Bonner Park West access gets resolved

PRIEST RIVER — A path forward has been found to ensure public access to Bonner Park West.

Bonner County commissioners, city officials and Beardmore LLC jointly announced on Wednesday that a mutual accord has been reached regarding an entrance to the popular county park on the Pend Oreille River. The county and the city purchased a temporary easement from Beardmore which will allow the public to use Railroad Avenue entrance for the next four years.

During the four-year period, the troika has agreed develop a new point of public access via Treat Street. Officials and the developer said the new entrance to the park is slated to open in 2021.

County Commission Jeff Connolly, a lifelong Priest River resident, said he was pleased to have reached an agreement for a park that serves residents and visitors alike.

“I understand the value that West Bonner Park brings to our area and I look forward to the new entrance being a benefit to all,” said Connolly, who added that he was proud to have been part of the agreement.

The city is also pleased an agreement was reached. Priest River Mayor Jim Martin said that the agreement gives the city a legal easement so everyone can continue to access the park.

“We sincerely appreciate the efforts of Commissioner Connolly and Mr. Runberg in resolving this matter,” said Martin.

Brian Runberg of Beardmore Co. said the reopening and proposed enhancements to the Treat Street entrance to the park will be a significant community benefit for generations.

“We appreciate the vision, dedication and collaboration of Commissioner Connolly and Mayor Martin to see this important project through,” Runberg said.

The county filed suit in 2015 in a bid to guarantee public access via Railroad Avenue, a road that cuts across property owned by Beardmore Landing, which is planning a waterfront promenade and amphitheater. The action sought a prescriptive easement for continued public access.

Counsel for Runberg moved for summary judgment in the suit on grounds that the public cannot acquire prescriptive right to private property without compensation. Judge Richard Christensen agreed and dismissed the case.

Keith Kinnaird can be reached by email at kkinnaird@bonnercountydailybee.com and follow him on Twitter @KeithDailyBee.