Getting Around

by Ann M. Colford


Getting around Downtown is made a little easier with help from the Downtown Spokane Business Improvement District (BID). An EasyPark dollar-off validation coupon from participating merchants will take $1 off the cost of parking in lots or garages and on a transit ride. To begin with, there are lots of places to park, with more than 7,400 spaces at more than 50 parking locations Downtown. And after 5 pm -- and all day on Sunday -- the cost to park is only $1 with EasyPark validation.


Currently, 64 Downtown businesses participate in the EasyPark validation program by handing out an EasyPark validation coupon whenever a customer makes a minimum $20 purchase. The coupon is good for $1 off the cost of parking at participating parking facilities: the River Park Square Garage, the Parkade and Parkrite, the Bank of America Garage, the Lincoln Garage, the City Ramp Garage, Parking West, all Diamond lots and all AMPCO lots. An EasyPark coupon is also accepted as a fare on an STA bus.


And even if visitors overstay their time at a Downtown parking meter, they may get a pleasant surprise. For those who park on the street during the holidays, parking tickets can transform the spirit of giving into the spirit of the Grinch in a moment. But the BID and the City of Spokane will continue the Courtesy Ticket program, which was inaugurated successfully three years ago. During the holiday season, about 1,400 Courtesy Tickets will be randomly distributed in place of standard parking tickets to shoppers who linger a bit longer than the parking meter allows. The program educates parkers about parking alternatives to the meters. So make it easy on yourself and park without any worries at any of the conveniently located garages or lots.


In addition, as our way of wishing you a happy holiday, the BID will hand out 6,000 additional dollar-off parking coupons at various holiday activities to be used in conjunction with EasyPark validation on the shopper's next visit Downtown.


This is Downtown's way to say thank you to customers for visiting.





Clean and Safe


Downtown Spokane is safe for visitors as well as workers, and the Security Ambassadors help make that a reality through their visible presence day in and day out, ensuring that Downtown is safe and friendly.


Security Ambassadors enhance the Downtown Spokane area by serving the businesses and patrons of Downtown with all of their security needs while providing valuable hospitality services. They are easily recognizable and are trained to assist in situations of all types -- from directions or a lost visitor to a street disturbance to a medical emergency. Security Ambassadors are present to help shoppers, diners, workers and visitors enjoy Downtown Spokane.


Even the Downtown Clean Team is getting ready for the holidays by changing out holiday lights, removing glass etching on business windows in order to get them ready for the holiday displays, plus getting ready for snow and ice removal from the crosswalks.


Downtown is both clean and safe for you to enjoy the holiday season!