A passion for outdoor public spaces

Schmeltzer appointed to Priest River Urban Renewal Agency

PRIEST RIVER – The Priest River Urban Renewal Agency (PRURA) has a new face after city council appointed resident Angie Schmeltzer to the committee at the council’s general meeting Monday, Feb. 3. “I learned of this opportunity through discussions about the Two Rivers Park,” Schmeltzer wrote in her application letter dated Jan. 29. “As a community member invested in the thoughtful development of this space, I would love the opportunity to contribute.”

PRURA was created by the Priest River City Council in 2007 with the purpose of promoting, “development and redevelopment efforts to improve the city’s infrastructure” according to the city’s website.

The Two Rivers Park Schmeltzer expressed interest in is the result of land that was gifted to the city in March 2022. Located on the southeast edge of the city, along the confluence of the Pend Oreille River and Priest River, the land includes two parcels: 10.4 acres located north of the rail line, and 38.4 acres to the south. The southern property has been the primary focus of redevelopment in the last two years, including open park space, recreational and waterfront trails, community gathering areas, athletic fields, ADA swimming and boat launch access, a wetlands protection area, stormwater management, and shoreline stabilization efforts.

“I strongly believe that access to natural spaces benefits both individuals and communities, which is why I am passionate about seeing Two Rivers Park become a space that residents and visitors can enjoy while supporting local businesses,” Schmeltzer says.

A longtime resident of Bonner County, Schmeltzer and her husband purchased a home in Priest River in 2022. She co-owns and operates Breakwater Expeditions, a destination- based, outdoor adventure company. She is an active member of the Kaniksu Sunrise Rotary Club in Newport and Priest River. Previously, she volunteered on the advisory board for the Sandpoint YMCA for over two years.

While Schmeltzer admits she has no direct experience with urban renewal projects, but she is eager to learn and contribute. “I am comfortable working collaboratively on initiatives that support community development,” Schmeltzer says. Council members unanimously voted Monday night to appoint Schmeltzer to PRURA. Other committee members of PRUPA include council members Doug Wagner and Candy Turner, chairperson Karly Kurylo, Dave Gebhardt, Chris Yount and Steve Linton.

PRURA meets quarterly at 5:30 p.m. on the third Monday of January, April, July, and October in the Council Chambers at City Hall.

To learn more, go to www.priestriver-id. gov/urban-renewal-agency.

Sophia Mattice-Aldous is a Murrow News Fellow working directly with newsrooms at RANGE Media and The Newport Miner Newspapers through a program administered by Washington State University. Her reporting is available for use via Creative Commons with credit.