RATHDRUM — For the thousands of nature lovers already enjoying Rathdrum’s newest “park,” the experience may soon get even better.

The Rathdrum City Council this evening will consider a contract for developing a trail system on Rathdrum Mountain that will offer more hiking, biking and walking opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels.

“This is the biggest first step as far as developing the mountain — we’re moving into the development stage now,” Rathdrum Parks and Recreation Director Eric Singer said Tuesday.

Under consideration is Phase 1 of the Rathdrum Mountain trail system, which will involve four looping trails covering 4.4 miles, all accessible from the parking lot on the west end of the 540-acre mountain that rises above the western Kootenai County town of about 8,300 people.

The trail system will curve its way around 220 acres of natural open space, Singer said.

And it all comes at no taxpayer expense. Singer said the improvements, which include trail design, mapping and markings, are being funded by a grant from Blue Cross of Idaho.

Mountain View Cyclery of Hayden submitted the favored bid for $22,900.

Rathdrum Mayor Vic Holmes said the mountainside park has exceeded expectations.

“Visitation has been way higher than expected,” Holmes said. “The opportunities up there are really unlimited. Every time I’m up there I run into people enjoying the trails — it’s like a community meeting center.”

Since it was dedicated in August, Singer said Rathdrum Mountain Park has attracted thousands of people eager to connect with nature.

The most popular attraction, he said, is the story book trail, a half-mile loop that includes posted “pages” from a book every 100 feet so walkers can read a book as they hike. Visitors also love the 8-foot tall Sasquatch statue at the trailhead abutting the parking lot.

Singer said the mountain park welcomes a diversity of users.

“It’s utilized for learning, physical fitness, and just overall enjoyment of the outdoors,” he said. “It’s a chance to get away from the computers and phones and electronics and enjoy nature.”

Singer said work on the trails will begin next summer if the council approves the contract with Mountain View Cyclery. As improvements continue in the years ahead, Singer expects enthusiasm to soar on the mountain.

“I’m constantly getting positive feedback from people,” he said. “The community has really taken ownership of it.”