FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 16, 2024
SPOKANE VALLEY, WA—The City of Spokane Valley is hosting a ceremonial dedication of the new Veterans Memorial at Balfour Park. Veterans and all community members are invited to attend the ceremony at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 24, 2024, at Balfour Park, located at 105 N. Balfour Road, Spokane Valley, across the street from Spokane Valley City Hall.
Military Honors, including a color guard, playing of Taps, 21-gun salute and folding and presentation of an American flag, will be performed at the ceremonial dedication by the Veterans of Foreign Wars (Captain James R. Shively VFW Post 1435), Spokane Area Veterans Honor Guard, Army Honor Guard and University High School Junior ROTC Cadets.
“The new memorial in Balfour Park symbolizes our community’s ongoing respect and gratitude for the bravery and service of all veterans,” said Spokane Valley Mayor Pam Haley. “We are honored to provide this tribute and community gathering space, first envisioned by community stakeholders as part of the Balfour Park Master Plan in 2013.”
The Veterans Memorial was funded by the City of Spokane Valley and State of Washington appropriations championed by Senator Mike Padden, and the design was advised by the Fairchild 141st Air Refueling Wing.
In addition to the new Veterans Memorial, phase one of the Balfour Park Expansion Project is nearly complete. The improvements include new parking, an events plaza, an arcing pathway with utilities for food trucks and vendors, a central plaza with a new park building, pathway lighting, and other site furnishings, such as benches, bike racks, artwork and landscaping. A mini soccer field donated by the Rave Foundation of the Seattle Sounders will be installed this summer. The City is currently applying for grant funding to support the development of phase two of the park, which could include the signature playground and splash pad. The design for the park’s full build-out includes an outdoor amphitheater with a covered performance stage, a large picnic shelter adjacent to the central plaza and park building, and new pickleball and basketball courts.
Learn more about Balfour Park at www.SpokaneValleyWA.gov/Balfour.
MEDIA CONTACT
Jill Smith, Communications Manager
jsmith@SpokaneValleyWA.gov
d: 509-720-5411, c: 509-953-6695
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