After 12 years, the Nishinomiya Garden became reality in the spring of 1974. Various garden elements have been artistically placed in an asymmetric, strolling pond style, creating a beautiful garden in the Japanese tradition. This garden provides an intimate reminder of nature, inspiring tranquility, and peace. An excellent place for meditation. It symbolizes the friendship of Spokane and its sister city, Nishinomiya. In 2004, the garden was ranked 24th from more than 300 public Japanese gardens by The Journal of Japanese Gardening. The garden is open daily from 8:00 am to one half hour before dusk, from April 1st through November 1st. The Friends of Manito would like to thank the Inland Empire Water Garden & Koi Society for all the many knowledgeable volunteers which have helped maintained the pond's reflections.

Duncan Garden was originally called the Sunken Garden. The garden became 'sunken' when Manito's first superintendent, Charles Balzer, hauled out 42,500 wagon loads of loam that were used in the gardens of all the city's parks. The formal garden was designed and built in 1912 by John Duncan, Manito's second superintendent. The garden was designed in a classical European Renaissance style with bilateral symmetry, a central water feature, and geometrical planting beds. The garden spans three acres and includes manicured turf areas and a vast display of colorful annual bedding plants. There are more than 20 plants species in the garden, including traditional varieties as well as the latest hybrids available.

The center of the garden is highlighted by a large granite fountain that was the gift of Mrs. L. M. Davenport in memory of her late husband who was a member of the park board for many years. The fountain is made of 'Mt. Airy' light gray granite, surmounted by a bronze feature representing three swans. In 1941 the garden was renamed to honor John Duncan, park superintendent from 1910 to 1942. To celebrate Manito's centennial, a gazebo was constructed at the south end of the garden.

To learn more about getting married at Duncan Garden, please read Wedding Policy for Manito Park and Gardens.

Rose Hill was first conceived by John Duncan before his retirement, but actually developed in the late 1940s as a joint venture between the Spokane Rose Society and the Spokane Park and Recreation Department. The central gardens now hold 150 varieties of hybrid tea, grandiflora, floribunda, and miniature roses. To the west of the central garden is a collection of old-fashinioned roses. A pergola at the north end of the garden honors the late photographer Erna Bert Nelson, a generous supporter of Spokane parks. The sundial nearby is dedicated to the memory of Jacob and Ward Wortman, the sons of Mr. & Mrs. R. Jackson Wortman. A new pergola was built in the centennial year with the funding from The Friends of Manito and the Spokane Rose Society.

Rose Hill is an "All America Rose Selections" display garden, and has become one of the chief horticultural attractions of the Inland Northwest.

Named for longtime Park Board member Dr. David Gaiser, the Gaiser Conservatory greenhouses constitute one of the most popular sources of enjoyment for park visitors. The greenhouses contain tropical, sub-tropical, and temperature plant specimens from around the world. Beautiful flowering displays are changed seasonally. The Conservatory is open to the public, free of charge, throughout the year. Hours are:
Summer
Memorial Day to Labor Day
8:00 am to 7:00 pm

Fall
September and October
8:00 am to 5:00 pm

Winter
November to April
8:00 am to 3:30 pm

Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's and Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Frequently closed on Wednesdays for pest management.

Joel E. Ferris was a devoted and respected Park Board member for many years before he became ill and resigned in 1960. After he died, his fellow board members chose to name the perennial garden north of the greenhouses in this honor. the culmination of may years of evolution, this garden contains more than 300 plants species and provides an excellent example of the tremendous variety of colors, textures and flower types that can be found in perennials. Beginning in the early spring with bulbs and primroses, the floral display continues into late autumn with beds of asters. The perennial bedding space was quadrupled in 1996.

This road allows vehicles access to several majestic views and the Rose Garden during non-winter months. The picturesque stone bridge, built in the early 1930's reflects the same stone architectural style seen in many of the park buildings built in its early years.

The present Duck Pond was originally a natural lake called Mirror Lake that used to dry up during the summer months, until a concrete retaining structure was built to keep it full throughout the year. It was large enough to accommodate canoes that could be rented on site. A dance hall was located on the bank of the lake and open air motion pictures were shown nearby from 1905 to 1907. Today, the pond is a favorite gathering spot for ducks, geese, and families alike. In 1955, a natural basalt rock fireplace was erected at the west end as a memorial to Lt. Lawrence Rist, an Force officer killed in action during the Korean War.

The Manito Park Playground was originally established by the first superintendent of the park, Charles Balzer, in the early 1990s. At that time, the city did not provide money for equipment, so Superintendent Balzer procured power poles for swings. The playground has been completed with a softball diamond and playground equipment that makes it a favorite gathering spot for children in the warm months.

Located next to the Rotary Club Picnic Shelter at the 18th and Grand entrance, this play area accommodates the older kids and well as the little toddlers. Plenty of tables for afternoon snacks and shade for the adults.

The Rotary Club Picnic Shelter, located in the large picnic grounds area near 18th and Grand, was built in 1961. It was a gift from the Rotary Club of Spokane to the city in commemoration of the Club's 50th Anniversary. The shelter contains fire pits, charcoal grills, and picnic tables for public use.

In 1912, John Duncan obtained 128 named lilac cultivars from Rochester, New York. This marked the beginning of the Lilac Garden. Today, the Lilac Garden contains well over 100 named cultivars from 23 distinct species, making it one of the most important lilac gardens in the West. In 2003, the Spokane Lilac Society made a contribution to Manito Park for an extension of the garden that is home to Syringa vulgaris 'Spokane,' a lovely new double pink lilac.

Located in the northwest corner of Rose Hill, the Dahlias Trail Garden is one of 8 trial gardens of the American Dahlia Society in the United States.
Contact the Inland Empire Dahlia Society for more information. It is a treat to visit in August and September.

Originally called the Peanut Shack, this building was built in 1923. Its original purpose was to provide refreshments for zoo visitors, and peanuts for the monkeys. The zoo was a popular attraction from 1905 unit its demise in 1933 - a casualty of the Great Depression. Other zoo residents included buffalo, elk, bobcats, cougars, bears, and deer. The Parks Department now provides a variety of sandwiches, salads and treats for your enjoyment. Summer hours 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.