Weary city dwellers have long found solace in journeys to the back country. But now, weary city dwellers crave the “front country,” too. Rick Hastings, of Spokane, a community planning and design professional, describes the front country experience this way: “Instead of hopping in your SUVs and driving to the country, you put on your running shoes or hop on your bike and go around a greenbelt, a lake or a river.”

The focus on urban front country coincides with several trends. As Americans get older, they seek out outdoor experiences closer to their own front doors. Boomers trading their suburban homes for downtown lofts make decisions based on urban walking paths and green spaces.

Getting to urban front country doesn’t require much gasoline or time, both in short supply these days. And some studies have correlated suburban living with diminished cardiac health. Urbanites simply walk more.

Beauty is an essential component of front country. A walk around a polluted lake or a bike ride along a stinky river offers minimal solace. And front country needs to offer stunning views, just as back country does.

The Spokane region and many North Idaho communities, especially Post Falls and Coeur d’Alene, are in enviable positions to grow in tune with the front-country movement. Spokane’s “Near nature. Near perfect.” slogan reflects this. But the challenge will continue to be preserving front country while expanding the housing and business opportunities surrounding it.

This balancing act requires collaborative planning and citizen involvement.

There are plenty of opportunities for both in the Inland Northwest right now. The Downtown Spokane Partnership, for instance, is updating its downtown plan. Protecting scenic views is a major focus. The city’s shoreline master plan is under renovation, and preservation of river views is an essential component there, too.

Spokane is also retooling its master bike plan to make urban streets compatible with front-country riders. And in Post Falls, residents and leaders are collaborating on their “Smart Code” planning process. It acknowledges the importance of housing, retail, city centers and “the desire for not just open space, but open space that is functional, beautiful, managed, and preserving of natural assets.”

And as part of the dam relicensing process, Avista Corp. will be required to release water from its dams from 10 a.m. until just after sunset in summer months. This will keep the beauty of Riverfront Park alive during the dog days. If you are old enough to remember the railroad tracks and the obstructed, grimy views of the river downtown, pre Expo ‘74, then you remember what the lack of front country does to a city’s image.

The Inland Northwest still has time, and space, to preserve its urban green spaces, views and quality of life. Put on your city walking shoes and get involved.