Where we stand on Tubbs
Because of recent news coverage of the proposed McEuen re-design project, its potential impact on Tubbs Hill, and the issue of increased use by those with disabilities, we wish to clarify our stand on two specific aspects of that plan, as well as re-affirm the position stated in our earlier letter of Jan. 13. The two issues are the proposed trail on the upper north face of the hill and the availability of access to Tubbs for those with disabilities.
Our mission statement states in part that we are "dedicated to the preservation of Tubbs Hill as a unique and natural lakeshore forest typical of North Idaho, while providing for compatible public use of this unique place." We believe that this statement, although ruling out the proposed trail on the north face, allows opportunities to create ease of use elsewhere on the hill that would allow individuals with disabilities to enjoy the hill.We previously indicated our opposition to additional man-made structures on the hill, and further stated that any changes to McEuen that impact Tubbs Hill should be compatible with the natural state of the hill. We stated our opposition to the sledding hill and the artificial streams or fountains at trailheads, but did not specifically state our opposition to the proposed trail on the upper north face of the hill. Since then, our preliminary research and on-site inspections have convinced us that construction of such a trail, as conceptualized in the McEuen plan, cannot be done without disrupting the natural state of the hill. On that basis, we would oppose such a trail.
Our earlier letter also affirmed our support for increasing access to Tubbs Hill for those with disabilities. It stated: "We wholeheartedly support accessibility for all." Certainly "compatible public use" includes use of the hill by the entire public, including those who have a disability.To that end, we re-affirm our willingness and desire to work with the city and others to see that such increased ease of use is developed. We believe there is at least one viable alternative that would provide access for the disabled, access that would be far more desirable aesthetically than the proposed north face trail overlooking McEuen Field. It would also provide a richer experience for those with disabilities who would use it.
It is our belief, furthermore, that the issue of providing more user friendly access to Tubbs Hill is a separate issue from the re-design of McEuen Field and should be resolved in a separate process. Both the re-design of McEuen and providing increased access to Tubbs are complex issues, and deal with two separate entities. Consequently, they should be dealt with separately.We appreciate the emotional nature of this entire process and the diverse issues and opinions involved. We believe that a resolution can be found that will be acceptable to the members of the disability community, the Tubbs Hill Foundation, the general public at large, and we hope, the city. The Foundation supports the vision of Tubbs Hill that is more user friendly for all members of our community while preserving the natural state of the hill. We again express our willingness to be a partner in making that vision a reality.
The Tubbs Hill Foundation BoardPresident: Peter Luttropp
Board members: Evalyn Adams, Julie Clark, Barb Crumpacker, Ron Edinger, Barbara Fillmore, Chuck Hosack, George Ives, Jennifer Johnson, Ken Roberge, Nils Rosdahl, George Sayler, Mark Weadick, Linda Wright, Barb Zimmer