The trouble with Tubbs

Like it or not, change may be headed to Tubbs Hill.

Some of the majestic mound's most ardent supporters wish nothing more than the mildest of modifications to a trailhead or two. Here's why we don't think that's realistic, or ideal: The trails themselves need work to be accessible to more people. And if Coeur d'Alene doesn't take the initiative to make it so, we're concerned one way or another, the federal government eventually will.

We have heard from many residents, from those in wheelchairs to others who have age-induced difficulties with vision and balance, that they would love to travel Tubbs' trails, but can't. Some can't get trailbound to begin with, while others fear they'll fall on narrow or declining portions of the path, possibly plummeting to serious injury or even death.

The City Parks Department confirms that in its conversations with National Park Service officials, the city's been told "if you can [make Tubbs Hill more accessible] you should do it." All citizens are guaranteed accessibility to outdoor public recreation resources by The Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965, and the Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits "discrimination on the basis of disability" to anything which receives federal financial assistance.

Practically speaking, there's little concern that the federal government will force the city to make changes to trails on Tubbs, but it's logical to believe they'll bring pressure by withholding important federal grants until the trails are ADA compliant. If it's approved next week, the city's McEuen Park master plan will address those access issues. But even if that plan is not approved, the work still may need to be done, come feds or high water.

We understand the appeal of a pristine Tubbs Hill, as close to the way Mother Nature designed it as possible. We love to hike it ourselves. But we're convinced the trail could be made much more accessible without concrete or asphalt, without slashing and gashing into all that serenity. Slight but important alterations to existing trails - including one on the north face - could make a world of difference to potential visitors without scarring the natural aesthetics. Because it's city property, it belongs to the people; not just those who hike it routinely, but those who can only look up at it from a distance, knowing its treasures are out of their reach.

Whether or not Tubbs Hill meets the legal standards set out by federal law may be a matter of dispute. But even if it isn't illegal, it's immoral that the city would own and maintain a recreational resource that is open to the able but not to the willing.