Manito Park
The Parks and Recreation Department maintains Manito Park’s 78 acres of native and cultivated landscape and 20 acres of world class botanical gardens. Comprised of five major garden areas, the Nishinomiya Tsutakawa Japanese Garden, Duncan Garden, Rose Hill, Lilac Garden and Ferris Perennial Garden, Manito Park is nationally recognized for its diverse horticultural displays. In 2007, Rose Hill was named number one in the nation by All-America Rose Selections (AARS), a nonprofit association dedicated to the introduction and promotion of exceptional roses. Manito Park was officially established in April 1904, and has evolved from an undeveloped recreational area with a few flower beds, picnic spots and a zoo to one of Spokane’s primary showplaces. Other Manito Park features include: the pond, a favorite of those who enjoy watching ducks and other water fowl; the Park Bench Café, open in season for light meals; Loop Drive and Bridge offering majestic views of the Rose Garden; Upper and Lower Playgrounds – a favorite gathering spot of children; and the large basalt rock office building constructed in 1912. Central to the Park is the Gaiser Conservatory where beautiful flowing displays change seasonally.
Interested in volunteer work or other support of Manito Park?
The non-profit organization, the Friends of Manito (TFM), is a community organization whose mission is to participate in the responsible preservation, development, and promotion of Manito Park and gardens to seek a balance between community and nature to plan and implement educational and recreational activities for its membership and the general public to secure a financial base for its projects through annual membership and fundraising. Members work to accomplish this mission in cooperation with the City and its surrounding community.
There are many ways to be involved with The Friends of Manito and Manito Park. Volunteers are needed every year to help plant and raise the perennials for the annual plant sales, to put on various educational programs, to help give tours in the park, or help with the Holiday Open House. From joining us at our “Sunday In the Garden” programs, to working on a committee or becoming a member of the Board, The Friends of Manito would like to have you as an active member.
For more information please go to Friends of Manito.
Mirror Pond in Manito Park
The pond in Manito Park, originally a natural lake called Mirror Lake, would dry up during summer months. To prevent that a concrete base was eventually installed and as the pond then stayed full year round, canoes could be rented on site. From 1905-1907 a dance hall was opened on one side of the pond and open air movies were shown nearby. By tradition, people have brought bread to Mirror Pond to feed to the ducks and other water fowl. Over time this has created an artificial food supply that is attracting well more ducks that the pond’s fragile ecosystem can support. Feeding ducks not only encourages the ducks to stay longer than they should, but creates an unhealthy environment with the potential for spread of disease. Parks and Recreation staff members along with The Friends of Manito are currently working on a proposal to determine the best alternatives to renovate and improve the water quality at Mirror Pond. The public can help by not feeding the ducks so as to sustain a fun and safe environment for all who use the parks.
