Going to the Media

There is a story that needs to be written:

Who takes care of the trails system? The branch of the Centennial on East S. Riverton Ave (across the river from Avista and across Mission Avenue from Witter Pool) is overgrown to the point people are hiding in the shrubbery. I think some grooming is in order.

I sent this note to the Spokane Police, Spokane Transportation, Spokane Parks & Rec, and Spokane Government. Each entity deferred responsibility to someone else, so no one is doing anything.

This is right down the road from where Sharlotte McGill was stabbed to death and is marked as an official trail. To let the foilage grown to an extent that people can hide/drink/drunk/live within is dangerous for everyone that trusts a community trail should be safe.

From Parks & Rec: [Here’s the official word —– The trail between the river and South Riverton is Tuffy’s Trail and is not part of the Centennial Trail. There is an informal, unofficial dirt path that runs closer to the Riverbank where vegetation is heavier but we advise people to stay on the paved and sidewalk trail that runs on top along the street. The vegetation does not encroach on the trail in this location. —– So it looks like that part of the trail might be out of luck. Thanks for letting us know!]

From the Police:  [I believe that would be Parks and Recreation. . .  You may want to check with the street department at 232-8800. Other than that, we’re out of other options.]

“Tuffy’s trail” is the lower dirt trail demarcated by a sign and starts near Napa–well away from the Mission portion I’m speaking of. I’m talking about the Centennial Trail right on Mission, the bike branch–which has a sign saying “Centennial Bike Trail.” It is dangerous to be on the cement there as the trees and brush obscure view from the street and people are hanging out/drinking open container/living/maybe doing drugs there.

It’s unfortunate there is apathy for that part of the trail and the safety of the people on it. Someone ought to care. . . Maybe if you write a story on the issue, someone will find the motivation to do something in order to avoid another tragedy.