SPOKANE, Wash. – River Park Square parking garage facility usage dipped slightly during October, but remained strong year-to-date posting number that bested last year’s count through the first 10 months.

October usage at the facility adjoining the regional shopping, dining and entertainment center totaled 60,141 car parks. Revenues also were off slightly in October, dropping 1.42 percent from the same time a year ago to $147,572.

More than 614,000 cars have parked in the facility through the first 10 months of the year, a 15 percent increase over 2000 as River Park Square heads into its busiest season. Gross revenues during the same period also continued to grow, climbing 19 percent to $1.5 million.

Much of the October slowdown in the River Park Square parking garage facility usage occurred during the first half of the month before it rebounded. Activity at the facility showed a strong upward trend during the second half of the month.

Despite last month’s usage slowdown, River Park Square is preparing for a busy holiday season, beginning with the opening of “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” and continuing through the end of the year. Advanced tickets have been on sale for more than a week at AMC Theaters in River Park Square.

Santa’s arrival on Friday, November 23, featured a Harry Potter theme, pictures with Santa and several smaller holiday events, also will make the season fun and exciting at River Park Square.

“We are looking forward to a busy and exciting holiday season at River Park Square and in the garage,” said Bob Robideaux, project director. “In addition to the wonderful collection of shopping, dining and entertainment, we have several celebratory activities planned that families will really enjoy. There will be something for everyone.”

River Park Square and surrounding downtown businesses serve a regional market of more than 1.7 million people. The new retail center has generated more than $6.2 million in tax and fee revenues for the City of Spokane and services located in the city, has created and retained more than 1,100 jobs, and has served as a catalyst for downtown revitalization. Since River Park Square opened, nearly $350 million in new downtown construction projects have been announced or moved forward.