Residents Join Protest Of Arterial Plan Neighbors Cite Concerns About Impact From Traffic In Riverside State Park

Thu., Jan. 21, 1999

By Mike Prager mikeprager15@gmail.com (509) 459-5454

A group of residents living north of Airway Heights has joined the ranks of neighbors opposing a Spokane County plan for urban connector arterials.

Several opposition groups have formed since the county engineer’s office started talking about building arterials around the suburban edge of Spokane.

On Tuesday, residents living along Old Trails Road and Seven Mile Road submitted a petition with 242 names on it.

They said they are not opposed to transportation improvements, but they fear the connector would damage the tranquility of Riverside State Park.

Donna Robins, who lives along Old Trails Road, said the route preferred by the county would cut through a section of Riverside State Park west of the Spokane River near the old Camp Seven Mile.

“It’s a grandiose plan,” Robins said. “The park - it’s constantly under attack.”

Robins said she is among several horse-riding enthusiasts who live near the park and object to the arterial plan.

The route would use Hayford Road, Trails Road, Old Trails Road and Seven Mile Road.

On Tuesday, the Spokane County Commissioners approved a report to the state seeking grant money for arterials, including improvements to Bigelow Gulch Road.

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