Riverfront Park - I Remember When! 05/19/2021
I usually go on a weekly walk with my cousin to catch up and get some fresh air. I also just so happened to need to do some location scouting for an upcoming photo session, so I decided to kill two birds with one stone. As I was going over photographs over the last two years, I was reminded of some evening shots I took at Riverfront Park. There were some nice images of the carousel, clock tower, pavilion and the river. The park would make a great location for my next photo shoot! I needed additional photos to beef up my portfolio.
My cousin picked me up and we headed down to the park. The last four years I have been somewhat preoccupied with school, so I haven’t spent much time at this hometown jewel. I was amazed at all of the changes that have taken place! Some of the new features I have previously enjoyed, but some I wasn’t even aware of. When we got to the pavilion, I was surprised to see a catwalk had been built as well as amphitheater seating. There is also a large open space for concerts and performances.
The Pavilion has had many reiterations over my lifetime. This area was once a trainyard, and the clock tower was part of the original train station. In preparation for World Expo ’74, Riverfront Park was created. I was in first grade in 1974 and a have a few memories of that year. I still have my Expo pass packed away somewhere.
I recall purchasing jumping beans and a wooden mouse pin with leather ears and purple rhinestone eyes from the Mexico exhibit. I also remember the Mormons had an exhibit that you could spot from far away because of the gold-colored statue of Moroni blowing his trumpet on the top of the building.
The Pavilion was also home to an ice-skating rink and carnival rides.
I took some reference photos of my cousin on different platforms along the catwalk in the Pavilion. It was a beautiful day and the park really does offer a beautiful backdrop for photographs. I returned to this area for my scheduled photoshoot and made some really nice images.
I even came back for a night- time shoot. The pavilion is outfitted with colored lights now and is really stunning in the dark.
A week or so later, my family and I hosted some out-of-town friends and I was able to share beautiful Riverfront Park with them. We really are blessed to have this area right in downtown Spokane. It won’t be so long before my next visit!