Committee revisits public lake access at Ella, Euclid and Division Streets; right‑of‑way stops short of water

The Sandpoint Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Committee revisited unfinished business Feb. 13 about public lake access near Ella, Euclid and Division Streets and discussed initial plans to add sidewalk access, signage and benches at the south end of Euclid.

Chair Kate Houston asked the committee to remain alert to other public access points and noted the Kootenai Land Trust is compiling a map of public lake accesses for the broader area. Committee members discussed seeking funds to build a sidewalk down to lake access at the south end of Euclid and possibly phasing the work.

A city staff member, Brent, said the project might be scheduled for the summer construction season but could be delayed depending on funding and coordination. Committee members raised questions about how the right‑of‑way connects to the lake: another staff speaker said the public right‑of‑way in that location "does not actually get all the way to the lake level," and noted state rules govern public access to the lake within the high‑water mark. The right‑of‑way was described as dead‑ending at a community‑owned lot managed by the Moran Park Association; beyond that point, walking onto private property would be trespass.

Committee members asked staff to remain aware of related sewer and wastewater projects and whether right‑of‑way strips would be affected. Members emphasized keeping the committee informed about changing access and compiling known access points for future planning work. No funding decisions or formal actions were taken at the Feb. 13 meeting.