POLSON — Ground breaking began on the Armed Forces Memorial Staircase Tuesday morning near Riverside Park.

 The project should provide better access for pedestrians to the waterfront area from the parking area at First Street and Third Avenue West.

Irrigation line layouts were spray painted across the grass and city workers dug up piping. A Bobcat loader quickly made a dirt swath down to the park.

“I came up with the idea because of the safety issue at the bridge for pedestrians,” Polson Business Community (PBC) member Tali Duford said. “It will make it a lot easier to access.”

If pedestrians wanted to avoid the intersection of Highway 93 and the First Street entrance, walking down the steep grassy hill surrounding Riverside Park was the main way to access the park. The staircase will allow downtown access to the park and have four risers with enough room to put benches on.

“I’ve had folks in the store say it’s such a challenge getting down the hill,” Jackie Cripe, PBC member and owner of Jackie M’s Shoes, said.

Both business owners felt it would be valuable to the community since so many events take place at or near Riverside Park.

The PBC is responsible for the project and has already raised over $5,000 in donations and pledges from area businesses and citizens. Plaques are being sold to commemorate someone who has served or is currently serving in the military. The plaques will be placed on the risers of the staircase and all proceeds go to paying for its construction. 

“We’re very thankful of the people and the community to support us in these economic times,” Cripe said.

The total cost of the project will be $25,500 and Duford said that the PBC has raised about half the money for the project. The entire construction process should take about two weeks and there is some hope that it could be completed by the time the Cherry Festival takes place.

“Selling the plaques is going to be the balance,” Duford said.

Along with the staircase, Duford also hopes to put in a directory at the top of the stairs to show directions to businesses and essential locations like police and fire departments, banks, hospitals, and county offices. She also wants to put in an archway and benches at the site as well.

“It’s going to be an ongoing project,” she said.