Bear Lake Regional Park Phase 1 Master Plan + Shoreline Repair  

Since it was purchased in 1974, Bear Lake Regional Park has been a well-used and well-loved outdoor recreation asset serving Spokane County residents.  In 2021, it became apparent that the rock-filled wire gabion baskets and some of the stairways at the shoreline had reached "end of life," needing to be replaced in the near future.  As such, County Parks installed temporary fencing along the west shore to ensure continued safe use of this area until improvements to restore public access could be designed, funded, permitted, and built.  County Parks retained to design, and Ardurra Engineering to prepare environmental assessments and shoreline permit applications.  The project focuses on making long-term improvements to replace the gabion basket walls and creating universal lake access for visitors. Some additional improvements include ADA parking, a non-motorized watercraft drop off area, a new picnic shelter, and remodeled restrooms.  

Closures & Impacts to Operations

Construction is complete and the Park is open for the summer season!

Project Timeline

The anticipated project timeline described below is subject to change. Please check back to stay up to date on the most current schedule. 

Project Update (New 7/18/2025): 

It was all hands on deck in early May wrapping up construction before the Ribbon Cutting that happened on May 14th to celebrate the official opening of the Park. 

Past Milestones:

• Construction Complete - May 12, 2025
• Ribbon Cutting Ceremony - May 14, 2025
• Full Park Reopening Concurrent with County Wide Park Season Opening - May 14, 2025
• MJ Takisaki was selected as the general contractor and construction began - Spring 2024
• Construction documents and permits prepared - Fall 2023
• Federal Land & Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and Recreation & Conservation Office (RCO) funds were awarded - Summer 2023
• Development of Phase 1 Shoreline Maser Plan and 60% Construction Documents - Spring 2022

Project Budget

Project Funding: 

The project budget of $3,468,323 includes Federal Land & Water Conservation Fund grant award of $1,383,323 matched by $1,580,000 Spokane County REET, and a $5,000 cash donation by Inland Northwest Adaptive Derek Kiehn "Access to Adaptive Adventure" Memorial Fund.  $500,000 additional REET funding was allocated by the Board of Spokane County Commissioners in 2023.

$153,000 from REET and General Funds was used for the for the Master Plan and 60% Design & Permitting documents that were required in order to apply for LCWF and RCO grant funding. 

Documents

Shoreline Repair Focus Areas
 Shoreline Focus Areas 60% Design
 Phase 1 Master Plan - Shoreline Focus 
 Phase 1 Master Plan - Shoreline Focus - Appendices

Project Contacts

Julia Culp, Parks Project Manager | Landscape Architect | [email protected] or (509) 477-6395

Mattie Powell, Parks Project Manager | Landscape Architect | [email protected] or (509) 477-2723