The Course Spokane Valley

The City, in partnership with Spokane Sports, has completed initial construction of a premier cross country running venue on property bordering Flora Road and state land along the north shore of the Spokane River.

The Course text with blue swish serving as logo
Rental Information 
The Course Spokane Valley is operated by the Spokane Valley Parks and Recreation Department. Learn more about renting the venue.


Benefits of a Premier Cross Country Venue

The Course is a dedicated cross country venue designed to host all sizes of events with the flexibility to support additional recreational activities in the off season that may require a similar outdoor space. The Course can host middle school, high school, collegiate, post-collegiate and master’s level cross country events for local, regional and national athletes. It was designed to support 5K, 6K, 8K and 10K races. 

The Course sits on 46 acres of Spokane Valley park property at 2520 N. Flora Road in Spokane Valley. The City is partnering with Spokane Sports to program the venue. 

Check out this short video that describes why athletes, coaches, parents and runners of all ages are excited about this new venue.

Course Development

The City began construction on the venue in September 2024 and completed the initial amenities in October 2025. The first phase buildout includes a specialized grass course, restrooms, bus loop, finish line arch, and a small parking area. Cost was about $7 million. Current secured funding includes:

  • $6.9 million in lodging tax revenue from the City of Spokane Valley
  • $150,000 Washington State Legislature capital appropriation (2024 legislative session)
  • $26,000 Union Pacific Foundation grant (awarded to Spokane Sports)
  • $282,464 Washington State Department of Commerce grant (awarded to Spokane Sports)
Aerial view of course path, clubhouse and parking area applied on typography of area.
COURSE MAPSEVENTS - The Course Spokane Valley has been selected to host these premier events in 2025 and 2026:

Rendering of future clubhouse at cross course venue.Property History and Future Plans

The City acquired the 46 acres at Flora Road in 2020 with the assistance of a Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program $1 million acquisition grant. An additional 16 acres of land owned by Washington State Parks provides a buffer between the city's acreage and the Spokane River. Construction of The Course has allowed the City to meet a key stipulation of the 2020 acquisition grant – that development at the site occur within five years (as required by state Recreation and Conservation Office policy). The site's natural terrain includes grassy meadows, rocky outcrops and a patchwork of hundred-year-old Douglas Fir. Runners will enjoy peeking views of the adjacent Spokane River as they wind their way through various turns. City staff are working with Washington State Parks to secure future access to the state-owned land along the shore of the Spokane River for additional park acreage.

A second phase of construction (as funding is secured) will include a fieldhouse, more restrooms, enhanced parking, food truck court for concessions, and crow’s nest for event announcements. Combined, these facilities will enhance Spokane Sports' ability to bid on and secure the hosting of future NCAA and other priority-level competitive events. 

Growing sports tourism

A cross course venue was identified in the city’s Tourism Strategic Plan in August 2023 as the most favorable tourism asset for development in regard to return on investment. The Spokane region has a growing reputation as a sports-minded community with The Podium opening in 2022 and One Spokane Stadium in 2023. The Course Spokane Valley is an investment by the City of Spokane Valley to create a destination sports venue that will attract thousands of visitors annually. Construction of a premier cross course venue will position the City to benefit from increased sports tourism. Area hotels, restaurants, retail shops and other businesses supported through tourism will see additional business from visiting teams and event attendees. Through independent research and discussion with regional and national coaches as well as sports governing bodies, Spokane Sports has identified 35 national and regional events that could be hosted at the cross country venue in Spokane Valley over a three-to-five year period.

Cross country runners complete a race at an outdoor venue.

About Spokane Sports

Spokane Sports strives to distinguish the Spokane region as a leader in sports event development, marketing and tourism. The organization takes pride in positively contributing to the prosperity of the region – striving to make a difference and leaving a lasting impact on communities. Through event management, the organization supports athletes, coaches, officials and fans with an unparalleled level of service and expertise. 

Spokane Sports has been tasked with providing facility consultation, optimization and technical assistance to city staff and other consultants as they embark on efforts to design and construct a cross country complex at the Flora Park site. Spokane Sports will support the marketing and management of events at the facility after construction. Services provided by the organization include sports event development and recruitment; travel and housing coordination; event promotion, media, and marketing; event logistics and management; financial support and incentives; management of athlete experience; and facility development and advocacy.


Contact Us

  1. Mike Basinger

    Community and Economic Development Director
    Email Mike Basinger

  2. John Bottelli

    Parks & Recreation Director
    Email John Bottelli

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