Spokane County announced the summer closure of Liberty Lake Regional Park due to major upgrades, according to a press release.
Liberty Lake Regional Park spans 3,591 acres and offers diverse landscapes, including wetlands, lakeshores, montane forests, and irrigated lawns. It is also an ORV park and features a seasonal campground and extensive day-use picnic areas. Due to significant renovations set to enhance the park’s amenities, the facility will not be open for day use until the end of September.
As reported by The Spokesman-Review on May 2, Doug Chase, director of Spokane County Parks, Recreation and Golf, addressed county commissioners, outlining the delay in construction, which has pushed the projected completion date to late September.
The renovations at Liberty Lake are part of an improvement plan initiated in 2018. The plan aims to enhance the park facilities across over 3,500 acres. This summer’s construction marks the first phase, with the county dedicating approximately $3.8 million to these upgrades.
“We had planned to have substantial completion done the first week of June. We now are literally looking at construction to go through the entire summer,” Chase said.
The planned improvements to the beach area include installing two new shade structures, replacing outdated restroom facilities, and constructing a 177-foot floating dock. This dock will feature an accessible kayak launch and designated fishing areas, along with updated lighting, landscaping, and stormwater management systems.
Adjacent to the beach, the park’s gravel parking lot will undergo significant changes. Approximately $700,000 of the project budget has been allocated to pave the lot and add new striping, signage, and lighting, the press release indicates.
In addition to the park renovations, JR Construction of Post Falls, the contractor responsible for the park’s upgrades, will also begin work on Zephyr Road.
During the park’s closure, access will be restricted to individuals who have made prior reservations for the park’s shelters, campgrounds, RV sites, or cabins. The county has assured that full refunds will be available should visitors choose to cancel their reservations due to construction activities.
The ongoing renovations at Liberty Lake Regional Park offers valuable lessons for RV park owners and campground operators, particularly regarding customer communication and infrastructure improvement strategies.
The proactive approach of Spokane County in outlining the scope and timelines of the renovations sets a benchmark for transparency. They maintain trust and goodwill with their clientele by clearly communicating with potential visitors about construction delays and offering full refunds for any inconvenience. This is especially important for parks and campgrounds, which rely on seasonal visitors and repeat business.
Additionally, for owners considering future proposals, integrating visitor-centric amenities could elevate their service offerings and distinguish their facilities in a competitive market.