Puget Creek Boardwalk Proposed
If a plan by the Puget Creek Restoration Society and Metro Parks is approved, some of those muddy trails through Puget Creek Park could be getting an upgrade to a Trex boardwalk. PCRS and Metro Parks filed an application for to construct 842 linear feet of four-foot wide boardwalk, including stream crossings, signs, and other amenities on the wetland and salmon spawning site, owned by Metro Parks. The boardwalk is included in a 2012 Metro Parks Management Plan for the Puget Creek Natural Area.
According to the land use application notification (pdf), the trail would be constructed on the existing Puget Garden cobble-lined trails, with one new section connecting it to the main trail. The ADA accessible Trex boardwalk would include curbing on both sides, handrails in standing water areas, and observation and turning radius platforms. It will be constructed on pier blocks in uplands, and diamond pin pile footings, which will be constructed by hand, in the Category 1 wetland located in the Puget Creek Natural Area to minimize the impact on the wetlands.
In addition to the boardwalk, the project may also include wayfinding signage, a kiosk, art feature, benches at the viewing platforms, and a bike rack. Metro Parks will be responsible for future maintenance, which will be implemented by the Puget Creek Restoration Society. PCRS received grants from National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the City of Tacoma, along with private funds and grants to implement the boardwalk project, which is designed to connect the public with nature in a controlled manner, while reducing impacts on the wetlands.
The comment period on the project is open through April 3, 2013.
So, any comments?
Filed under: Get Involved, Parks, Puget Creek Park
4 comments
T talus March 7, 2013
Sounds good to me. I hope this is accompanied by or at least builds momentum for a safe sidewalk to Puget Park up Alder Way from the Ruston Way waterfront. Serious consideration should also be given to daylighting the creek between the park and the Sound, with an improved culvert under Ruston Way.
N nwcolorist March 7, 2013
I agree with talus. At some point, consider making a walking path connecting Ruston Way through the gulch up to Puget Park at North 31st and Proctor).
S Sid March 8, 2013
Bring a dog run to Lincoln Park, we need one bad.
C Chris March 10, 2013
Great proposal. I agree with the previous comments. Connectivity between Proctor and the Waterfront should be strengthened using this renewed nature corridor. Kudos to those who are proposing this.