Vickie Repp

Resident organizes bridge cleanup

SANDPOINT — Walking and riding bikes across the Long Bridge has been an activity enjoyed by locals and tourists alike for many years. Sandpoint’s Vickie Repp wants to keep it that way.

To help ensure the bridge stays safe and beautiful, Repp hopes to rally as many as 100 people to come out for a Long Bridge “cleanup day” on Saturday.

An avid cyclist, Repp was anxious for the weather to turn so she could get back on her bike, but when she was finally able to take the familiar trip across the bridge, she noticed an abundance of gravel leftover from winter.

While beautification is part of her goal, Repp’s pressing concern is the safety of the bikers and roller bladers who could lose control on the slippery surface.

“A lot of families go out there to ride bikes with their kids and it gets really slippery,” said Repp.

After narrowly avoiding a wreck while crossing the bridge, Repp began contacting local and state authorities to find out who is responsible for maintaining the walking path.

She learned that while the pathways to the walking deck are the responsibility of local officials, the deck itself falls under state jurisdiction.

Repp was told machinery is available to clean the gravel, but that it is too heavy to be used on the pathway.

She feared the job would go undone, so Repp decided to take matters into her own hands and organize a day to clean the path. She has been busy calling local employers to help rally manpower, and she hopes the community will come together to lend its support to the project.

Anyone who uses the path is encouraged to pitch in at 9 a.m. on Saturday at the south entrance to the bridge.

Several trucks will be on hand to haul the gravel away, and Repp is asking volunteers to bring their own brooms.

For more information, contact Repp at (208) 263-2600.