4 minute read
New trail system
The Mission Valley, hemmed by the Mission Mountains to the east and Flathead Lake to the north, is a mecca for walkers, runners and mountainbiking enthusiasts. A new trail system that wends its way through the Ridgewater Development, west of Polson Hill, blends expansive vistas, varied terrain and, in May and early June, a dazzling display of wildflowers, including Arrowleaf balsamroot, Indian paintbrush and lupine.
The trail is a unique collaboration between developer Mike Maddy and a large and dedicated group of community volunteers. Local dentist Mike Windauer, who has experience designing trails, began discussing the project with Maddy a few years ago. Weaving a trail through the area offered a way to meet the development’s requirements to provide open space, while providing the public continued access to an area that’s long been popular with hikers and runners.
The two carefully plotted the trail’s route, avoiding private property lines. Next, a coordinating team consisting of Windauer and Polson High School track and crosscountry coach Matt Seeley, Polson High science teacher, trail runner and mountain biker Mike Sitter and local optometrist Jeff Heninger, also an avid mountain biker, began to meet each week to refine the trail design. All four of them are knowledgeable about building and using trails, and experienced at coordinating community projects. “Behind the scenes, a lot of deliberation and expertise went into the process,” says Seeley, who owns a local bike shop and teaches math at Salish Kootenai College. The group of four met midweek to walk the route and discuss options. “We were always trying to stay ahead so once the energy and manpower came out we could take advantage of it.”
As word spread last spring, volunteers began to gather for two hours on Saturdays to build phase one, a shady and scenic section above Long Lake Dr. For once, the COVID-19 shutdown was actually helpful, giving people more free time to work on the project.
“People of all ages were out there working side by side and able to just get a chance to connect,” says Seeley. “When you get 10-15 people together who all want to work hard you can make a huge amount of progress in a short amount of time.”
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coordinating team was on hand each week to direct efforts, which included everything from wielding picks and Pulaskis to open up the path, to using rakes and hoes to level, smooth and compact the surface. “There’s a role for everyone, from those who want to swing a big heavy tool to those who want to rake and smooth,” says Seeley.
A gamut of youth groups often appeared on Wednesday nights to help out and Salish Kootenai College students recently planted wildflower seeds along the path during Community Service Day, to help curb weed infestations. Overall, Seeley estimates that around 100 community members have contributed to the project.
Phase II was initiated this spring and completed at the end of May. The one-mile section connects the loop completed last year to the soccer fields next to the Mission Valley Aquatic Center. Altogether, the 5.6-mile path offers stunning views of the lake and mountains, and terrain that ranges from flat to moderately steep, punctuated by banked curves that appeal to mountain bikers.
A third phase, planned for next spring, will add a second trail from the upper loop to Long Lake Dr. The trail system may be accessed from the soccer fields or from Long Lake Dr., with parking available off Ridgewater Dr. near the bank kiosk. The trail is open to foot traffic and mountain bikes and closed to motorized vehicles and horses, due to the fragile nature of the trail. Users are asked to stay on the trail and avoid private property.
Seeley, a longtime proponent of grassroots efforts, says this project has been unique. “It’s such a community thing – it doesn’t involve money. It’s just about people getting together and wanting to get something accomplished.”
Thanks to an innovative vision, a developer’s generosity, and a lot of time and volunteer effort, the benefit to the community is substantial.
“A lot of us live here because it’s a beautiful, wonderful place to be, so it’s important to have ways to get out there and enjoy it,” says Seeley. “This is accessible to everybody. You don’t have to have money or pay a fee. Anybody can get out and walk on that trail.”
Story and photos by Kristi Niemeyer for the Valley Journal
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