the Park, BECU Outdoor Movies, and the Fourth of July Celebration.
Businesses that operate near the park have definitely been affected by the nearby construction. However, some have an optimistic feeling of things to come.
“I do, I’m very excited to see (the changes),” said Jen Menzer, a business owner nearby. “whenever it is done.”
While Menzer is excited of things to come, such as the twenty-fifth anniversary of her business (Boo Radley’s), she was also very pleased with the ice ribbon when it first opened.
“The ice ribbon opened in December,” said Menzer. “That weekend was huge, tons of families, tons of kids.”
The ice ribbon is currently open to the public. Price of admission is free, and Riverfront Park has taken the additional step of providing helmets free of charge. Skate rentals are also available on location.
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Pig Out in the Park: Aug 29: Sep 3
BECU Outdoor Movies: June 14
Other Dates: https://my.spokanecity.org/news/stories/2017/06/13/becu-outdoor-movies-return-to-riverfront-park/
The Fourth of July: July 4