POLSON — For all of her life, Tali Duford has lived in Polson. She has watched many things change and improve.

One of those things was the large hill near Riverside Park. The Polson High School graduate has watched people climb up the hill instead of having to walk all the way around it.

Or at least try to.

So, Duford asked, “What about the handicapped? Or those who can’t walk up a steep hill?”

That is where the idea came to build a staircase in the hill to make the park and all of its glory more accessible for everyone.

The staircase, named the Armed Forces Memorial Staircase to coincide with the adjacent bridge, also allows pedestrians the opportunity to avoid the sometimes dangerous intersection of Highway 93 and First Street West.

“I’ve seen a lot happen in that spot,” she said.

Another advantage of the staircase is that people with motor homes can park in the parking lot and walk up the stairs to Main Street. This will help make the businesses around the area more available to those who stop into town and produce more parking for the Farmers’ Market, she said.

“It’s just fun all the time,” Duford said of all the summer events that happen in downtown Polson including the car show, Hoopfest and the Cherry Festival, which is this weekend.

Further plans for the staircase include an arch at the top of the hill and a business directory for out-of-towners to reference when visiting.

“A lot of people come in and ask where is the post office or a bank?” Duford said. “This will make it easier.”

With 36 stairs, plaques are going to be set next to each after being purchased in honor of friends and family that have served as community members. There is room for 252 spots.

In between planning and designing the staircase, Duford has kept busy planning a wedding in August with her fiancé Bill and keeping track of their three golden retrievers.