Cover photo courtesy of Jon Jonckers
By Jon Jonckers
The Friends of the Centennial Trail recently announced their newest executive director for the nonprofit organization. Jen Westra replaced Loreen McFaul, who retired last December, and she is excited about some big plans coming to the Centennial Trail in 2026. Westra stepped into the leadership role to guide the nonprofit’s efforts around advocacy, stewardship and fundraising to support the trail that spans about 40 miles from the Idaho border through Spokane Valley and Spokane, terminating at Long Lake in Nine Mile Falls. Westra has lived in Spokane for over 20 years, and she reports she is excited about the upcoming Bloomsday race in May.
“Bloomsday is the race that inspired me to start running, but my other favorite race is Fleet Feet’s Black Friday Pancake Run.” The latter race, in addition to other races and events, bring a stampede of enthusiastic people out on the trail, in many cases supporting local causes. “I love how accessible the trail makes enjoying downtown, especially during the holidays when everything is decorated, and it feels so festive.”
When asked about the nuts and bolts of her new position, Westra said that one of the things that’s surprised her most since starting this role is realizing how many different constituencies play a role in maintaining the trail. “From State Parks to Spokane County to all the cities along the trail’s route, it takes a concerted effort from a huge group of people to keep our trail safe and accessible. I guess I wish that more people knew that,” she says. And making it all happen, she says, “is the financial support of our members and Adopt-a-Mile sponsors that allow the Friends of the Centennial Trail to help fund the trail’s growth, from the recent Kardong Bridge renovation to the future completion of the Argonne Gap.”
