Manito Park

 (English Garden)

 (Japanese Garden)

(Bear Rock)

 (Secret Place)

This oasis is a BIG part of what sold our family to buy the yellow house.  I'm sure you could google Manito Park and see some really good pictures.  Even looking back at my pics that are great, don't do it half as much justice as you experience in person.

First, it is only 3 short blocks down 18th street from our house.  Bonus feature, you will walk right past Rockwood Bakery on your way to the park and they have AMAZING treats.

When you cross Grand Blvd, at a cross walk that stops traffic only driving 20 mph, you are immediately in the peace of the park.

The park is made up of several smaller themed areas.  There is the Japanese Garden, the Butterfly Garden, the Lilac Garden, the Rose Hill Garden just to name a few.  Our FAVORITE is the English Garden that is located by the green house where they grow and sell various plants.

Each area is a perfect backdrop or focal point for a photo.  (As you can see from the few I have posted)

Second, there is several places you can have events or parties at.  I have seen a puppy adoption party (basset hounds), a couple of early morning and afternoon workout groups, a dog training class, a drum circle (you read that right!) and even role playing groups (they had shields and swords!!!).  Not to mention the shelter house that's rentable for birthday/graduation/gender reveal/retirement parties that I have witnessed.

Third, the history of this park is captivating.  The designer of the Manito is the same guy that designed Central Park in NYC.  Back in the day, it even had a zoo with animals in it.  Unfortunately, the zoo wasn't properly set up for longevity and the animals are no longer residents.  But there is remnants of the ghost zoo.  We went on a "Bear Hunt" to find the rock that they had chained the bear too.  FOUND IT!  The hook is still there.

Finally, there is the future this slice of heaven.  We have heard that the hills in this park are PERFECT for sledding down in the winter.  We have dreams of doing just that with our kids and friends followed by hot chocolate at the bakery before returning home to warm up by the fire.

Now that I've tempted you with just one small gem of Spokane, let me know when you are wanting to visit.  I can promise that Manito Park will be on the must see list.