Trifter

One of my most favorite places to visit is Manito Park located in Spokane Washington’s on the South Hill.  Manito has several gardens, a conservatory and duck pond thousands of people visit and enjoy the park all year round. 

The park entails ninty acres with spacious well kept lawns, a playground area for children, walking and biking paths, flowers, many interesting shrubs and trees, a greenhouse and picturesque gardens among them are Duncan Gardens which has a fountain area and a gazebo.  Often weddings are held in this garden which has a myrid of both annual and perinnal flowers of all types, shapes, sizes and colors.   It has large shade trees and many other events are held in the park.  There is a large picnic area and a duck pond where you see ducks, swans and turtles during the spring, summer and fall months.  You will find Manito Park on the south hill along Grand Blvd.   

Take  I-90 Interstate then go South on Stevens Ave past the Sacred Heart and Deaconess hospitals. Stevens turns into Grand Boulevard and goes right past the Manito Park Entrance. Watch for the large sign on the right after you get up the hill past 14th Ave. Can’t miss it. Parking is available for no charge at the main entrance. Wear comfortable shoes and spend a few hours exploring many park features.

 Pets on a leash are okay and there are bicycle paths for those who love to ride around the beautiful park area.  Don’t forget to bring some bread to feed the ducks and swans which is a source of great delight to

 the delight of adult and children alike.

There are some great picnic areas around the park for families and get togathers and there is a large covered area complete with electricity and sinks for a large gathering such as a family reunion or church activity.  If your prefer to not bring your own food there are several small shops, cafes and coffee spots near the park to find a  good meal.

 The park attendants care for the flowers and grounds all year round.   Beginning in Mid April the spring flowers are put out and or begin to bloom in both Duncan Gardens and the Perinnial Garden area.  By June the Rose Garden is putting forth hundreds of beautiful roses that sent the air.  You can walk along pathways and see the different names of the flowers and roses.   

In the Japanese gardens you enter a gate and will find walkways with bridges, fountains, a gazebo and Koi ponds and ducks on the pond.     It is shaded and well kept and a favorite place for small weddings.    There is also a Lilac Garden and a Delphinium Garden and there is construction underway to create an Iris Garden.  In the Duncan gardens blazes with glory in the fall with mums, asters, sunflowers and many other autumn flowers.   The rose gardens are often still in bloom as well with late blooming roses.    

From Mid November to Mid December Manito Conservetory and Greenhouse put on a light display for the holidays.   People come from all over to see it.  At night is is like a fairyland setting.  

Even in the winter the children in the nearby neighbor hoods come to visit the park and to sled on Manito Parks snowy slopes.     It is a source of beauty and joy for old and young alike all year long.