Nestled along the Spokane River in the heart of Riverfront Park, the Sister Cities Connections Garden is a living symbol of international friendship, cultural exchange, and global understanding. The garden honors Spokane’s long-standing relationships with communities around the world through art, history, and shared values.
The garden officially opened in September 2019 through a partnership between Sister Cities Association of Spokane and the City of Spokane Parks & Recreation Department. It was thoughtfully created on the historic site of the former Japanese Pavilion from Expo ’74, Spokane’s internationally recognized World’s Fair that celebrated environmental stewardship and global cooperation.
Designed as a peaceful gathering space, the garden features curved blue-green pathways symbolizing the rivers that connect Spokane and its Sister Cities to oceans around the world. Throughout the garden, visitors experience public art installations and cultural landmarks that celebrate Spokane’s international partnerships and the enduring power of people-to-people diplomacy.
Connection Garden Sculptures
Spokane’s oldest Sister City relationship began with Nishinomiya in 1961. The garden features a half-scale illuminated replica of the historic Imazu Lighthouse, designed by Spokane architect Don Trail. The lighthouse stands as a beacon of peace, partnership, and decades of educational and cultural exchange.
Jilin City was welcomed as a Sister City in 1987. Inspired by China’s nine dragon walls, the two dragons are chasing a flaming pearl and represent our two Sister Cities. Encapsulated between the two glass mosiacs are handwritten blessings and well wishes from the Spokane community collected while the bench was in progress during the summer of ’24, the year of the Expo ’74 50th anniversary celebration, which was also the year of the dragon. Sculpture created by Spokane, WA artist Mallory Battista.
Limerick became a Sister City in 1990. A beautiful Irish harp sculpture was created by renowned Spokane, WA artist Sister Paula Mary Turnbull, best known locally for creating the beloved Garbage Goat sculpture during Expo ’74. The harp includes music composed by Limerick musicians, allowing visitors to experience Irish culture through both art and sound.
Jecheon, South Korea has been a Sister City since 1999. Traditionally, in Korea, Sot-Dae are geese that serve as village guardians and messengers between the villagers and the gods. The Sot-Dae can master three environments (air, land and water). They fend off evil spirits and protect the village against natural disasters and epidemics. Bill and Karma Simmons, of Spokane, WA created this art.
Cagli, Italy is our newest Sister City recognized in 2016. This marble monument is dedicated to the courageous Italian families who emigrated to American and the Pacific Northwest. Monument was created by Italian artist Ettore Gambioli.