Heritage Project

Riverfront Park - Expo ‘74

A design that has significantly contributed to Spokane’s quality of life.

In the 35 years since Expo ’74, countless residents and visitors have enjoyed Riverfront Park.  Built elements of the park include the Clock Tower, Pavilion, and Looff Carrousel, which have become symbolic of the city, and the grounds continue to evolve with new additions such as the interactive Rotary Fountain built in 2005.  Most important, the park frames Spokane’s most iconic feature, the Spokane River.

History/Formation of Riverfront Park

In 1959, Spokane’s downtown had declined because of suburbanization and industrial development.  Business leaders formed Spokane Unlimited to revive the central business district and in 1963, urban planner King Cole was hired to implement a badly needed downtown revitalization program.  Discussions with hundreds of stakeholders convinced Cole that a park at the falls of the Spokane River was needed to preserve the city’s natural heritage and ensure downtown’s future as the heart of the Inland Northwest. Over the next decade, Cole overcame many obstacles, such as convincing reluctant railroads to donate their downtown properties for the Riverfront Park land.

In 1970, Spokane wanted to celebrate its centennial and a consultant suggested that Spokane try for a worldwide fair. At that same time, concerns over the pollution of the Spokane River surfaced and mining companies were convinced to stop discharges into the water.  The two movements came together in an environmental theme for the fair.  In December 1970, the project became Expo '74.  As President of Expo ’74, Cole continued his tireless work, traveling around the world to convince distance nations to host exhibits at the fair. 

Cole has noted that “at least twelve miracles” had to happen in order for Expo ’74 to become a reality.  After many years of hard work and many of King Cole’s miracles, President Richard M. Nixon opened the fair on May 4, 1974.  After it closed on November 3, 1974 the fairgrounds became Riverfront Park and the fair buildings were converted to a convention center, an amphitheater, and an opera house. 

Riverfront Park is currently the single most significant asset that makes downtown a highly desirable place to be and in which to invest.   Future opportunities include high quality downtown living overlooking the park and a science center on the north bank of the park.   

Thanks to King Cole and his contemporaries’ vision and leadership, Expo ’74 left a legacy that has greatly enhanced Spokane’s quality of life while creating a link to the past and a foundation for the future.