Hundreds Contribute to Beautification of City Core
Spokane, WASH. (May 4, 2026)- Spokane, Wash. – Downtown Spokane Partnership (DSP) is proud to share the results of its annual Spring Clean Week, held April 27 through May 1, 2026, in preparation for the 50th running of the Bloomsday Run. The weeklong initiative mobilized volunteers and community partners to refresh and beautify downtown Spokane, ensuring the city center was ready to welcome thousands of runners and visitors.
This year’s effort brought together 116 volunteers, who contributed an impressive 245 hours of service. Participants represented a wide range of community organizations and businesses, including The Spokane Club, Spokane County Assessor’s Office, Columbia Bank, Cornerstone Construction, ALSC Architects, Quality Inn Oakwood, Brazen, and The Community School with professional power washing support from The Bright Side.
The collective impact of Spring Clean Week was both visible and substantial:
- 1,996 plants installed throughout downtown
- 32 sidewalks refreshed and cleaned
- 53 bags of litter collected
- Place of Truths Plaza power washed
- 13 walls and 14 viaduct pillars painted, reducing graffiti and enhancing public spaces
- 200 linear feet of floral displays installed for Lilac Lane, celebrating Spokane’s iconic lilac heritage
“Spring Clean Week showcases what’s possible when our community comes together with a shared sense of pride and purpose,” says DSP president and CEO, Emilie Cameron. “From planting nearly 2,000 flowers to restoring public spaces, these efforts help create a clean, safe, and vibrant downtown experience for everyone.”
There is still time for community members and businesses to get involved by sponsoring a downtown planter. What began as just 20 planters along Main Avenue ten years ago has grown into nearly 200 sidewalk planters and hanging baskets maintained annually throughout the Business Improvement District. The DSP’s Clean Team cares for these installations all spring and summer long, helping create a welcoming environment for all who live, work, and visit downtown.
“Downtown is a neighborhood,” says DSP placemaking manager, Eddie Castillo, “and we want to treat it like our front yard, making it a warm and inviting place to be.” Community members are encouraged to help grow this effort by sponsoring a planter for the suggested donation of $50. More information can be found at downtownspokane.org here.
The DSP extends its sincere appreciation to all volunteers, partners, and sponsors who contributed their time and energy to this important annual tradition.