Rathdrum council OKs further study on downtown park

RATHDRUM – A natural park tied to historic properties in the center of downtown Rathdrum took a big step toward reality last week, when the City Council told City Planner Chris Riffe to continue looking into the potential for, and the feasibility of, future public use options in the area.

Riffe’s study included a look at the history of the project, an overview of the property itself, a list of potential public uses, issues facing development, infrastructure concerns and an agenda for action.

Renewed focus on development of the park, long of interest to city officials, has grown recently due to the consideration of the Masons to sell their building and the announcement that the adjacent historic 1890 Kootenai County Jail will undergo a $650,000 restoration.

The potential park site includes four pieces of property. Riffe, who in November unveiled a “Central Park Feasibility Study” examining the project, said much of the area remains in its natural state, and is close to downtown area and adjacent historic properties – all of which are potentially available for use by the public. The major portion, more than 10 wooded acres, is owned by Lakeland School District; Rathdrum/Westwood Historical Society holds title to the jail site; a level, vacant parcel is owned by the city and the Masons own the Masonic Hall.

Referred to as “Heritage Park” by longtime supporter George Holcomb, and others, the area has long been considered to be “a jewel in the rough.” The idea of a community center and the promotion of activities focused on culture, heritage and the arts, was included in the city’s 2002 comprehensive plan and the idea of developing the area into a park and events center was presented by the Gem Community Advisory Committee in 2004.

In an evaluation of a central park in 2006, the Parks and Recreation Commission determined the development of other park facilities, as outlined in the parks plan, were of higher priority than development of the downtown park, but stated, “It is of high priority to work toward the planning and future development of a park in the area.”

Although Parks and Recreation Director Lance Bridges said the project was not listed as either a short-term or long-term goal in the recently completed parks plan, it is included as a potential site and the plan does encourage development of the area for “a future community center and nature trail purposes.” Bridges is supportive of the idea. “It is a beautiful area. It would give residents the chance to enjoy nature inside an urban area, and add historical value to our community,” he said.

The 2006 evaluation included a list of potential uses for the property, envisioning a “natural passive park.” Identified uses included walking trails, snow hills for sledding, nature information trails, Frisbee golf, a picnic area, amphitheater and playground. An earlier list, developed by the Gem Committee, outlined a broader use, including: using the area for community events such as Rathdrum Days, the Fall Festival, concerts, carnivals, large picnics, summer day camps and a public market.

In addition to the uses suggested by these earlier groups, Riffe’s report also forwarded the idea that development of the area could address challenges currently facing the downtown area, including: additional parking, development of a community or civic center, expansion needs of city hall, improvement of downtown traffic circulation and expansion of the downtown core.

The Central Park Feasibility Report concludes careful planning, phased development and taking a “holistic” approach would enable the city to take advantage of existing opportunities, develop infrastructure and obtain financing. Developing an overall plan, the report continued, would result in the acquisition of key properties and ensure any action taken would not conflict with long term goals.

With the go-ahead from the city, Riffe said he and other city staff will begin taking “baby steps” toward working on short-term actions that will fit in with any long-term plans as they are developed. One of those first steps, as discussed by the council, will be to pave Second Street from McCartney to Gray Street and to pave and widen Gray Street. These improvements were seen as beneficial to the city’s traffic circulation patterns for the downtown area even if the parks is not developed.