Spokane Valley, WA

Spokane Valley is an incorporated city in Spokane County, Washington. The city of Spokane lies to the west, while Liberty Lake is to the east. Spokane Valley is among the state's larger cities, with a population of roughly 84,000 residents, according to U.S. Census Bureau estimates from 2006. Spokane Valley is part of the Spokane metropolitan area. Just over the border in Idaho are Coeur d'Alene and Post Falls. Residents of Spokane Valley enjoy a variety of recreational activities, including backpacking, mountaineering, and skiing.

That area that is now Spokane Valley was first known as a place where European fur traders came to do business with the local Native Americans during the 18th century. The original inhabitants of the Spokane Valley fished the salmon-rich waters and lived simple, peaceful lives. Though that original way of life is now gone, Spokane Valley is still considered to be a wonderful place to live and recently the city has been promoting itself as just that.

NEIGHBORHOODS AND DISTRICTS

Spokane Valley is a quiet community that offers its residents scenic views in urban, suburban, and rural settings. It has several major public facilities, including: the Spokane Valley Mall; Center Place, an expansive facility with banquet rooms, meeting rooms, and a lecture hall; and the Spokane County Fair and Expo Center.

Spokane Valley consists of six distinct communities, each of which features its own unique atmosphere:

• Dishman: Residents of this suburban community primarily belong to the upper-middle-income bracket.
• Opportunity: Consists of six neighborhoods that range from urban to suburban. This area features mostly single-family homes that are within walking distance of shopping, restaurants, and other amenities.
• Greenacres: For those who are looking for a quieter location, Greenacres is a rural community that is dotted with farms and beautiful scenery.
• Veradale: The majority of residents in this quiet three-neighborhood community own their homes.
• Trentwood: A suburban community made up of homeowners and renters, with the majority of families having school-age children.
• Otis Orchards: Features mostly single-family homes as well as mobile homes. The majority of residents in this community works in labor and manufacturing and are in the lower-income bracket.

ECONOMY AND INDUSTRIES

In recent years Spokane Valley has experienced substantial economic growth. Retail stores constitute the city's primary industry, and the Spokane Valley Mall is one of the major hubs of business in the area.

Spokane Business Park provides a business environment for companies such as L.B. Foster, Lumber Products, Purcell Systems, and Reli-On in a beautifully landscaped environment that is surrounded by lush evergreen-covered hills and scenic views of the Spokane River and Centennial Trail. The park is one of the largest business parks in the country, and is along the area's largest employers.

BEST BETS

• Spokane Valley Heritage Museum has a collection of hundreds of artifacts and photographs that display the history of the Spokane Valley. The museum has hosted a Smithsonian exhibit and is open for tours and school field trips.
• Avista Stadium is the home of the minor-league baseball team the Spokane Indians. The stadium was built in 1958 and has a seating capacity of 7,162.

Spokane Valley is also home to many wineries, making it an important contributor to Washington State's status as the second-largest wine producer in the United States:

• Arbor Crest Wine Cellars (chardonnay, cabernet, merlot, riesling, sauvignon blanc)
• Knipprath Cellars (sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, cabernet, tinto vihno, sangria)
• Latah Creek Wine Cellars (riesling, maywine, merlot, sangiovese, chardonnay, semillon)
• Mountain Dome Winery (sparkling wines, champagne)

FOR VISITORS

Some parks in the city of Spokane Valley are Balfour Park, Browns Park, Castle Park, Edgecliff Park, Mirabeau Point Park, Sullivan Park, Terrace View Park, and Valley Mission Park. Mirabeau Point Park, Myrtle Park and Sullivan Park are part of the Spokane Centennial Trail, which is approximately 37 miles long and borders Spokane Valley on the west. This is a paved trail and is ideal for walkers, runners, and bikers. It also offers horseback riding in designated areas.

There are also three state parks in the Spokane Valley area: Columbia Plateau Trail, Mount Spokane State Park, and Riverside State Park. These parks are open throughout the year and feature cross-country skiing, kayaking, fishing, snowshoeing, and hiking. Visitors can view many kinds of wildlife in the Spokane Valley parks, including deer, elk, ravens, quail, and hawks. For fishing enthusiasts, there are lakes and rivers teeming with bass, bluegill, bullhead, catfish, and trout.

EVENTS

• Lilac Bloomsday Run: This annual 12k race, held in May, features tens of thousands of runners, walkers, and other participants, including those in wheelchairs, assisted wheelchairs, and strollers.
• ArtFest: This three-day outdoor arts and crafts festival is held each June.
• American Music Festival: This festival celebrates music each July 4th at Riverfront Park.
• ValleyFest: This community event takes place in September to celebrate the culture and history of Spokane Valley.