Having trail access like this is a community lifestyle choice. Walking or riding away from streets is important. Getting our children away from the TV and computer screens, providing more fun exercise options outdoors is important. Recreational opportunities at our back door, that we do not have to drive to, is important. For all of us, young and old, getting outside, breathing fresh air, exercising, and enjoying our many spectacular views is important.

Most of those trails are on private property. These trail corridors are disappearing with real estate development at a record setting pace. Soon most of what will be left are sidewalks along streets. That is not a lifestyle choice, it is an inevitability unless we are proponents to make our community special. The lifestyle choice is to create sustainable trail corridors that will be preserved for our future generations, forever.

It will begin on Liberty Dr just north of Sprague Ave.

The terminus will be the northeast side of the County's Saltese Uplands Park, 600 acres with 8 miles of trails.

No.

The route for the Sunset Trail has not been finalized. This is conceptual as many variations are possible depending upon owner opinions of the route on several parcels of property.

It will be a simple dirt path, two to three feet wide.

There are magnificent connections. The trail will connect the residents of Liberty Lake from Liberty Drive and the Legacy Neighborhood over the top of the ridge to the west, through the trails of the Saltese Uplands Park. From there, access allows continuing down to Henry Road on the Saltese Flats to the new dike trail around the Saltese Wetlands. Total distance, about 9 miles. It will also connect to the Liberty Lake Dr trail going north to the commercial center; then across I-90 on our new pedestrian bridge; then farther north to the Spokane River corridor and the Centennial Trail which connects Spokane to Coeur d'Alene.

Trail design will keep the trail grade gradual. It will be designed with all age groups and abilities in mind.

The final route of the Sunset Trail is yet to be determined. Although the Sunset Trail will be nearby the Legacy neighborhood in 2 places, the trail design intends to have minimal to no residential exposure. The impact on the Legacy neighborhood will be minimal.

No. the Sunset Trail does not connect to or utilize any of the Legacy Trails.

Yes! There are several possible access points. The main access from the Legacy neighborhood will be from the maintenance road leading to the lower water reservoir/tank. There are other possible access points that can be built at the neighborhood's discretion at the time of construction of the path, or at a later date. Multiple access points are important because Legacy neighbors will be the highest user group of the trail. Besides going to the Saltese Uplands Park, the path will give Legacy residents a fun route to Starbucks and Pavillion Park.

Yes. We have looked at the possibility of increased crime, drugs and camping. Our concerns for the community have been addressed from our meetings with the former Chief of Police, Brian Asmus. After doing considerable research, Chief Asmus wrote a letter stating there is no evidence of such negative increases from adding trails into or adjacent to neighborhoods nor does he expect any. We have been told that rumors of these negative increases are just baseless fear mongering. Infact, just the opposite may be true. More eyes in place by good folks minimize crime and drug use. We live in a wonderful community backed by a capable police department.

The property has recently been sold to the Liberty Lake Sewer and Water District which also has a mission to support community trails and open space. Should the Sunset Trail be put together as planned, there are various local and state funding sources to help with portions of the acquisition price and trail construction.

It is possible. The property could be developed for high density apartments similar to those on the north side of Legacy. This means 10 to 20 units per acre. Even at 10 units per acre, a development could be 200 units. Setback requirements under current zone law allows two to three story apartment buildings to be placed within 50 yards of homes in Legacy.

Alternatively, the City, and Liberty Lake Sewer and Water District purchases hold promise for the possibility of the Sunset Trail and open space. That is one important reason we are proactive.

Through planning and negotiations, we may be able to assure both Liberty Lake and Legacy neighbors permanent open space of the 21 acres.

No, we don't.

Funding initiatives will begin once all Trail easements have been secured and the required approval from the City of Liberty Lake. All fundraising will be on a voluntary basis. We have no taxing authority. There may be some public funding available.

No, not at all.

We are a local, independent citizens volunteer group. We do strive to maintain good working relationships with Spokane County and the City of Liberty Lake.