City Installs New Irrigation at Cannon Hill Park
Crews are installing a new irrigation system at the south Spokane park, which uses the most water per acre of any city park.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Landscaping
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Crews installed a new irrigation system at Cannon Hill Park, a south hill park with a man-made pond located a few blocks west of Manito Park. The project is funded by the voter-approved Together Spokane initiative and is intended to reduce water waste.
Why it matters
The city states the park is the least efficient water user among city parks and golf courses, consuming 25 million gallons per year. The new system is projected to reduce water waste and the need for daytime watering in Spokane.
Cannon Hill Park uses 25 million gallons of water per year, or 2 million gallons per acre, roughly four times the 450,000 gallons per acre used at city golf courses. The stub provides no projected savings figure for the new system.
The players
Together Spokane
A voter-approved city initiative that funds public infrastructure projects in Spokane, including this irrigation installation.
City of Spokane
The municipal government that owns and operates Cannon Hill Park and reports its water-use figures.
The details
Crews dug trenches for the new irrigation system, cutting off access to the west side of the park during construction. The playground remains accessible, while the park restroom is closed for the winter.
Timeline
Fall 2026: Crews install the new irrigation system at Cannon Hill Park.
Winter 2026: The park restroom is closed for the season.
2027: A complete pond renovation with a new fill system is scheduled.
Landscape Context
Funded by the voter-approved Together Spokane initiative, the project applies that measure to water efficiency in one of the city's largest park water users. It shows how the city is directing public funds toward reducing water use in its parks rather than only in its golf courses.
Spokane residents who use Cannon Hill Park should expect the west side to be inaccessible while trenches are dug. The playground stays open, but the restroom will be closed through the winter.
The takeaway
Public park water systems can be a significant share of municipal water use, and efficiency upgrades are one way cities can reduce it. Residents interested in similar projects can follow city budget and park planning updates.
What happens next
A complete pond renovation with a new fill system is scheduled for next year at Cannon Hill Park.
Further reading
For more on yard and park planning, see Landscaping in the Spokane home section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KXLY 920 News Now (KXLY AM).
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