Spokane Mayor Dennis Hession today announced that he has named a six-member committee to draft a proposal for the long-term future of the Northwest Regional Athletic Center, which is the home of Albi Stadium in northwest Spokane. The Mayor has asked the committee, which will be chaired by Council Member Rob Crow, to finalize a plan for the site and start implementation of that plan within the next six months.
“It’s time to begin the planning for the long-term future of this City property,” Mayor Hession says. “We have a unique opportunity to create something that will serve our community for generations to come.”
In addition to Council Member Crow, the committee includes:
- Council Member Nancy McLaughlin.
- Karen Bell, Northwest Neighborhood representative.
- John Mannix, Spokane Public Schools.
- Steve McNutt, Spokane Park Board Member.
- Eric Sawyer, Executive Director, Spokane Regional Sports Commission.
A stakeholder group will serve as advisors to the Northwest Regional Athletic Center committee. Those invited to participate include Larry Soehren, of Kiemle & Hagood; Philip Helean, of Spokane Youth Sports; Victor Frazier, of the Northwest Neighborhood; Jim Albi and Paul Hyndman, of Friends of Albi; Jeff Stevens, of the Northwest Neighborhood; Daniel Peck, of Spokane North Little League; Dave Pier, of Brett Sports and the Regional Sports Commission; Harry Butler, of the Greater Spokane Drum Corp Association; and Tom Stebbins, of the Greater Spokane League (GSL). Others also may be added.
Council Member Crow noted that this committee’s focus is on getting a plan together, not fact finding. The committee will use information and facts gathered last year by a committee led by Council President Joe Shogan. The committee also will invite the public to be involved in its process.
“This group represents nearly all of those with an interest in the site,” says Council Member Crow. “As such, we will be able to quickly identify and overcome obstacles to making progress.”
Earlier this year, the City negotiated a contract with Spokane Public Schools and the Mead School District to allow for the continuation of high school football games at Albi. The school districts replaced the turf at Albi, and the City agreed to allow football to continue at the stadium for the life of the turf.
However, the continuation of football at Albi didn’t address the long-term viability of the stadium and the surrounding property, Mayor Hession says. “The citizens of Spokane need to determine what they want Albi property to become,” the Mayor says.
