Waterfront park planned in Post Falls

POST FALLS — A dock, beach and picnic area are envisioned for a future park along the Spokane River in Post Falls.

The Bureau of Land Management is seeking comments on a conceptual plan for its undeveloped 2.5-acre site on the north side of the river along Maplewood Avenue just east of the Riverside Harbor subdivision.

"Ross Point (the general area of the site) is one of the few remaining public access points on the Spokane River for recreational activities," said Mitch Owens, BLM outdoor recreation planner.

"Our goal is to work with our partners (such as the city of Post Falls, Kootenai County and Avista Utilities) and neighbors to create a well-maintained, fee-free family day-use site."

The dock would be used for fishing or to tie small boats to, Owens said.

The plan also includes two pavilions — one overlooking the river — a retaining wall to prevent erosion, pathways, parking, restrooms and access gate.

The site is open to the public, but is undeveloped.

"Whenever I go down there, there seems to be folks who are swimming and fishing," Owens said, adding the site has just one picnic table, a kiosk and trash can.

Owens said the hope is to finalize a design this fall and start construction next year. BLM has about $100,000 to apply toward matching funds. He said BLM and other government agencies plan to apply for state grants.

Owens said it could cost as much as $900,000 to develop the park, but it will likely cost less as some aspects like parking could be scaled back based on public input.

Owens said BLM is working with Post Falls on future maintenance of the park.

"It will become a Post Falls city park," he said.

The Bureau of Reclamation formerly used the site to pump water out of the river. The pump house was removed several years ago.

Comments are being accepted through July 31 via e-mail at blm_id_ross_point_recsite@blm.gov or by mail at: BLM Coeur d'Alene Field Office, attn: Mitch Owens, 3815 Schreiber Way, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83835.

Owens said another comment period will be held on the final design of the site.

For more information, visit http://bit.ly/rosspointrecsite or call Owens at 769-5015.