SPOKANE, Wash. — The Trust for Public Land announced that Spokane ranked 36 out of 100 on the 2026 ParkScore index, dropping several spots behind the 2025 ranking, which was 33.
Trust for Public Lands ranks public parks based on the following factors:
- Park access measures the percentage of residents living within a 10-minute walk of a park.
- Park equity compares per capita park space and 10-minute-walk park access in communities of color vs. white communities and in low-income neighborhoods vs. high-income neighborhoods. Park systems score higher if disparities are minimal or non-existent.
- Park acreage is based on a city’s median park size and the percentage of city area dedicated to parks.
- Park investment measures park spending per resident.
- Park amenities assesses the availability of seven popular park features: basketball hoops; off-leash dog parks; playgrounds; splashpads and other water-play structures; sports fields; recreation and senior centers; and restrooms.
Overall, the index uses these five factors to evaluate park systems in the 100 most populous U.S. cities, according to Trust for Public Lands.
Spokane ranked 36 due to “excellent marks for public access,” according to the report. Trust for Public Lands said more than 85% of Spokane residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park, which is above the average percentage of 76%. The city also received high marks for park amenities. However, due to the decline in park investment, the city dropped from 33 to 36…