Bob Young, representing Friends of Manito, updated the Spokane Park Board on the volunteer group’s recent projects and near-term plans during the board’s public meeting.

The Friends of Manito have contributed “over a million dollars to Manito Park,” Young said, and funded repairs and equipment the city needed, including fixing the park fountain earlier in 2025, replacing plexiglass on kiosks and buying a utility tractor for park staff.

The group is funding a multi‑phase boiler replacement for the conservatory. Young said the old boiler was “on its last legs” and the project will install two new boilers so one can serve as a backup. Angel, a member of Manito Park senior leadership, told the board the installation was expected to be substantially complete by November but that one component—the pressure tank—likely will not be delivered until January, delaying the final switch over.

Young described a design now under development to provide an accessible route from the conservatory parking area down to Duncan Garden. He said the plan is a single long ramp that will “mirror” the park’s east side circulation and that an architect and civil engineers helped develop the concept. Young and other board members said the design had been presented to an ADA advocacy group and drew positive response from roughly 80 people who saw the concept.

On events and fundraising, Young said the Friends’ membership totaled 922 and active volunteers numbered about 80, who donated “over 1,000 hours.” He reviewed recent revenue: a late pop‑up plant sale raised “over $12,000,” a secondary pop‑up about $8,000, and last year’s art festival had gross revenue of $25,000 (Young emphasized that was gross, not net). He said the group is exploring a different, smaller artist‑focused fundraising event and other initiatives to increase membership and give educational programming for children.

Young listed potential future projects that may require a capital campaign, including finalizing a budget for the Duncan Garden ADA work, new fencing at the stone bridge to prevent dogs from jumping over a low wall, and a possible pull‑through parking area with three or four lower‑level stalls near Park Drive to improve access.

Board members thanked Young and the Friends of Manito for volunteering and said they appreciated the ADA focus. Angel and park staff said they view the Friends as a “force multiplier” that coordinates volunteer labor, raises funds and works closely with parks staff on preservation and programming.

Young concluded by noting two paid part‑time staff at the Friends—an office manager and a plant sale manager—and by saying the group plans two plant sales in 2026, pop‑up sales, and expanded educational classes.

The board did not take a formal vote on these reports; the presentation was received as information.