Bringing wellness, one mile at a time

COEUR d’ALENE — For author and former Coeur d’Alene Parks and Recreation director Doug Eastwood, more than 30 years after the installation of the North Idaho Centennial Trail, the 23-mile pathway is priceless.

“Today if you try to put a value on it, I don’t think you can put a dollar amount,” Eastwood said. “In 2022, it’s invaluable.”

Eastwood spoke to the Coeur d’Alene Chamber of Commerce Tuesday morning at the Best Western Plus Coeur d’Alene Inn with local real estate agent Danica Gilbert, United Way executive director Mark Tucker and North Idaho Centennial Trail Foundation executive director Tabitha Kraack. They talked about the benefits the trail provides for the community — mental, physical, emotional and economic wellness.

Eastwood authored the book “North Idaho Centennial Trail — the Trail That Almost Wasn’t,” a detailed look at the difficulties faced when installing the trail and the triumph of its completion. The concept caused some division within the community, but supporters prevailed, Eastwood said.

With an estimated original cost of about $5 million, and help from government officials who viewed the concept positively for the connection it created between Spokane and Coeur d’Alene, the trail is now enjoyed by thousands of people annually. Former U.S. Speaker of the House Tom Foley and former Senators Jim McClure and Larry Craig supported the project in the early ‘80s by providing both cities with a 50% appropriation if each community raised the difference required, Eastwood said.

In April 2022, according to a trail counter located in the Riverstone area, about 13,000 individuals had already visited the Centennial Trail this year, Kraack said. Events that utilize the trail like Ironman and the Coeur d’Alene Marathon, and many smaller events bring tens of thousands of visitors to the area.

“Those things bring over $3 million dollars of new money to the economy in the city of Coeur d’Alene,” Kraack said.

The trail is not only enjoyed by walkers, runners and bicyclers but some residents take the trail to travel to work, Kraack said.

“It was really cool to realize that we’re helping people mentally, physically and emotionally,” Kraack said. “But also that we are providing transportation.”

Tucker is involved in organizing the annual Spring Dash 5-mile run for the United Way, which uses the trail system. Another benefit of the funds raised at events like the Spring Dash, is that usage fees are paid to the city and they are used for maintenance of the trail, Tucker said.

In his work with The United Way, many of the clients the organization serves are struggling financially, Tucker said. For United Way of North Idaho, the trail is a resource that is accessible to all, and helps to support clients in their pursuit of wellness.

“Getting outside makes you feel good about where you are and who you are,” Tucker said. “And mental wellness is a challenge that hits everyone.”

Currently there are plans to install lighting on the Veterans Memorial Centennial Bridge and to expand Prairie Trail, which is part of the Centennial Trail, Kraack said.

For trail maps, information on upcoming events along the trail, or to learn about the North Idaho Centennial Trail Foundation, visit nictf.org. Eastwood's book is available at The Well Read Moose, at 2048 N. Main St. in Coeur d’Alene or from the Coeur d’Alene Chamber of Commerce at 105 N. First St.