The Spokane Humane Society donated $250,000 towards construction of a dog park in the heart of Riverfront Park at the Forestry Shelter. The gift comes in celebration of the Humane Society’s 125th anniversary and legacy of work in animal welfare. The future dog park will be officially named the Spokane Humane Society Paw Park!

 

“To commensurate the Spokane Humane Society’s 125th anniversary and to renew our presence on the banks of the Spokane River near our original location, we are honored to partner with the Spokane Parks Foundation on the new urban dog park,” said Kim Reasoner-Morin, executive director of the Spokane Humane Society. “Our goal is to support their vision of providing a pet-friendly space for all to enjoy in the heart of Riverfront Park. Proper exercise and socialization improve overall health not only for our four-legged friends, but also for their humans who love and care for them.”

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“For 125 years, the Spokane Humane Society has served as the first refuge for animals in our area,” said Melissa Williams, president of the Board of Directors for the Spokane Humane Society. “Not only do we have historical and humble roots near this very location, but also new beginnings. Our satellite adoption center, BARK, A Rescue Pub, opened in 2020 and has helped more than 700 pets find forever homes. The new SHS Riverfront dog park will be located just across the street. This opportunity promotes the human-animal bond while furthering our vision to enrich the lives of companion animals through support, education, advocacy & love. We are honored to be a part of this endeavor and are thrilled to be able to provide this for our beloved, animal-loving community.”

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“The Spokane Humane Society’s generosity will help establish a space in the heart of downtown where people and their beloved pets will gather for many years to come – it’s a wonderful gift for our community,” said Garrett Jones, director of City of Spokane Parks & Recreation. “We heard that dog parks are a desired amenity from our Master Plan outreach, and we are honored to work alongside the Spokane Humane Society and the Spokane Parks Foundation to fundraise for this important project.”

 

The Spokane Humane Society’s gift is part of the Campaign for Riverfront Spokane through the Spokane Parks Foundation. The dog park will be funded entirely by donations, and the timeline for construction will depend upon fundraising. Interested community members can build on the momentum of the Spokane Humane Society’s gift by making a donation to the dog park.

 

“We are so appreciative of the Spokane Humane Society’s generous contribution towards the Paw Park. This is a milestone in the Campaign for Riverfront Spokane and has already made a huge dent in our fundraising goal to bring the dog park to fruition - so that Spokanites and their pups can enjoy it for decades to come,” said Amy Lutz, president of the Board of Directors for the Spokane Parks Foundation.