New trail nearly finished

COEUR d’ALENE — Two-thirds done.

But volunteers are needed to finish the project off.

The city of Coeur d’Alene is looking for able-bodied helpers to complete the upper trail at the new Canfield Mountain Park, 2305 E. Mountain Vista Drive, at the end of Shadduck Lane above the Copper Ridge subdivision.

So far, volunteer work has been the sole contributor to the trail-building effort since the city was denied a grant for the project around three years ago.

That effort has put in around $30,000 worth of labor — the amount of the grant —and could complete the project this spring with enough help, said Monte McCully, city trail coordinator.

“It’s taken a little longer,” McCully said. “It’s taken us three years, but we’re doing it at no cost to the city.”

A number of different helpers — from Boy Scouts to retired forest service personnel — have designed the trail and finished putting in one mile so far.

They’ve even included nearby storm drains and little bridges in the design.

But around a half mile is still to go.

Volunteers can help polish the project off this weekend.

Anyone interested should show up at the park either or both days at 8:30 a.m. Helpers should bring a Pulaski tool if they have one, or a wide hoe.

Water will be provided, and volunteers are bringing hot dogs and buns for a lunch barbecue.

For more information, call McCully at 292-5766.