Despite delays, 'Faith' remains in park

COEUR d'ALENE — Following construction delays, a 10-acre multi-use park on Atlas Road is back on track and could open next summer.

Paving of a half-mile trail around the Faith Walk Community Fitness Park's perimeter and parking lot is expected to begin next month.

A groundbreaking was held nearly two years ago on the property near Kathleen Avenue. It has been cleared and utilities are in, but construction delays due primarily to permitting, rising costs that came with COVID and some additional building requirements stalled progress.

On Tuesday, the field surrounded by a cyclone fence was marked by overgrown grass, some foundation footings and some construction equipment.

That picture is expected to change.

"We are able to move forward now," said Dan Pinkerton, chair of the Faith Walk Community Fitness Park board of directors.

When completed, the park will offer a soccer field, volleyball courts, gymnasium, waterfall garden, free movie nights, counseling center and a pavilion.

While Grace Bible Church agreed to a 20-year lease deal for the land with the nonprofit, the Faith Walk Community Fitness Park recently purchased the 10-acre site for an undisclosed sum, Pinkerton said.

"It was the best option for all parties" he said.

He said significant inflation the past few years has impacted the park's development.

"Therefore, having the Faith Walk lead the way on this was in everybody's best interests," Pinkerton said.

About $3 million of the $4 million goal for the first phase has been raised.

The project's contractor is Young Construction.

The mission is to “foster excellence in character by building the body, mind and spirit through inspirational education, physical exercise and community engagement.”