City celebrates construction completion of new cross country course

SPOKANE VALLEY, WA - On Oct. 27, 2025, the Spokane Valley City Council, along with project partners, celebrated the completion of construction of The Course Spokane Valley, the city's new premier cross country venue. The completed elements of the project include the grass course 5K, 6K, 8K and 10K loop options, restrooms, pedestrian pathway, finish line arch, parking lot and shuttle/bus drop.

"This is an exciting day! The Course Spokane Valley will not only be a wonderful new park for our community, but will also serve as a catalyst for sports tourism, attracting athletes and spectators from across the country," said Mayor Pam Haley. "The Course will generate important sales tax revenue for Spokane Valley, supporting our businesses and funding essential city services that benefit our entire community."

The Course will host two competitions in November 2025 during the preview season. To allow the new sod to continue to establish, the cross country course and community park will host its first full season in 2026, with a grand opening celebration in the spring and full cross country schedule of invitational and championship events in the fall.

Spokane Sports advised on the course design, guided event layout considerations, and continues to recruit regional and national events that will bring visitors and economic impact to Spokane Valley. Upcoming events include:

"The Course Spokane Valley is a milestone project that highlights the city's commitment to creating facilities that serve residents and attract visitors," said Ashley Blake, CEO of Spokane Sports. "This venue will allow us to host championship-level events while building a lasting legacy for athletes and our community."

About The Course Spokane Valley

The Course Spokane Valley is a dedicated cross country sports venue owned and operated by the City of Spokane Valley. The Course, located within a new 46-acre community park along the scenic Spokane River, will enhance the community and boost the local economy through sports tourism. The Course can host middle school, high school, collegiate, post-collegiate and master's level cross country events (5K, 6K, 8K and 10K races) for local, regional and national athletes, as well as other sports events or community activities in the off-season.

A cross country venue was identified in the city's 2023 Tourism Strategic Plan as the most favorable tourism asset for development in regard to return on investment.

The project was funded with $6.9 million in lodging tax revenue from the City of Spokane Valley, $150,000 Washington State Legislature capital appropriation (2024 legislative session), $26,000 Union Pacific Foundation grant (awarded to Spokane Sports) and $282,464 Washington State Department of Commerce grant (awarded to Spokane Sports).

Construction began in the fall of 2024. The primary contractors are Walker Construction, Inc. and SPVV Landscape Architects.

Learn more at TheCourseSpokaneValley.com.

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Council, LTAC and TPA members and project team cross the finish line

Spokane Valley Mayor Pam Haley speaking

Drone image of The Course