POST FALLS - Falls Park has a fresher look courtesy of Lowe's.

The Post Falls park next to the dam received several improvements and repairs thanks to the home improvement retailer's annual Heroes Program.

"This is such a visible park that desperately needed a facelift," said Dave Fair, the city's parks and recreation director.

The beautification project's estimated value is $10,000, including time and materials. Lowe's paid their employees to work at the site on Wednesday and Thursday.

The effort included painting the kiosk and restrooms, a privacy fence around the bathrooms, bench and fishing bridge repairs and more.

"It's really nice that they do this for the community, especially when budgets are tight," said Len Johnson, a park user.

Chuck Kenney, a Lowe's employee, said workers enjoy getting out to help.

"It's our way of giving back," he said as he worked on the privacy fence.

Nonprofits, individuals and agencies apply for the grant. In the past, Lowe's has assisted with wheelchair ramps, playground equipment, the arbor cover at the American Legion in Post Falls, food banks, fire department efforts, Children's Village and other projects.

The projects require both skilled and semi-skilled workers, so employees with varying backgrounds are able to be involved.

"We prefer to do something hands on," said Tina West, local organizer of the Lowe's program. "We wanted to help at the park because it's so family-oriented and it has the fishing pond for kids. It seemed like it would be a good fit for us."