Council tackles landscaping in Appleway Trail project

Spokane Valley is getting ready to tackle yet another part of the Appleway Trail project.

This time it’s the landscaping of the trail from Sullivan Road to Tschirley Road. The City Council decided last year to pursue a design concept that divides the trail into four segments with four themes:

Starting at Tschirley Road the theme is Spokane Valley’s geological history; from Sullivan to Evergreen it’s Spokane Valley’s cultural heritage; from Evergreen to Pines it’s Spokane Valley Growth and Agriculture, and finally from Pines to University the theme is Spokane Valley’s future.

The themes will include features for children to climb on and explore, as well as interpretive signs and displays.

The total project funding available is $2,130,000 with $813,000 coming from the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office, $970,000 from the Washington State Department of Commerce and $347,000 coming from Spokane Valley as a grant match.

This part of the trail crosses Conklin Road, Steen Road, Flora Road and ends in a trailhead at Tschirley.

Welch-Comer Engineers and Bernardo Wills Architects have been hired to design and execute the project.

Representatives from both companies said special attention was given to making the crossings safe for pedestrians.

Safety features included extra lighting and in the case of Flora Road, a bump out at the crossing, as well as a pedestrian island.

At the Tschirley trailhead there will be 12 parking stalls and a restroom installed.

The City Council gave Parks and Recreation Director Mike Stone the green light to move ahead with the project.

The final design will be submitted in May, with bid opening in June and construction beginning in July.