Trails network a great gift

One of the greatest gifts elected officials in South Sound are leaving for future generations is a marvelous network of urban and rural trails.

Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater and Thurston County officials are working hand-in-hand to create a lengthy trail system that runs from the saltwater of Puget Sound to Tenino and an east/west trail that connects Lacey with Tumwater and beyond. It’s a remarkable vision that is taking shape one trail section at a time.

The trail network lacks the visibility of a new park but is just as important in creating a livable, walkable, interconnected community.

One of the biggest hurdles faced by local officials has been the need to bridge the gap over major thoroughfares such as Pacific Avenue, Martin Way and Interstate 5. But slowly those gaps are being filled with new pedestrian bridges.

But it’s worth noting that the community reached another trail milestone recently when Phase II of the Woodland Trail opened, making it possible for people to bike from Eastside Street to the Chehalis Western Trail. Jack Horton, president of the Woodland Trail Greenway Association, said, “I think trails make a big difference in our quality of life in terms of health. I think they go far beyond a simple means of transportation.”

Some South Sound residents commute to work via the trail network — a few on foot, more on bicycles and at least one man on inline skates.

Phase II, which cost $1.6 million, runs from Dayton Street to the Chehalis Western Trail along the former path of the BNSF Railway line. It connects Olympia’s east side to the 22-mile, north/south Chehalis Western Trail.

The completed trail section wasn’t just the city’s work; Horton and more than 100 volunteers of the greenway association planted 10,000 plants to landscape the new trail. “They’ve done a ton of work over the years in actually contribute to the fundraising” for the trail, City Manager Steve Hall said.

The opening of Phase II followed close on the heels of Phase I of the trail — the 1.6 mile portion between Eastside Street and Dayton Street which opened in August. Lacey officials plan to extend the east/west trail network all the way to Woodland Creek Park and the city’s community center. That will create a trail through the heart of Olympia and Lacey, with plans to expand to Tumwater.

Local, state and federal officials have worked diligently to secure millions of dollars to bridge the gap and build the trail network. They deserve credit for their vision and dedication to bring the trail system dream into reality. Future generations will be most appreciative.