Greenbelt is a go

COEUR d’ALENE — Sherry Robinson bikes often on the North Idaho Centennial Trail from her Mill River home to downtown Coeur d’Alene.

It’s already a beautiful ride with views of the Spokane River, but it’s about to get even better.

A plan to create a greenbelt, almost a quarter-mile long, near Riverstone Park was announced Friday.

It will benefit the entire area, said Doug Eastwood, chairman of the North Idaho Centennial Trail board. Work could begin this year.

“We all win on this one,” he said to about 15 people gathered near the trail at Riverstone.

Robinson agreed.

“I think it’s awesome,” she said. “The connectivity and beauty he’s talking about just makes my heart warm.”

Eastwood said the greenbelt will go from Riverstone Park east to Beebe Boulevard. It will include lush, green grass, trees, irrigation, landscaping, 40 parking spots and a railroad roundhouse with interpretative signage in a tribute to the area’s history with railroads.

It will replace an area of weeds, rocks, patches of dirt, yellow grass and a short, paved section of trail.

The Centennial Trail crossing at Beebe Boulevard will also be re-aligned from its sharp 45-degree angle to a straight, safer crossing of the road.

Long-term goals are continuing the greenbelt west to Huetter and east to Coeur d’Alene, “potentially becoming over one mile long that meanders along the Spokane River and Lake Coeur d’Alene,” Eastwood said, adding it would be a great addition to Idaho’s 23-mile Centennial Trail corridor.

"The benefits are endless on that,” Eastwood said.

The project is the result of a cooperative effort between the city of Coeur d’Alene, Riverstone LLC, and the NICT foundation. All own land, side by side, where the greenbelt plan will be developed and all have agreed to the combined use of their properties.

A key player is Rob Bloem of Stancraft Development, Eastwood said.

Last year, Bloem submitted a plan to the city’s Planning and Zoning Commission for a commercial and residential development, “Mahogany Lane,” west of Beebe Boulevard by the Spokane River in the Riverstone subdivision.

Bloem told the city he would add the greenbelt to his project, but Eastwood said two conditions had to be worked out: Riverstone LLC and the foundation had to grant an easement across their properties.

They did, and that was finalized on June 28.

Bill Greenwood, city parks director, said the project has long been discussed and only recently came together.

“We’re all here today and it’s going to happen,” he said.

He noted that with the completion of Atlas Waterfront Park and planned additions of commercial docks for recreation businesses on the Spokane River, it’s creating a spectacular stretch.

“It’s part of that vision of how all the pieces are coming together,” he said.

The project could begin this year, but more likely next year.

Greenwood praised Bloem for his willingness to work with them. He said initial talks began about a year ago and the greenbelt’s estimated price tag has risen to about $750,000.

“He’s still willing to do the job,” Greenwood said. “Kudos to Rob and his team.”

Tabitha Kraack, NICT executive director, said she was excited for what the greenbelt means for future events, such as art exhibits or farmers' markets could be held there.

“A great place to bring the community together,” she said.