Short and Crawford established the Standard Lumber Company in 1889. In 1892 a permanent structure was constructed, and the Standard Lumber Company became Deer Park's first major employer. Residents in the early 1900's witnessed a dynamic period of expansion in Deer Park. Several drug stores, harness and saddle shop were established during this time. Deer Park has remained a residential, farming, and timber community.
Many tourists pass through en-route to the many lakes and snow skiing areas situated nearby.
The City of Deer Park has participated in the Spokane County Urban County Consortium since 1988 and in that time has successfully completed 10 projects . Additional public services have been provided in the Deer Park area through CDBG funded subrecipients such as Spokane Neighborhood Action Programs , Lutheran Social Services , Special Mobility Services, and the YMCA . For the 2000 program year, the City received CDBG funds to assist in the reconstruction of Colville Avenue adjacent to the local Junior High School. Existing road conditions around the school, coupled with a high rate of traffic during peak school hours posed serious hazards to local residents. This project will widen Colville Avenue and provide pedestrian walkways to increase public safety.