There are two bridges that connect the Greenbelt through Plantation Island in Garden City, however, one of those bridges had to be removed because of damage to the abutment during the flooding of 2017.
The Idaho Foundation for Parks and Land secured a FEMA grant and they had until April to match the grant, they have already done so thanks to the generosity of the community who donated $75,000.
“The abutment was built in 1988 when the bridge was donated by Ron Yanke," said Judy Peavey-Derr of the Idaho Foundation for Lands and Parks. "It couldn’t withstand the flood stages, the water and the damages we were seeing at that time.”
The bridge is important because it connects the south side of the Greenbelt in Garden City to Plantation Island where another bridge donated and built by Ron Yanke connects to the north side of the Greenbelt.
"The whole part about the bridge is that it connects to a nicer section of the Greenbelt and you don't have to take a detour," said Davis Straub who was out killing goat heads on his own time. "I use it all the time, I use it 5 to 6 days a week, it is my main thorough fair.”
While it has been an inconvenience for Greenbelt users they can look forward to December when the IFPL hopes to start the work on putting the bridge back.
For Judy Peavey-Deir the highlight came when the final donation that put them over the top came from the late Ron Yanke's wife Linda.
"She said Judy I just have to finish out the match because I know when I meet Ron in heaven he is going to say you mean to tell me you didn't help me finish out this project, you didn't do the final project and I didn't want to be scolded and that's why I'm willing to donate whatever the amount is so she finished it up and we are so grateful," said Peavey-Derr.
The Idaho Foundation for Parks and Lands is still seeking donations because they will have to repair the path on Plantation Island that also got damaged because of the flooding.
Here is a link to the IFPL website.
