Historic Well #1 Repurposed for Aquifer Education

Press Release Spokane, WA – May 11, 2003

HISTORIC PRESERVATION – AQUIFER APPRECIATION & EDUCATION

On Wednesday, May 12, 2003 at about 10:30 a.m., Spokane will have the start of another view to the unrivalled Spokane Valley – Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer.   With the help of a crane, Pasadena Park Irrigation District #17 is pulling the Well No. 1 pump through the peaked roof of the 1931 “Hansel & Gretel” Pump Building.  This event is in preparation to develop the site as an Aquifer Education/Interpretive location.

This cooperative effort is part of the Spokane Aquifer Joint Board’s Wellhead Education Program, and is possible in part due to an education grant from the Department of Ecology.

The original 1931 Pump House is scheduled to be refurbished and will house informative materials, and provide an actual view of the Aquifer, our sole source of drinking water in this area.  Once complete, the site will be available to educators, school groups, and citizens of all ages. Also, the West Valley School District Outdoor Learning Center is located nearby and Well No. 1 will become a part of that educational experience.

All interested parties are welcome to witness this dramatic and historical event.  Well No. 1 is located on Upriver Drive, one block west of Argonne Road, at the NE corner of Upriver Drive and Marguerite.   For further information please call: Kathleen Small, Manager, Pasadena Park Irrigation District @ 926-5535.

The photo shows Well #1 Interpretive Center in 2006.  View More photos.

From Left to right are Jim Lahde, Lee Mellish, Reanette Boese, Rusty Widman, Kathleen Small, and Mary McIntyre.