A New Park Is Coming to North Idaho

I recently came across news about a project that could become a great addition to North Idaho: Two Rivers Park.

The park was recently approved and will be developed along the Pend Oreille River in Priest River. While it may still be a few years away from completion, the vision for this park is ambitious and could create a destination not only for locals but for visitors exploring North Idaho.

For families who enjoy the outdoors, boating, or simply having more places to spend time together outside, this is a project worth paying attention to.

What Is Two Rivers Park?

The City of Priest River and Stancraft have partnered together to develop approximately 38 acres along the Pend Oreille River into a public park.

The current plans include:

• A marina with 192 boat slips
• Sand beaches along the river
• Walking trails through the forest
• Pickleball courts
• Basketball courts
• Disc golf course
• A playground
• Covered picnic areas
• 94 RV campsites
• An amphitheater for events

If everything comes together as planned, the park will offer something for just about everyone. Kids will have space to play, families will have places to gather for picnics and summer days by the river, and outdoor enthusiasts will have new ways to enjoy the water and the surrounding forest.

I’ve included a photo of the proposed site plan below (apologies in advance if the resolution isn’t the best for viewing).

The Story Behind the Land

What makes this project even more interesting is how it came together.

The previous landowner actually gifted the property to the City of Priest River with the intention that it eventually become a public park. While the city had the vision, funding a project of this size proved difficult.

That’s where Stancraft stepped in.

The company approached the city with a proposal to help fund and develop the park, and the two parties ultimately reached an agreement to move the project forward.

Without that partnership, the land may have remained undeveloped for years.

Timeline for Construction

The project will be completed in phases.

In 2026, the focus will primarily be on:

• Establishing access points
• Finalizing permits
• Beginning early infrastructure work

The goal is to complete Phase 1 by 2027, which is expected to include most of the park’s core features.

The RV park and walking trails are expected to come in later phases.

Why This Matters for North Idaho

Projects like this do more than just create a place to visit; they shape how communities grow.

North Idaho has always been known for its outdoor lifestyle. Between the rivers, lakes, mountains, and forests, recreation is part of everyday life here. But parks like this also create family-friendly spaces where people can gather, relax, and spend time together outside.

Adding a park like this along the Pend Oreille River will:

• Improve public river access
• Create new recreation opportunities
• Provide family-friendly outdoor spaces
• Support tourism and local businesses
• Give residents another place to gather and enjoy the outdoors

For a smaller community like Priest River, this type of investment can have a meaningful impact for years to come.

North Idaho Continues to Grow

Over the past several years, more people have been discovering communities throughout North Idaho—from Sandpoint to Priest River and beyond.

Many families relocating here are looking for exactly this type of lifestyle: outdoor access, space to explore, and communities where kids can grow up surrounded by nature.

If you're curious how growth is shaping the region, you might also find these helpful:

Sandpoint’s Future Growth: Controversy and the Battle Over Development

Final Thoughts

Two Rivers Park is still a few years away from becoming a reality, but the plans already show the potential for something special.

A riverfront park with beaches, trails, sports courts, and a marina could easily become one of the standout outdoor spaces in North Idaho. For families, especially, it has the potential to become one of those places where summer memories are made, picnics by the river, kids playing at the playground, and evenings listening to music at the amphitheater.

And for the City of Priest River, it’s a meaningful step forward, turning a generous land donation into something the entire community can enjoy.