Thornton Murphy Park
4.4(448)4.4 out of 5 stars, 448 reviews Spokane, WA
About Thornton Murphy Park
Thornton Murphy Park is a highly-regarded community park offering extensive amenities for families, children, and even dogs, with a strong emphasis on outdoor play and relaxation. Its unique value lies in its abundant natural shade, variety of recreational facilities including playgrounds and a splash pad, and ample space for picnics and larger gatherings. However, a significant drawback is its unreliable reservation system for facilities like gazebos, which can cause frustration and spoil planned events.
What parents should know
Summarized from real visitor reviews.
Best for: Family outings with young children (toddlers to elementary school-aged).Picnics and BBQ gatherings.Birthday parties for younger children (with caution regarding gazebo reservations).Playdates with multiple families.Enjoying a sunny day with ample shade.
Why families love it
- Park is very well-kept by the city, indicating good maintenance standards.
- Abundant large trees provide significant natural shade, making it comfortable even on sunny days.
- Features a popular splash pad (also referred to as a water feature) that kids love, especially on hot days.
- Offers a wide variety of activities including playgrounds (slides, swings), basketball courts, BBQ pits, and softball fields.
- Seems to be a safe environment, with many parents and people around.
- Accommodates families with dogs, making it a good spot for pet owners.
Insider tips
- If planning a birthday party or event requiring a specific facility like a gazebo, be aware that the reservation system is flawed; consider arriving very early to secure your spot regardless of a confirmed reservation, or have a backup plan.
- Do not rely solely on phone assurances regarding reservations; expect no physical signs to mark reserved areas.
- Bring your dog, as the park is welcoming to them.
- Utilize the ample shade provided by large trees, especially on hot days.
- Bring picnic supplies and BBQ items to make use of the dedicated spots and pits.
- Visit in the evening to enjoy cooler temperatures and watch kids play.
Good to know before you go
- Planning critical events that rely heavily on the city's reservation system for specific facilities without an alternative strategy or very early arrival.
- Expecting reserved gazebos to be clearly marked or enforced by park authorities.
- Expecting flawless greenery in all areas, as some spots may be drier.
- The park's reservation system for facilities like gazebos is highly unreliable and poorly managed by Spokane Parks and Rec. Parents have paid for reserved slots (e.g., $50 for 4 hours) only to find them taken by others due to a lack of clear signage or enforcement.
- There are no signs to indicate reserved areas, leading to confusion and potential conflict among park users.
- Crowds
- The park is frequently 'teaming with people,' especially kids, indicating it can be quite busy and popular.
- Value
- The park itself is free to enter and use for general activities. Reservation of specific facilities like a small gazebo costs $50 for a four-hour slot, which offers poor value due to the system's failure to ensure the reserved spot is available and marked.
- Food
- Outside food is allowed and encouraged, with dedicated picnicking spots and BBQ pits available for public use.
- Accessibility
- No specific accessibility accommodations mentioned in the reviews, but as an outdoor park with pathways, it's generally assumed to be accessible to some degree.
- Safety
- Perceived as 'fairly safe' due to the constant presence of 'parents around,' implying a high level of informal supervision by park-goers.
What parents say
"Great park for families and kids, certainly DOGS.... Nice picnicking spots here as well..... LOTS of big trees for shade. BBQ pits, playground, basketball courts and softball fields are available and plenty of parking in the lot and along the street. Nice park. Great place and well kept for the city parks."
a year ago
"The rating is not for the park itself but the joke of a "reservation" system in place by Spokane Parks and Rec for events. My four year old's birthday party was almost ruined due to the small gazebo being taken up by another family (not their fault) because they came there early. We paid $50 for four hour slot but didn't get the gazebo as reserved. We were told over the phone that there would be signs set up but apparently that's not a thing If clearly there's a reservation system in place and you're charging us for it, there should be signs, something to suggest that this little area is rese"
2 years ago
"Great little park to watch the grandkids play in the evening. Plenty of shade, splash pad, basketball courts, swings and playgrounds"
a year ago
Reviews sourced from public Google data.
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