Jess Roskelley Boulder
In February 2020, the Jess Roskelley Foundation approached the City of Spokane Parks & Recreation Department with a proposal to create an artificial climbing structure in Riverfront Park — Spokane’s premier public space and a hub for outdoor recreation. By fortunate timing, the Parks Department had already begun work on the Ice Age Floods Playground and Recreation Area, a new destination that would feature multiple artificial climbing boulders and walls.
During the pandemic construction slow-down, the Foundation collaborated closely with the Parks Department to design and secure the perfect location for the “Jess Roskelley Boulder.” An ideal spot was chosen at the east entrance to the park, ensuring high visibility and accessibility. The boulder was completed and officially opened to the public alongside the Ice Age Floods Playground in the summer of 2021.
A Park with History
Riverfront Park was originally transformed from railroad yards and an old warehouse district for Expo ’74, Spokane’s environmental world’s fair. Over the decades, it has evolved into one of the city’s most beloved public spaces. In 2014, voters approved a bond measure — with over 67% support — to fund the Riverfront Park Master Plan, a visionary redevelopment shaped by the Park Board and community input.
One of the plan’s centerpiece projects was the Ice Age Floods Playground and Recreation Area. Designed by Bernardo/Wills Architects PC in partnership with ID Sculptures, Inc., the space blends recreation with education, featuring climbing walls and boulders that mimic the dramatic basalt formations and coulees carved by the ancient Lake Missoula floods. The area offers playground equipment, open green space, a skate park, basketball courts, and opportunities for climbing — inspiring both children and young adults to explore, move, and learn.
The Jess Roskelley Boulder now stands as both a climbing challenge and a tribute — honoring Jess’s spirit, his love for the outdoors, and his deep roots in the Spokane climbing community.
Jess Roskelley Boulder Major SponsorsThe Great PNW Michael & Kendra Mauer Chris & Michelle Kopczynski Spokane Mountaineers Allison Roskelley Greenstone Corporation Rendle Family Foundation Lowa Boot, LLC Lukins & Annis Paul Fish J. Hutchins Corporation VF Foundation VF Outdoor, LLC Johnston-Fix Foundation Spokane Parks Department
Thank you to all our sponsors!
