News
Backside Expansion Public Workshop & Supporter Update
March 11th, 2011
Improved Recreation for a Growing Population
Spokane and Inland Northwest families have made Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park a favorite destination for fun, affordable and safe winter sports recreation for 80 years. Hundreds of thousands have learned to ski or snowboard on the mountain, a regional icon that also generates positive economic impacts.
Mt. Spokane 2000 (MS2000) proposes to protect and enhance those interests for generations to come. The plan allows outdoor enthusiasts to recreate safely, safeguards natural areas and solidifies the long-term future of Mt. Spokane. The expansions area already exists within Mt. Spokane’s concession boundary on land that was gifted to Washington State Parks for the purpose of recreation.
Economic analysis indicates reclamation of the PASEA to be important to the long-term success and financial viability of the ski area, including lift and trail improvements. Studies have concluded that all environmental obstacles can be mitigated.
A Long-Term Plan Based on Extensive Community Input
MS2000 seeks to re-designate a small portion of Mt. Spokane State Park, known as the Proposed Alpine Ski Expansion Area (PASEA), for recreational use. The plan has been refined over several years and balances multiple interests. We sought feedback from numerous stakeholders, including members of the regulatory, recreational, environmental and regional communities, and acted on that input before asking the Washington State Parks Commission to classify the 800-acre PASEA as Recreation.
Improving the PASEA and reviving its historical use for recreational skiing has many benefits:
• Continued and improved recreational opportunities for a growing population of skiers and snowboarders.
• Positive economic impacts above and beyond the $359,711 that Mt. Spokane pays the state on average in annual rent and taxes
• New sources of revenue generated by the expansion will help offset the state’s budget shortfalls and also help fund planned improvements at Mt. Spokane.
• Improved skier and rider safety and reduced risk to the Washington State Parks Department.
• Increased employment opportunities above and beyond the 387 jobs Mt. Spokane already provides to the Spokane area.
• Add, badly needed intermediate skiing terrain, and relief for the densely crowded “cat track” area used by all.
Expansion Has Broad Community Support
Business and community leaders, Spokane citizens and outdoor recreational enthusiasts understand the positive economic and recreational benefits for classifying the PASEA as Recreation.
“Being able to expand Mt. Spokane means they are going to draw more people to this region, growing our economy, at the same time, Mt. Spokane is a great place to showcase for new residents and new companies that are looking to come to this area.”
- Rich Hadley
President and CEO of Greater Spokane Incorporated
“Mount Spokane Ski and Snowboard Park serves a regional population base of over 480,000 plus, as a result of that they are the gateway for many snow enthusiasts new to the sport… This community based non-profit organization is at a pivotal point in its journey and this expansion request is important in their success.”
- Jim Van Loben Sels
Owner, Arbor Crest Winery
Board President, Spokane Regional Convention and Visitors Bureau
Member, Mt. Spokane Ski Patrol
“Over 4,000 acres or 29% is already classified as Natural Area Preserve or Natural Forest Area…with 14,000 acres of available, mostly gifted land, it has not been as recreational centered as it could be.”
- Clyde Anderson
Former Washington State Parks Commissioner
“The Therapeutic Recreation Services at Spokane Parks and Recreation, fully supports the expansion plan as it would give us additional terrain for our students as well as improving the beginner teaching area significantly.”
- Alice M. Busch C.T.R.S.
Spokane Parks and Recreation
Therapeutic Recreation Services
Your Continued Support is Needed
Your support is critically important to successfully moving the project ahead. The Washington State Parks Commission is accepting public comment this month on the PASEA and hosting a public workshop.
Send letters of support for the PASEA by Mon., March 21 to randy.kline@parks.wa.gov.
Or via mail to:
Randy Kline
P.O. Box 42650
Olympia, WA 98504-2650
Attend the public workshop, hosted by the Washington State Parks Department, on Wed., March 16 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the Sub Lounge AB&C (also known as rooms 102, 103 and 104) in building 17 at Spokane Falls Community College, 3410 W. Fort George Wright Drive in Spokane.
