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Support completing the Whitefish River Trail

| May 1, 2024 1:00 AM

DREAM Adaptive Recreation and Safe Trails Whitefish are working with partners and community members to support the City of Whitefish's efforts to complete a safe, connected paved path system through town. The main path artery, the Whitefish River Trail has segments that are missing and/or inaccessible creating a safety issue for pedestrians. Our community needs a safe and accessible way for all people, regardless of age or ability, to travel by foot, bikes, mobility devices, in our city.

Currently, the Riverbend/Miles Avenue section, a key segment, is at a critical point. This section is north of Kay Beller Park under Veterans Bridge. It ends in a set of stairs or sends people across the dangerous and unmarked crossing of Highway 93 and Miles Avenue. The city holds an easement to continue the trail along the river to connect to the existing trail on the north side, but it still must go through a permitting process before work can begin. The proposed route is the only safe option for disabled, youth and seniors to use. We the public, residents and visitors need to show our support for the completion of this path section.  

A show of public support on this critical project is important to its success; here are three ways you can contribute:

1) Sign our petition of support through May 2nd, which can be viewed at "Projects" and "Petition" at safetrailswhitefish.org.

2) Write a brief email to the city by end of day May 3, telling them you support all their efforts to complete the Riverbend/Miles Avenue section of the trail.

3) Show up to the Whitefish City Council meeting/public hearing on this topic on May 6, and during the public comment period, express your support for the city to build this section of trail along the river, the only safe and viable route.

DREAM Adaptive Recreation in partnership with Safe Trails Whitefish