Pool Closure Round Two

The Deer Park City posted to their website the news that due to COVID-19 and state restrictions that the pool would not be opening for its 2021 season. This will be the second year that the pool has been closed due to the pandemic.

This was decided based on a report from Brad Wainwright, Maintenance Superintendent for the Deer City to the Mayor Tim Verzal and City Council stating that he believed that the pool should remain closed for the 2021 season. He wrote about the challenges of meeting the requirements set by the Department of Health (DOH) for opening safely and finding certified trained lifeguards. He states in the memo, ”We are governed at the pool by the Spokane county health department, and we may not know for weeks what their new recommendations will be, this will not give us sufficient time to draft our own covid 19 safety plan, hire staff and give them the covid 19 safety training they will need for us to be in compliance.” The restrictions from the DOH can be viewed here: DPGazette.com/dohwater.

Questions have been raised on social media if this is the right choice to make for Deer Park when other city and county pools in Spokane County are opening. The Mayor currently is not allowing public input during City Hall Meetings, however, some of the community have asked people to contact their elected officials to have their voice be heard. There will be a meeting tonight, June 2nd, 2021, that will include Brad Wainwright’s report for the pool in the agenda.

City Council Meetings

Every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of every month at 7pm.

Meetings can be heard live at:

On your phone by dialing 1-669-224-3412 and using access code 805-100-029. Minutes from past meetings, as well as the current night’s agenda, can be viewed and downloaded at: CityofDeerParkWa.com

Brad Wainwright, COVID-19, Deer Park City Council, Deer Park City Pool, Swinyard Park, Tim Verzal

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New Midway Market Opens Along Highway 395

July 31, 2026

Shoppers traveling along the Highway 395 corridor now have a new grocery and fueling option in Colbert following the soft launch of Midway Market last weekend. The 18,000-square-foot facility houses ten specialty departments, including an artisan bakery, full-service meat counter, and an on-site coffee roastery. Management is preparing for an official grand opening event on August 5 to showcase the full operation to the community.

In Memory of Don/Donnie Gilmore

July 18, 2026

Donald “Donnie” Eugene Gilmore of Deer Park, Washington, passed away on June 12, 2026, at the age of 73. He was born in Spokane, Washington, on August 22, 1952. In 1973, Don enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served on active duty for two years. In 1983, he graduated with a degree in education from Eastern Washington University. Don was a beloved teacher at Springdale Elementary for 25 years. He even got to teach his two sons when they were in the fifth grade (much to their chagrin!). He retired in 2015. Don was married to Denise
Wurz (Lesmeister) from 1983 to 1995.

US 395 Lanes Reopened After Collision Near Monroe Road

June 16, 2026

A traffic collision at the intersection of North US Highway 395 and West Monroe Road temporarily blocked northbound traffic. Emergency crews, including multiple fire units and ambulances, responded to the scene to treat individuals and manage traffic flow. All lanes have since been cleared and reopened to regular traffic.

Roberta Anne Cade

June 12, 2026

Roberta A. Cade, 81, of Deer Park, Washington, passed away on April 19, 2026. Roberta was the oldest of eight siblings, a role she carried with strength, care, and a deep sense of responsibility throughout her life. She will be remembered for her kindness, resilience, and for giving so freely to her friends and family.

Deer Park Kicks Off Summer With Packed Weekend

June 12, 2026

Deer Park area residents can look forward to a busy weekend filled with community events, fundraisers, and live entertainment starting this Friday. Activities ranging from a downtown block party to a charity golf tournament offer something for every member of the family. The multi-day lineup includes local businesses, musicians, and charitable organizations working together to welcome the summer season.

Luitgard Margrete Griffin

June 8, 2026

One of a kind is what most people stated about Luitgard (Margaret), and that is truly what she was! She was born in Bamberg, Germany, to Johann and Betty Wagner, as the second child. She had an older brother, Hans, and a younger sister, Elfriede.

Luitgard was trained as a seamstress in school and worked making men’s suits, among other things. She met the love of her life, Albert Leroy Griffin, in 1951, and they were married on December 6th, 1952.

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City & School Levy Under Investigation

A state investigation is officially underway into the City of Deer Park for the alleged illegal use of taxpayer resources to promote a $14.6 million school levy. At the center of the probe is a potential conflict of interest, as the School District’s plans to purchase city-owned land in the near future hinge on the levy’s passage.

October 20, 2025

Know Your Candidates 5Q For City Council 2025

The Deer Park Gazette posed five questions to city council & mayoral candidates in the upcoming election, including those running unopposed. These questions delve into candidates’ priorities, views, perspectives, approaches, and how personal beliefs have shaped their direction.

September 24, 2025

Deer Park