The link below downloads a copy of a January 16, 2004 editorial column entitled “Gorge Park could boost economy”, supporting work necessary to realize the Olmsted Brothers’ plan, especially in light of recent successes downtown and upstream at the University District. Submitted by the Editorial Board of the Spokesman-Review

SR Editorial (69 Kb, Acrobat® file)

In 2002, Washington State University professor David Wang asked several Spokane-area architects, planners, and academics to contribute chapters to an effort entitled Sounding Spokane: Perspectives on the Built Environment of a Regional City. The book highlighted many of the City’s most pressing issues, opportunities and political challenges, including one chapter on the history of the river and more recent efforts to renew it. The chapter, “Spokane’s Falls and River Gorge: Evolving Ties Between a Community and its Wellspring,” was contributed by architect/planner Rick Hastings, and covers the origins and primary aims of Friends of the Falls. An excerpt:

“The answer may be that the prime value of the Gorge won’t be as a park at all, but as a civic emblem, a central landscape providing not only beauty but iconic value, and through that value, the growth of identity for a city sorely lacking in self-worth and pride. However cast, the Falls and Gorge define the heart of Spokane; when abused, they present an unsightly centerpiece; when cut off by dams, they convey disdain for nature; when celebrated, they may captivate the world. The condition of the river inescapably affects both visitor and resident.”

By permission, the link below downloads a copy of Hastings’ chapter. Purchase the entire book from Eastern Washington University Press by clicking here.

Sounding Spokane - Chapter 4 (764 Kb, Acrobat® file)

This links to a copy of a Journal of Business editorial entitled “Gorge Park can bolster community, business”, in support of improvements to the gorge and Falls area for the sake of improving Spokane’s quality of life and economic fortunes. Published April 25, 2003.

JOB Editorial (93 Kb, Acrobat® file)

The link below downloads a copy of a Journal of Business article entitled “Park advocates court business”, covering Friends of the Falls’ activities and those of the Spokane Tribe in developing schematic designs for a future culture center at the former Salty’s Restaurant (now Anthony’s). Published April 11, 2003, Megan Cooley, Staff Writer.

JOB Article (121 Kb, Acrobat® file)