MULLAN – Since 2021, the Pottsville Seven have tackled the restoration of East Shoshone Park one project at a time. Now, they’re nearing the finish line. 

Their latest milestone: installing a brand-new vault toilet system, made possible by a crane rented to the Lucky Friday. After the mine was through with it, the owners of the crane allowed the Pottsville Seven to use it for their project. The project was funded by a $135,063 Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) grant from the U.S. Forest Service, awarded in November 2023. 

The new restrooms were placed on the north side of the South Fork Coeur d’Alene River, near both of the park’s kitchen structures. 

“These new vault toilets will provide safe and accessible facilities for those with mobility issues and provide space for a parent/guardian to assist a child or an elder,” Pottsville Seven member Jim See said previously. “Safe, clean, and accessible restroom facilities are a necessity for all users of the park.” 

Ron Hayes, a founding member of the Pottsville Seven, said the group’s efforts began with concern over the park’s uncertain future. 

“We were scared that the property was going to end up as a settling pond,” Hayes said. “We’re so thankful we got this secured. We started by just going up to the park and helping out where we could, mowing, painting tables, picking up brush, and cleaning up any downfalls.” 

But it quickly became clear that more extensive work was needed. 

Over the past four years, the group has completed a series of major improvements: restoring one of the park’s two kitchen facilities, clearing trails and walking paths, and now, installing the new toilets. 

“We’re getting very close to the finish line,” Hayes said. “The west kitchen still needs to be repaired, but when we get that done, we’re going to be all set.” 

Looking ahead, the group hopes to add new playground equipment, though funding and timing remain uncertain. They’re also in discussions with the state about potentially designating Pottsville as a state park, an upgrade that could unlock long-term maintenance funding. 

The park’s history runs deep in North Idaho. Originally established as Camp #9 by Captain John Mullan, it became known as Pottsville when the local Masons took over in 1910, building bridges and facilities. In 1931, the Shoshone County Parks Improvement Association assumed control and, three years later, partnered with the U.S. Forest Service for maintenance. 

Over the decades, Pottsville, now officially East Shoshone Park, has seen numerous upgrades, including a full renovation of the caretaker’s cabin and the reconstruction of an outdoor pavilion. Today, it remains under the care of Shoshone County, with the Pottsville Seven leading the charge to preserve its legacy.