RV park could attract tourists

BONNERS FERRY — Riverside Park could be a real draw for tourists who want to stop and enjoy the Kootenai River.

Plans are under way for improved ball fields and bathrooms.

The prospect of an RV park at Riverside Park was introduced to Boundary County Commissioners in April.

Boundary Economic Development Council Director David Sims relayed information from a consultant who has contacted the city of Bonners Ferry about adding an RV park.

The park could be funded by a state grant. The grant application is due in January.

“We are in favor of promoting the (Riverside) park,” said Commissioner Walt Kirby.

“An RV park would be good for the community, but I don’t know if the county wants to be in competition with private entities,” said Commissioner LeAlan Pinkerton.

Commissioners were concerned that a state grant for an RV park would put them at an advantage over privately-owned operations. They asked Sims to research whether the grant would be available to an individual.

An individual could purchase five acres next to Riverside Park to operate a RV park.

In the future there would be bathrooms and showers at Riverside Park.

The dump station at the fairgrounds is close enough for requirements said Sims.

“I would highly encourage someone to do it,” said Pinkerton. “We are missing something like that to make us a destination.”