A walk of faith
BILL BULEY | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 3 years, 7 months AGO
The Faith Walk Community Fitness Park is slowly being developed just off Atlas Road, south of Kathleen Avenue.
BILL BULEY/Press
Bill Buley covers the city of Coeur d'Alene for the Coeur d’Alene Press. He has worked here since January 2020, after spending seven years on Kauai as editor-in-chief of The Garden Island newspaper. He enjoys running. | May 18, 2022 1:36 AM
COEUR d’ALENE — The Faith Walk Community Fitness Park is a whole lot of dirt now, but it’s on the straight and narrow path toward completion.
“It’s a huge project,” said board chair Dan Pinkerton on Monday.
The 10-acre site off Atlas Road near Kathleen Avenue has been cleared and utilities are going in. The parking lot, curbing and a half-mile walking path are expected to be finished this year.
“We’re getting as much done as we can,” Pinkerton said.
The overall concept is a grand vision.
The park will have facilities for exercise and public and private events with picnic tables and barbecue pits. It will promote healthy lifestyles, excellent character and a thriving community.
At buildout, the perimeter of the park will be lined with covered gazebos containing exercise equipment, redwood benches and full-color scenic panels with interactive media links focusing on faith and character.
The park will feature a waterfall garden, a soccer field and a playground area. There will be a pavilion for entertainment and family gatherings, as well as a full-service gymnasium, which can be configured as a full basketball court, or two volleyball courts or four pickleball courts, with several celebration rooms, which also will house a community counseling center.
There will also be an onsite caretaker’s residence.
The nonprofit organization has raised $2.8 million of its first phase goal of $4 million.
The land is owned by Grace Bible Church, which agreed to a 20-year lease deal for the land with the nonprofit Faith Walk Community Fitness Park. Grace Bible Church will be moving from its Prairie Avenue site and will pay for its new home at the Atlas property.
A project groundbreaking was held last August.
Sponsorships are still available for pavers, gazebos, tables, benches and other facilities in the park.
Pinkerton said the park is slowly taking form and could be functional next year.
“It's pretty exciting,” he said.
Info: faithwalkcda.org
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