Palouse considers new walking paths

PALOUSE — Palouse started considering the construction of walking paths during the city’s planning commission meeting for December.

Holly White began the discussion, asking how the city could improve the paths residents use for walking.

“Members of the planning commission recognize Palouse as being a great place to take a walk and are interested in expanding access to residents and visitors to the town,” note the commission in their minutes.

Commission members discussed the ideas of adding signs, maps, scenic viewpoints, and interpretive displays.

Several people described routes they walk with children and dogs, noting some of the challenges. Some obstacles are railroad tracks, bridges, paths through private property, and “many places where a sidewalk abruptly ends in a place where it is difficult to continue walking.”

The commission agreed to contact the city council and chamber of commerce to start gathering information. They plan to continue drawing maps of possible improvement areas for walking paths.

Commission members discussed holding a public event in the spring to share information with the public and gather more on what the public would want.