Spokane Park Gets New Irrigation to Cut Water Waste
Spokane residents will see trenching and restricted west-side access at Cannon Hill Park while the new system goes in.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Landscaping
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Crews installed a new irrigation system at Cannon Hill Park in Spokane, cutting off access to the park's west side during trenching. The project is funded by the voter-approved Together Spokane initiative.
Why it matters
The city says Cannon Hill Park is the least efficient water user among city parks and golf courses, using about 2 million gallons per acre per year versus 450,000 gallons per acre per year at city golf courses. The upgrade targets that gap and is intended to cut water waste for Spokane taxpayers and the city's water budget.
Cannon Hill Park, a man-made pond park on Spokane's south hill, uses 25 million gallons of water per year, or 2 million gallons per acre. City golf courses use 450,000 gallons per acre per year by comparison.
The players
City of Spokane
The city government that manages Cannon Hill Park and its water systems, including the city's parks and golf courses.
Together Spokane
The voter-approved initiative that is funding the irrigation and pond work at Cannon Hill Park.
The details
Crews dug trenches to lay the new irrigation lines, which is why the west side of the park is currently cut off from access. The city says the system will reduce water waste and cut the need for daytime watering. A complete pond renovation with a new fill system is scheduled for next year, so the water upgrades are happening in stages.
Timeline
Fall 2026: crews install the new irrigation system at Cannon Hill Park.
Winter 2026: the park restroom is closed for the season, while the playground remains open.
2027: pond renovation and new fill system construction is slated.
The Home Front
The park's water-use gap is measured against city golf courses, which the city's own figures put at 450,000 gallons per acre per year. For Spokane homeowners, the project reflects how the city is weighing irrigation costs across its public green spaces.
If you have a home sprinkler or irrigation system, check your own water use and schedule, since the city's park data shows how much irrigation can matter. Hire a licensed irrigation contractor for any system work, since trenching and line connections are not a do-it-yourself job.
The takeaway
Irrigation efficiency can vary widely across public spaces, and the city's comparison shows how much water a single park can use. Check your own sprinkler timing and consider a licensed irrigation professional for any system changes.
What happens next
A complete pond renovation with a new fill system is scheduled for 2027, which will bring further changes to the park.
Further reading
For more on how yards and public green spaces are watered and maintained, see Landscaping.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KXLY 920 News Now (KXLY AM).
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