Connecting Five Cities in South King County with a "Lake-to-Sound Trail"
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
December 9, 2008
For more information contact:
Preeti Shridhar, Communication Director, 425-430-6569
Parks levy to fund proposed 17-mile hiking and biking corridor from Lake Washington to Puget Sound
Hikers and bicyclists in South King County would be able to get from Lake Washington to Puget Sound on a proposed 17-mile regional trail that would connect the cities of Renton, Tukwila, SeaTac, Burien and Des Moines. Metropolitan King County Council Chair Julia Patterson was joined by County Executive Ron Sims and city officials at a December 9, 2008, unveiling of the vision for the proposed “Lake-to-Sound Trail.”
“This proposed trail will provide a connection to several existing trails in south King County as well as create a new route from southern Lake Washington in Renton all the way to Puget Sound in Des Moines,” said Council Chair Patterson, whose district includes Renton, SeaTac, Tukwila and Des Moines. “The area the trail serves in south King County is faced with serious health disparities, the trail will provide 17 miles of opportunity for activity and exercise. It will give bike riders and pedestrians access to 5 suburban cities, as well as a linkage to light rail and transit hubs.”
“As a bike rider, I can speak from experience – this linking of our regional trails together is long overdue, and very much needed,” said Executive Sims. “Creating a seamless network of accessible trails and sidewalks will keep us mobile and healthy. Trails improve the health of trail users, the health of neighborhoods and the health of the environment.”
When completed, the Lake to Sound Trail would lead west from Lake Washington in Renton, connect with the Green River Trail, continue west to the Tukwila Link light rail station and north of SeaTac Airport, then travel south to the Des Moines Creek Trail and end at Puget Sound in Des Moines. The trail represents a partnership between the five cities and King County to increase transportation and recreation options for south county residents.
“The Lake-to-Sound Trail will be a legacy for our future generations,” said Renton City Councilmember Randy Corman. “By connecting the trails in our region we are creating pathways for pedestrians and cyclists to enjoy access to our downtown, neighborhoods and parks, and to explore the natural beauty along the shores of our rivers.”
“Tukwila is well known as a ‘Heart Healthy’ city with an extensive network of trails and parks,” said Tukwila Mayor Jim Haggerton. “The proposed Lake-to-Sound Trail will be a perfect addition toward achieving our vision for Tukwila and South King County.”
“The Lake to Sound Trail will be of significant benefit not only to SeaTac residents but to all of the South County,” said SeaTac Mayor Ralph Shape. “Our thanks to Executive Sims for his role in this project but especially to Julia Patterson for her leadership and persistence in developing the King County trail system.”
“We look forward to having our residents have better access to the regional trails, and we also look forward to welcoming visitors who bike in from other parts of the county, who will be able to visit downtown Burien’s restaurants and shops, and go all the way to our beautiful Seahurst Park on the Sound,” said Burien Mayor Joan McGilton.
“The Des Moines Creek Trail Waterfront Connection in Des Moines is one of the first of the Lake to Sound Regional Trail projects ready for construction in 2009,” said Des Moines Mayor Bob Sheckler. “This project has had unprecedented support from funding partners at all levels of government—the city of SeaTac, King County, Port of Seattle, State of Washington and the federal highway system. The city of Des Moines is extremely pleased to provide the Des Moines Creek Trail as the beginning point for this important south King County trail system.”
King County has pledged $3.75 million from the 2007 voter-approved parks expansion levy over the next five years to acquire land to connect missing links in the regional trail system and build the trails. Patterson lobbied hard to have $705,000 from the levy placed in the 2009 King County Budget to start construction work on the corridor.