Spokane Spring Buzz: Art, Sports, and Community Connections

Good morning, this is your Spokane Local Frequency for Tuesday, April 22, 2025. Spring is kicking into high gear across the Inland Northwest, and Spokane has plenty buzzing today. Let’s dive into what’s happening around town and what you can look forward to. One of the top stories in Spokane is the city’s creative call for local talent. The City of Spokane is seeking designs for new wastewater access covers, inviting artists of all ages and backgrounds to leave their mark on the city’s infrastructure. If you have an eye for art and an idea that celebrates Spokane, now is your chance to help beautify our streets in a way only locals can. Submissions will be open for several weeks, so get those creative juices flowing. In civic news, there’s movement on the city’s recreational landscape. Discussions continue about a possible expansion of the Dwight Merkel Sports Complex. If approved by voters through both the Park Levy and the School Bond measures, the complex could nearly double the field spaces for youth and adult sports by utilizing the former Albi Stadium site. This has big implications for local sports leagues and families, potentially opening up more access to play, train, and compete right here in the heart of Spokane. On a more somber note, the region joins the world in mourning the passing of Pope Francis, who died at the age of 88. Catholic and Jesuit communities across the Northwest are reflecting on his impact, honoring his legacy of compassion and reform. Locally, vigils and memorial masses are planned at several Spokane parishes tonight and throughout the week, offering a moment for residents to come together in remembrance. In community initiatives, Mayor Lisa Brown is encouraging Spokane residents to connect and get involved with city projects, whether that’s through neighborhood cleanups, local forums, or BlueSky, the city’s outreach platform. The Spokane Police Department continues its efforts to engage with the community too, recently seeking assistance in locating a missing person and requesting the public’s help regarding a recent incident at 808 West Sprague Avenue. As for things to do, check out the parks—now in full bloom—or make plans to catch a game or two at your local sports league. With the city pushing to expand recreational opportunities, there’s never been a better time to get active outdoors. And for those interested in the arts, keep an eye on downtown galleries and coffee shops featuring work from local artists, many of whom are participating in the design call for the city’s infrastructure project. That wraps up today’s local roundup. This has been Spokane Local Frequency. We’ll see you tomorrow with more local updates.