PORT TOWNSEND — A work party to build one of the missing links in Port Townsend’s public trail system takes place Saturday.
“This is not easy work,” said Scott Walker, a member of the city’s Non-Motorized Transportation Advisory Board.
“But ideally, we can take a step to get everyone out of their cars, and it helps us to create as much walkability and bikeability as possible.”
The work party takes place from 9 a.m. until noon.
Saturday’s task is to turn about 300 feet of grass on a city-owned right of way that corresponds with what would be 30th Street between Holcomb and Gise streets.
Walker said he expects about 12 people to participate — “but if we can get 20, it would be great.”
If the task isn’t finished by noon, another party will be scheduled at a future date, he said.
East-west corridor
Once complete, the 30th Street trail will be a major east-west corridor in between San Juan Avenue and 35th Street Park, and will provide a public way offstreet to climb the hill on the west side of San Juan Valley.
The new trail will allow walkers and bikers to avoid traffic on Hastings and Umatilla avenues.
This block of the right of way is on an open hillside, so the work will involve “duff” removal to clear the treadway and perhaps plant some native shrubs.
Trail signs will be placed at each end.
Participants are asked to bring tools such as shovels, hoes, rakes and grub hoes, as well as good work gloves and work boots, as the grass can get slippery going downhill.
The work will go on rain or shine, so rain clothes may be necessary.
Beverages and snacks will be provided.
Suggested parking is along Gise Street between 29th Street and the 30th Street right of way.
For more information, contact Walker at walkers@olympus.net or 360-301-2159.
For a map of current trails in Port Townsend, go to http://tinyurl.com/PDN-PT-trails.
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Jefferson County Editor Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or cbermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
