City Seeks Comments On Airport Upgrades

Airport Manager Darold Schultz talked with locals at the open house hosted by the City of Deer Park.

Improvements to the Deer Park Airport have been in planning for several years. The city has reached the point now of seeking comments as part of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grant funding requirements. Comments will be accepted until the end of October 26th.

Growing demand for the Deer Park Airport has continued as Felts Fields and Spokane International Airports are running out of space to accommodate smaller aircraft. The Deer Park Airport has become the next best option for many local pilots looking for hangar space.

The Deer Park Airport operates on a balanced budget without any additional funds from the city. A portion of the incoming funds results from fuel sold to departing aircraft. However, many aircraft leave Deer Park with a partial fuel load, just to stop in Spokane to purchase the remaining amount they needed.

The Deer Park Airport’s runway and taxiways currently support aircraft classified up to B-II, which limits wingspan, tail height, and approach speeds. The runway and taxiways also have weight limits that prevent B-II aircraft from taking off with full fuel loads.

Changes to the airport layout does not mean larger aircraft will be based at Deer Park, though it is a possibility. Larger aircraft often use more efficient engines that direct less sound toward the ground. It does mean that the airport can better serve the aviation needs of the area, which will result in more jobs within the city limits.

The FAA and the Deer Park Airport’s budget would provide the funding for the improvements. According to the current proposal, once completed, the airport would support C-III aircraft.

The proposed layout for the Deer Park Airport. Click here for the PDF.

Wastewater Treatment Impact
The city uses fields to the south and the east of the runway for spraying treated wastewater. The fields are harvested for animal feed under a contract with the city. As part of the proposed upgrades, the spray fields south of the runway would need to be relocated. The city owns property adjacent to the airport for the purpose of expanding the spray fields to meet future demand for wastewater treatment as the city grows. The relocation of the spray field would utilize a small portion of airport land that will eventually be connected to the spray field expansion area.

Comments & City Council Presentation
The City of Deer Park is seeking comments online. Use the link below to comment by October 26th.

DPGazette.com/noj1s

There will be a presentation at the November 2nd City Council Meeting. Citizen comments are most often allowed at the end of the meeting.

Save The Dates!

Sources:

Preferred Airport Layout PDF DPGazette.com/fbdsy Accessed October 25, 2022
Deer Park ALP DPGazette.com/noj1s Accessed October 25, 2022
Open House October 19, 2022
Deer Park TAC #2 Presentation DPGazette.com/pkwub

Darold Schultz, Deer Park Airport, Federal Aviation Administration, Wastewater Spray Fields

Featured Sponsor

Thank You For Your Support!

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.

Local Scholar Abram J. Lyons Earns Doctorate in Social Welfare

May 26, 2026

Claymont, Delaware — Abram J. Lyons’s family proudly announces that he has earned his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Social Welfare from the University of Pennsylvania, marking a significant milestone in his academic and professional career.

Dr. Lyons began his academic career at Loon Lake Grade School and graduated from Deer Park High School in 2005. He went on to earn his Associate of Arts degree from Spokane Falls Community College and his Bachelor of Science from the University of Idaho before serving as a Peace Corps volunteer in Western Ukraine.

Featured Sponsor

[the_ad_placement id="sidebar"]

Thank You For Your Support!

Share this!

Featured Sponsor

Thank You For Your Support!

Today: City Of Deer Park Budget Workshop

Each year, the city holds a City Budget Workshop for the Mayor & City Council to approve the budget for the following year. While the meeting is open for the public to attend, public comment will not be permitted.

October 11, 2023

Annexations Done & More To Come

Expanding the Deer Park city limits is the result of a recent annexation request that was expedited by the city council. Another expansion is in the works, but moving at a slower pace.

August 31, 2023

Deer Park