Barker Road access now a dandy

June 14, 2011

The Spokane Canoe and Kayak Club partnered with the City of Spokane Valley to greatly improve the aesthetics and functionality of the Spokane River access at Barker Road.

Barker Road Access

The access point is at the northeast corner of the bridge. When the bridge was reopened last year, the access lane was steeper than anticipated and barren of vegetation. The club and city reduced the grade considerably, made the gravel path easier to navigate, and revegetated the area. Later this year, the Spokane River Forum will work with Riverside State Park to include an interpretive kiosk at this location.

Those trying to use this access can park their vehicles on the bridge or in the Centennial Trail parking lot on the south side. The bridge includes a pedestrian walkway and a parking lane.

In a related development, the Washington Department of Ecology has a capital budget request in for a contaminated sediment capping project immediately upstream of the access area. Ecology expects to know if this budget request receives final approval by the end of June. If approved, this clean up effort will result in improvement to the river bank area that will be highly attractive to those seeking shoreline recreation and angling opportunities.