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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Spokane Valley residents share desires for trail future

Spokane Valley held a public meeting to solicit input for a master plan that will guide the design of the rest of the Appleway Trail last month.

Construction on the next phase, from Sullivan Road to Corbin Road, will begin in spring.

About 25 people participated in the open house where they were asked what they would use the trail for. Most answered exercise, followed by recreation and transportation.

City staff also asked participants for new ideas that could be incorporated in the final design of the trail. Some suggested a separate bike path, shelters along the path, more frequent security patrols and signs that identify plants and bushes along the trail.

At Tuesday evening’s City Council meeting, Steve Worley project manager and senior engineer, said the city is trying to respond to some of the criticism that’s been leveled at the first part of the trail.

Worley said the city had to compromise on some design elements because it lacked funding.

“We wanted to get a minimum done so people could begin using the trail,” Worley said, “and we hear people say it doesn’t look as nice as they would like it.”

Among improvements on the next stretch is new top soil and grass, which Worley said will make the trail look better.

Councilman Mike Munch wanted to know if the trail eventually would have grass all the way – instead of the somewhat barren and weedy areas along the first part.

“It takes irrigation,” Spokane Valley Parks Director Mike Stone said. “It’s up to the council to decide to pay for that.”

Participants at the Oct. 19 meeting submitted input as part of group exercises. Those answers are being compiled, Worley said, and they will be available soon.