In Opposition to Adding Palisades Park to Spokane County's Urban Growth Area

There are many reasons why we stand against adding Palisades Park to Spokane County's Urban Growth Area:

1.) While we support bringing businesses and jobs to the West Plains in the industrialized sections of the County, the West Plains are drastically underserved by green space. Palisades Park is at the heart of this area and provides recreation and natural beauty for many of the County’s residents.

2.) Much of the land in the park is in conservation and, as such, protected into perpetuity.

3.) There is already an abundance of land for sale surrounding the park that is held privately and sits unsold.

4.) The cost of bringing city services into this area, should it be annexed by the city, would be exorbitant due to the fact that is sits on basalt rock.

5.) The projected 20 year population growth does not warrant adding more land to what already exists.

6.) Many of the county's runners, bikers, equestrians, and outdoor enthusiasts are supporters and users of this park and volunteer their time to its upkeep and preservation.

7.) As taxpayers, we have long-supported the conservation futures levy, and respect the fact that once purchased, this land is held in perpetuity. Much of the Palisades area that is being considered for urban growth expansion is publicly held, is a benefit to all citizens, and serves as irreplaceable habitat and wildlife corridor between the Latah Creek area and Riverside State Park. We taxpayers have invested over $529,000 involving four separate purchases to make this happen.

8.) Palisades Park serves students at every level, as a focus of serious botany and wildlife study opportunities.

This is only the beginning of what will be our passionate and concerted effort to preserve and protect Palisades Park for this generation and the next. We urge you to consider your legacy as civic leaders serving Spokane County and, rather than destroying what generations have built and volunteered to maintain, become a part of making Palisades Park a county treasure.