Much has been accomplished in city parks

Dear Sandpoint citizens,

As chair of the Park and Recreation Commission since 2003, I thought it would be of interest to the community to recap what has been happening in Sandpoint parks.

The city of Sandpoint Parks and Recreation Department is responsible for approximately 85 acres of developed park land. In this season of thanksgiving I wanted to share our “top seven” list of accomplishments and invite you, the community, to visit and enjoy these efforts.

Sandpoint Parks and Rec. Top Seven List

1. Travers Park. In 2005, the skate park was added; the tennis courts were resurfaced in 2008 and the all access playground was completed in the fall 2010. This special park is designed to meet the needs of children who are physically challenged but is also a hit with all of the children playing there.

2. Great Northern Park. North of Travers and Centennial on Lincoln Street, the park was opened in 2010. This area is providing more sport-fields and the bike/walking path connect around all three park sites.

3. Lakeview Park. In 2006, the tennis courts were resurfaced, in 2007 a new playground was installed, and new swings were added in 2009. In 2010, the City Council, after a summer trial period has adopted a permanent on-leash dog friendly ordinance.

4. Farmin Park. In 2009, the Farmin Park bandstand was completed. Pavers were installed around the area, bike racks and a community bulletin board complete the area.

5. City Beach. New rest rooms on the south beach side were built in 2006. In 2008, a new lighting system for the parking lot and the bike path were installed and new tennis courts were complete. In 2009-2010 the concessions stands were given a facelift.

6. Windbag and Dock Street phase one improvements, including new docks and work on the jetty were started in 2010. Phase two will begin in 2011 adding bike paths, landscape, lights and additional docks.

7. In addition to functioning as a clearing house for other area opportunities, during the 2008-2009 fiscal year Sandpoint Parks and Recreation offered 53 adult or family oriented programs and 63 youth programs. Adult participants numbered 1,269 and youth participants numbered 1,849.

If you would like more detailed information on Sandpoint Parks and  Rec. offerings go to our online site —www.citysandpoint.com — link to Parks and Rec. You can take a virtual tour and sign up for direct program information e-mails if you wish. In 2011 the Parks and Rec Commission is working on Friends of the Parks stickers so that you too can share your support and assist future improvements. If you have any input, critique or ideas you wish to share feel free to contact the administrative office at 263-3613.

SUSAN A. AUSTIN

Sandpoint