Takin' it outside

POST FALLS - It was the final nail in the deck.

With the natural, wooded area of Q'emiln Park as a majestic backdrop to outdoor weddings and other large gatherings, the city of Post Falls for several years has wanted to build a deck behind the Trailhead Shelter facility.

Enter Badger Building Supply and Trex to make that wish a reality.

The businesses donated $16,000 worth of materials for a 2,233-square-foot deck with a railing near the boat launch and trails.

"This project wouldn't have happened without their help," said Dave Fair, Post Falls parks and recreation director. "It has been on our radar. We had debated about just putting a cement pad there."

Fair said the deck will allow for more events that otherwise may not have been held at the facility in the past due to size limitations and a lack of outdoor amenities.

"It's already becoming popular," Fair said, adding that there has been a lot of interest in holding more events at the site due to the new deck. "Even though there's parking right next to the facility, this is still very private (in the back)."

Mike Flock, manager of Badger's Post Falls store, said helping was a natural for the business.

"It helps the park and it's good for the city, especially when you think about how often the facility is used," Flock said.

Margaret Petersen, Trex sales representative, said her company was pleased to be a part of a community project.

"We get to be a part of bringing families together," she said.

City workers provided the labor for the project, which would have cost about $70,000 if it had been done by a construction company and without the donations, Fair said.

Fair said the city envisions having bench seating on the deck and wireless Internet at the facility in the future. He added that landscaping around the deck would also be nice, but that depends on when an irrigation system can be constructed.