Greenway unveils new mile-long trail
The Portneuf Greenway Foundation took a major step Tuesday as it unveiled its newest full mile of trail.
The new Simplot/Swanson trail connects to the greenway at the end of Kraft Road and runs next to the Portneuf river.
The trail was born out of the PGF’s cooperation with Simplot, who owns the land under the trail. The foundation has been working on building funds for years because this trail cost $96,000 to build. During Tuesday’s Walk with a Doc program, people said the money was well spent.
Larry Wilson, his wife and their two dogs came out to help wear in the new trail. They’re avid Greenway walkers who are excited to have one more mile to walk.
“I like it because it’s within the city and you can get out with your dogs and go hiking. There’s trees along the river here you can get into, it’s just a great way to get out of the house,” Wilson said.
And whether people get out on foot, decide to take a set of wheels or get walked by their dogs, Portneuf Greenway Foundation Executive Director Tamara Code said this trail is for the public because they make it happen.
“The community wants this asset. They want this asset completed, and so they are willing to give us money, and when they see us make this progress like this trail opening today, they are willing to give us more money because they see it happening,” Code said.
The trail was funded through Simplot donations, a state parks and recreation grant, Portneuf Health Care Foundation donations and fundraising donations.
Sports medicine physician Tony Joseph, M.D., who led the walk, said giving people a safe space to exercise really makes a difference.
“For me, I see a lot of people exercising that I know wouldn’t exercise if they didn’t have this,” Joseph said.
That goes for feet of all ages.
“To be able to see the country is really nice, especially when you get a little bit older like myself,” Wilson said, laughing.
Joseph also said that people can improve their health dramatically by walking just 10 minutes a day. Code said the foundation will be unveiling a new set of trails for the Highland area in November.
The Walk with a Doc series happens every Tuesday at 6 p.m. Contact the Portneuf Greenway Foundation at 208-234-GWAY for details, or click here for a schedule.
