BLACK BAY VISIONS
"The city of Post Falls will be working on the beautification project in Black Bay Park by adding more ADA accessibility including a paddleboard launch and a wheelchair accessible path to overlook the river," Post Falls Chamber President Christina Petit said. Black Bay is pictured here in 2019.
LOREN BENOIT/BJNI File
Citizens participate in a vision session for Black Bay Park at City Hall in December. Presentations will be held today at 3:30 p.m., 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. at City Hall on the park plan that’s being developed. Public input will be taken. Courtesy photo
Adding more benches and improving the trails in Black Bay Park in Post Falls has been a desire of residents. Many also want the park's natural features to be preserved. (LOREN BENOIT/Press)
One concept for the future of Black Bay Park is to possibly eliminate the lower parking area for greenspace. (LOREN BENOIT/Press)
More group shelters are also included in the city's concept designs for Black Bay Park. (LOREN BENOIT/Press)
By BRIAN WALKER
Staff Writer
POST FALLS — When it comes to shaping the future of Black Bay Park, the adjective "surgically" has been used when describing possible improvements.
Preserving the natural qualities of the 56-acre site from Third Avenue to the Spokane River at the end of Bay Street has been paramount during early public input sessions, said Bryan Myers, Post Falls' parks manager.
"Activate without overpowering," said Myers, reciting one of the major themes emerging from the park's vision plan that's in the works.
Presentations on the concepts for the park will be held by consultant Civitas at 3:30 p.m., 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. today at City Hall. The team will also be available for an open house in the rotunda between presentations. Public input is welcomed.
"It is important that our citizens and those who enjoy Black Bay Park have a voice and help shape how this park develops," Myers said. "Black Bay is one of those gems that North Idaho offers. It is an exciting opportunity for our city to engage in shaping how it will continue to serve generations of residents and visitors as a truly memorable place to gather."
Myers said protecting and showcasing the park's wooded, natural and rocky terrain has been a strong desire expressed by residents.
Another theme is to build on the looped-trail system that offers more opportunities for social interactions.
"Provide a common ground for people of different walks of life to connect," Myers said.
Myers describes the concept as a "water walk" that would provide a boardwalk-like experience. Vistas along the trail would provide panoramic views of the river.
Another desire is to provide safe places to enjoy, as much of the shoreline has been kept in its natural state.
All of the concepts call for enhanced signage, an improved park entry, benches, group shelters in select locations and a sledding area.
Other suggestions have included incorporating the iconic Ford Rock water tower into the design, public art displays, restoring vegetation to prevent erosion and relocating the existing maintenance facility to allow for the lower parking area to be greenspace.
The park has paved trails that tie into the Centennial Trail, fishing access, scenic views of Black Bay and the Spokane River, shelter areas, a looped trail, two parking lots, a basketball court and two lighted tennis courts.
The upper portion with the courts along Third Avenue has a different feel than the largely natural lower part.
The luxurious "Amway house" — formerly owned by an Amway executive — is across Black Bay from the park.
Earlier feedback for the park's vision plan came from neighbors and during the city's Winterfest celebration in December.
Myers said the city's 2012 parks master plan provided general direction for how Black Bay should be improved, but it didn't look at the park holistically.