Efforts to create a unique loop trail experience in Kent continue as city parks planners have identified five potential loop routes using the Green River and Interurban Trails.
“With the public’s help, we’ve identified five different loop scenarios, each with varying lengths, said Brian Levenhagen, city parks planner in a city media release. “We reviewed hundreds of ideas and consolidated them into these proposed options, which run through several parks and along both sides of the Green River.”
Last summer, the city received 275 responses to an online survey which sought ideas on the types of features the loop trail should include, such as signage, improved visibility, restrooms, water fountains and trash cans.
“I’m excited for people to see what we’ve come up with and hear what they like and don’t like about our ideas,” Levenhagen said. “The online survey worked so well, we again invite residents and trail users to participate in a virtual public meeting now posted on KentValleyLoopTrail.com.
“Participants can find maps and descriptions of the five proposed loops, many which are already accessible, as well as other information about the project. We hope to get a strong response before the survey closes Dec. 10.”
The goal of the project is to examine the trail assets that exist today and look at ways to improve connections, and add amenities to make them safer, more comfortable to use and easier to access.
Possible improvements include additional restrooms benches and water fountains, improved road crossings, completed “missing links,” improved connections to nearby attractions and way-finding and interpretive signage.
Levenhagen said it’s difficult to make formal requests for funding without a proposal in hand.
“Potential funders want to see the big picture, so having the dollars in place isn’t always a necessary first step,” he said. “Before the loop trail can become a reality, we have to anticipate and address the needs and wants of current and potential loop trail users. This survey will help us do that.”
The proposed Kent Valley Loop Trail will be a paved, multi-use loop capitalizing on the Green River and Interurban trails, as well as their intersection at Foster Park at the city’s southern end. While the project will be completed in phases as funding becomes available, the city anticipates ultimately creating a loop trail making Kent a regional biking and recreation destination.
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