|
|
|
|
|
|
Oct. 14, 2003
Trail supporters, King County celebrate
East Lake Sammamish Trail groundbreaking
King County Executive Ron Sims, regional leaders and biking enthusiasts from around the region today laid the first gravel on what will be the 11.3-mile scenic East Lake Sammamish Trail, officially breaking ground for construction of the Eastside’s “gem.”
“This trail goes beyond providing the public with rail corridor access and giving Puget Sound families a scenic place to hike, bike and exercise,” said Sims. “It is a connection to the County’s regional trail network and serves as a vital link in the regional transportation grid.”
“I am elated construction is beginning because there is little doubt the East Lake Sammamish Trail will quickly become an integral part of King County’s outstanding recreational opportunities that enhance our outstanding quality of life,” said Sims.
Sims expressed appreciation to the cities of Redmond and Issaquah, and to the public, for their support in “building this lasting legacy.” Issaquah Mayor Ava Frisinger and Redmond Mayor Rosemarie Ives, along with former King County Councilmember Louise Miller, were among dignitaries laying the ceremonial first gravel onto the trail.
A regional trail along East Lake Sammamish was envisioned by King County as early as 1971. In 1998, with the help of the Cascade Land Conservancy and the Friends of the East Lake Sammamish Trail, King County purchased the railbanked 10.6-mile former Burlington Northern rail corridor. Railbanking is a federal program that recognizes rail corridors as an irreplaceable national asset, and
preserves them through interim use by public agencies as recreational trails.
Public outreach, planning, environmental review and permitting processes have been ongoing since the purchase. The interim trail is a gravel path on the former railbed, and is intended to remain in place while a plan for the permanent paved trail is adopted and implemented. The interim trail plans include resource protection measures such as split rail fencing, signage, litter stations and temporary restrooms.
From the south, the interim trail will connect downtown Issaquah with Lake Sammamish State Park. Plateau residents can enter the interim trail at Mallard Bay, the foot of 43rd Way South, and journey along the lake to Lake Sammamish State Park, Pickering Place, Gilman Village, and downtown Issaquah.
The interim trail through Redmond begins at 187th NE, and travels through a lush natural environment. As the interim trail nears the northern end, it provides access along NE 65th to Marymoor Park, through which the Burke Gilman and Sammamish River trails can be reached.
Although the federal and state permits for the work also cover the sections of the trail within the City of Sammamish, that portion of the trail cannot be constructed until the City’s permit process is complete. Plans are to complete the Sammamish link by next summer.
For more information on the development of the East Lake Sammamish Trail, please visit the Department of Construction & Facilities Management Web site.
Updated: Oct. 14, 2003
Executive's news Executive's site map | E-mail the Executive By visiting this and other King County web pages, you expressly agree to be bound by terms and conditions of the site. The details. |
|