Edwidge Woldson Park — Attraction in Spokane

Edwidge Woldson Park—formerly Pioneer Park—is one of Spokane’s most cherished urban escapes, perched on South Hill and offering sweeping panoramas of the downtown skyline. Named in honor of Edwidge L. Woldson after a transformative gift in 2010, the park is a blend of scenic beauty, historical richness, and community vitality.

From the moment you arrive at 525 W 7th Ave, you’re greeted by expansive lawns that crown the hill, an ideal spot for laid-back picnics, frisbee sessions, or simply basking in the sun. On one side, manicured flower beds and shaded groves offer a softer, calmer environment perfect for quiet reflection. The best feature, however, is the elevated vantage point: downtown Spokane spreads out below, framed by distant peaks—especially spectacular at sunrise and sunset.

But it’s the Moore‑Turner Heritage Gardens adjoining the park that instill the greatest sense of timeless charm. These Arts & Crafts–style terraces—complete with a rose garden, perennial plantings, tea house, pond, and historic basalt retaining walls—trace their origins to the late 1800s. Abandoned after the 1940s, they were meticulously restored between 2005 and 2007 through dedicated community efforts and funding, including a major gift from Myrtle Woldson honoring her mother Edwidge.

Today, strolling through the gardens feels like stepping back in time: the gentle curves of stone stairways, the scent of old-fashioned roses, the creak of timber pergolas. A casual...

Nice big grassy area on the north end, hilly trails (including the Tiger trail) with benches to the south, with a strip of driveway/parking lot in between. Great views at the southern plateau end of the park, HOWEVER use caution on foot as the Tiger trail gets very steep close to the top with some steps missing/uneven. There are no other trails that to take to...

The docent was very informative. This is a 1915 period garden. Beautiful rock retaining walls, pergolas, large old trees, perenial & annual garden, water garden aka pond, rose garden which blooms in June. No hand rails in order to keep its restoration original. So it is difficult to hike up & down the steps and slopes in the gardens tiered areas if you...