COEUR d'ALENE - Charlie Miller said it well, so let's just go ahead and repeat it:

"Isn't that new section awesome?!"

It is, says the city's crowd of runners, cyclists and walkers.

The newly paved, 1,600-foot section of the North Idaho Centennial Trail stretches from Rosenberry Drive, and runs east-west along the Spokane River.

No longer is it necessary to detour through the Education Corridor and reconnect to the trail a half-mile away.

Just follow the black-topped path.

The $62,000 project was funded by the Lake City Development Corp.

"This project would not have happened without funding from LCDC," said Miller, manager of the North Idaho Centennial Trail Foundation.

He believes the trail will have a positive influence on North Idaho College, too.

Lights were installed along the new section with students in mind so they can walk safely to and from night classes.

"Creating safe and convenient pedestrian and bicycle facilities will encourage people to use them, thereby reducing traffic congestion and parking issues across campus," he said.

Since its completion last week, the smooth path has been popular with those who tend to tour the area by foot or on two wheels.

Miller said the intent has always been to get the Centennial Trail as close as possible to the river and lake.

A lot of compromises were made originally just to get a route through Post Falls and Coeur d'Alene, he said.

In addition to preserving the trail, the North Idaho Centennial Trail Foundation strives to improve internal sections when the opportunity arises.

"The new section creates a route that is much safer, much less confusing and provides amazing views of the Spokane River," Miller said.