$8M trail through arboretum will start construction next spring

By JOURNAL STAFF

Construction will start next spring on a 1.25-mile trail for pedestrians and bicyclists through Seattle’s Washington Park Arboretum.

The trail will run from Lake Washington Boulevard and 31st Avenue East, to Foster Island Drive and Arboretum Drive.

Construction is expected to be complete in 2016.

Garrett Farrell, a project manager with Seattle Parks and Recreation, said the arboretum master plan adopted in 2000 identified the trail as a way to bring more people through the collection. He said the trail will improve year-round access because it creates a loop with Arboretum Drive.

The trail’s curving path is designed to preserve vegetation and control the speed of bike riders. There will be benches, pedestrian bridges and wayfinding signage along the trail.

Farrell said the Washington State Department of Transportation is providing $7.8 million for design and construction as mitigation for impacts of the new 520 bridge on the arboretum.

Berger Partnership is the lead consultant for the trail project. Subconsultants are Anchor QEA, KPFF Consulting Engineers, Hoshide Wanzer Williams, Lehrman Cameron Studio and Swenson Say Faget.

Seattle Parks and Recreation will seek bids from contractors in early 2015.

The department will maintain the trail. The University of Washington maintains the arboretum.

Washington Park Arboretum