Good news for Spokane locals who prefer to travel on two wheels, or by foot: The latest stretch of the Children of the Sun Trail is set to open next week. The forthcoming section, running from East Columbia Avenue in Hillyard to East Euclid Avenue, provides an additional two miles of pavement to the trail that already parallels the North Spokane Corridor. This expansion comes ahead of the planned connections to the Centennial Trail and Spokane Community College, which are slated to be completed over the coming years. The community is invited to a ribbon-cutting celebration at Wildhorse Park, located at 3717 N. Ralph St., from 1 to 4 p.m. next Friday, June 21, as reported by the Washington State Department of Transportation.
With festivities kicking off at 1 p.m., the event is expected to showcase not just the trail but also a spirit of collective accomplishment. Along with games and booths from various businesses and agencies, snack-seekers will find a shaved ice truck. Also, a ceremony featuring remarks from not only local and state officials but tribal leaders and federal representatives is planned to start at 1:30 p.m. Those seeking to attend the celebration are recommended to park on Garland Avenue, one street north of the park, and make use of the dirt lot there.
Design elements along this new piece of the Children of the Sun Trail were crafted with local input at the forefront. The trail project signifies more than a convenient pathway; it is fundamentally about providing a space for the community to engage with the outdoors, connect neighborhoods, and celebrate the region's character and heritage. The trail's new section ahead of the ribbon-cutting ceremony will be accessible, allowing the public to arrive on site using the newly-constructed route itself.
Washington State Department of Transportation’s work isn’t done with this stretch. Further extensions are already in the works that will enhance the trail system's accessibility and reach to other important Spokane locations. These enhancements, once complete, will include a dedicated bridge exclusively for pedestrian use spanning the Spokane River. As outlined in the announcement, the trail is envisioned as a cornerstone for healthy, sustainable transportation and a reflection of community values, woven through the very concrete it's paved with.
As it stands, the Children of the Sun Trail stretches from Wandermere Road and will eventually snake its way down to Euclid Avenue.
