Tue., July 16, 2013

Your input needed on Spokane County Regional Trails plan

In Spokane, we live by the motto "near nature, near perfect." A key component is the power of our recreational trails. Trails can facilitate active lifestyles that eventually lead to a healthier community as well as attracting visitors.

But there's work to be done. We have gaps, missing links and more trails to build.

This is where you can help.

The Regional Trails Plan (Plan) was first adopted by the Board of County Commissioners in 2008 after a collaborative effort that included the Inland NW Trails Coalition, Spokane County, the National Park Service, and other local jurisdictions. The Plan lays out five strategies to connect Spokane County with a network of significants trails:

Centennial Trail Improvements
Fish Lake Trail Connections
Urban Connections
Rails to Trails
Connecting Parks and Neighborhoods

Please, take the time to fill out this survey for the Spokane County Regional Trails Plan Update.

After the jump, check the history on the trails plan from Inland NW Trails Coalition board president, Lunell Haught.

Trails are a high priority for Spokane County, as community needs surveys demonstrate that trails are the most used and desired facility. When line-item budget cuts meant that the Spokane County Parks, Recreation & Golf Department couldn’t move forward with the development of a non-motorized trails plan, the Inland Northwest Trails Coalition (INTC)—with nudges from the Spokane Regional Chamber of Commerce (now Greater Spokane Inc.) and the Bicycle Alliance of Washington—stepped in.

The nascent coalition of trail supporters recognized both the ripe opportunity to create a regional trail system and the need for leadership, and decided this would be the new INTC’s inaugural project. Over the course of three years, the Spokane County Regional Trails Plan was drafted by citizen members and friends of the INTC in conjunction with the National Parks Service, Bicycle Alliance of Washington, Spokane County Building and Planning, and Parks, Recreation and Golf and adopted in 2008. It has provided guidance for jurisdictions and agencies in developing and maintaining trails and been critical in securing more than $7,000,000 in funding for trail and conservation areas.