Travels with Charlie: Trail Closure in Horizon View Park for Trail Repair

Story & Photos by Gordon Snyder

The trail that connects NE 201st PL into Horizon View Park is CLOSED for trail repairs. Trail closed at NE 201st PL, so head on up the hill along the road to the park.

Closed sign along the main path circling Horizon View Park.

Those tripping hazards have been dug up already. This might be one of the spots for testing the "tree cells beneath the trail”

To follow how this works, visit Horizon View Park and walk around the park.

Cheers,
Gordon Snyder

Read more...

Travels with Charlie: Trail Closure scheduled July 7-24, 2026 at Horizon View Park

Story and Photos by Gordon Snyder

The trail segment extending from NE 201st Street into Horizon View Park will be temporarily closed from July 7 through July 24, 2026 to allow for trail rehabilitation work. Work has begun and this section has been dug up.

NE 201st PL Asphalt Trail Entrance heads up the hill into the park. The Trail winds thru trees and undergrowth up to the courts and playgrounds. Wonderful walk up the hill.

Up the hill near the Basketball court, the Trail intersects the main path circling park.

Looking closer at the needed Trail repair because of growing root damage.

Mild Trail damage... 

Dangerous tripping hazards are targeted. The Basketball court is up the Trail in the background.

Charlie wanting to get going instead of taking photos of the Trail.

This might be very important for future park projects. City staff will install tree cells beneath the trail to evaluate an innovative product designed to support healthy tree root growth while helping protect the trail from future root-related damage. 

This pilot installation will provide valuable information for future trail and urban forestry projects. I’ll be interested in what is discovered...

Lots of neighborhood folks will be walking up the road rather taking this Trail. But when finished, the Trail will be safer and better soon…

Cheers,
Gordon Snyder

Read more...

Dembowski begins a process to bridge the gap in the Interurban Trail

The Interurban Trail stops at 200th Street in Shoreline and breaks east before continuing over State Route 104 — a highway intersection that sees more than 41,000 daily cars. (Screenshot via Greater Northshore Bike Connector Map)

Last year, when King County voters approved Proposition 1’s six-year, $1.45 billion parks levy, King County Councilmember Rod Dembowski planted a seed for the Interurban Trail, the roughly 30-mile-long path following an old rail line that once connected Everett to Seattle.

“For a century or more, that corridor has connected the region — until we took out the trolley a long time ago and built a highway across it, and disrupted that connection,” Dembowski said Friday. “And it’s long past time to restore it in a safe way.”

During an event at Shoreline’s Echo Lake Park, Dembowski explained that he secured $5 million of the money generated through the levy to reconnect the Interurban Trail from its King County endpoint, near the Aurora Village Transit Center, to its Snohomish County endpoint on the other side of State Route 104/N 205th St.

“This is just the beginning, but it is, I think, the first sign of real forward momentum to really reconnect King County with Snohomish County in a safe way, and really complete this regional trail network,” Dembowski said.

The Interurban Trail descends from the Everett-Seattle Interurban rail line, which ran from 1910 to 1939, and ultimately became a utility corridor. In the 1990s, Snohomish County and the cities of Lynnwood and Everett opened an 11.8-mile pedestrian and cycling route along that path. 

Shoreline began its development of the Interurban in the mid-2000s. From Shoreline heading south, the trail winds down a combination of protected bike lanes and sharrow-marked streets to the Fremont Bridge and into Downtown Seattle.

Rod Dembowski, King County Councilmember

Dembowski gave credit to North Sound Bicycle Advocates (NSBA), a nonprofit organization that works to improve infrastructure, road safety and promote cycling in North King and South Snohomish counties.

In 2024, amid a push by advocates to close the Interurban gap, NSBA brought Dembowski to visit the trail on a walking tour. 

From the Aurora Village Transit Center in Shoreline, he saw the end of the existing trail, forcing travelers to cut east, then north, to cross the state highway and rejoin the trail.

He remembered watching as a lone cyclist struggled to find the trail and continue their ride. 

And, according to Washington State Department of Transportation data, the intersection of State Route 104/N 205th and Meridian Avenue North/76th Avenue West averages about 41,000 cars daily — about 12,000 more than the intersection of Aurora Avenue and 205th Street, half a mile away. That tour, he said, compelled him to act.

The parks levy included major investments into King County’s regional trail system, Dembowski said, but none for the “missing link” to the Interurban Trail — until he included the $5 million set-aside as a “down payment” on the work. He also carved out funding from the County budget that assigned staff to lead the project forward, beginning with a study of what’s possible.

“My idea was to use our knowledge and capabilities as a regional government to fulfill that regional leadership role here across the governments and bring some starter money to it,” Dembowski said. “Community advocates can only go so far. At some point, the government needs to respond.”

Edmonds resident Gordon Black, who serves as vice president of NSBA, said that Dembowski has encouraged him and his fellow advocates to “think big.” He feels the best option for connection would be a bridge spanning State Route 104.

“We feel very excited that we’ve made progress in getting a study, and then the next installment will be to work with state and federal officials to get funding for construction,” Black said. He estimates that a bridge project would cost between $12 million and $16 million. “We believe that we’ll let the experts, the engineers and others determine the range of options,” he said.

Dembowski also observed the power — and potential — of the trail as a transit project connecting bus transit to light rail, which could bring additional funding.

When asked, Dembowski declined to guess when the Interurban gap may be closed.

“I think maybe, in six to nine months, we’ll have a better understanding of what the timeline may be,” he said.

As for his goal?

“I want to see the vanquishment of the missing link. I want to see the folks that we’ve seen coming by here on bicycles and wheelchairs — walking, biking, rolling, strollering — to be able to go all the way north, and for our friends from the north to come south,” Dembowski said.

--David Mendez is the publisher of The Osprey

--Republished from MyEdmondsNews.com

Read more...

Congresswoman Jayapal secures funding for community projects

SEATTLE, WA – U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) is announcing her Community Project Funding (CPF) requests that are funded by the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) appropriations bills. In total, she secured $18,399,144 for 14 projects in the greater Seattle area.

“I am so grateful to represent a district where our local governments, organizations, and community members are deeply committed to creating solutions to our most pressing problems — from tackling climate change to providing affordable housing,” said Jayapal. 

“Advocating for federal money for these innovative projects is one of the most important parts of my job. During a time when so many in our community are struggling due to Trump’s cuts, I am so proud to have worked to secure more than $18 million in funding to support these incredible projects that will help to make our district a better place to live.”

This funding is expected to create up to 150 direct jobs through public market development, support small businesses and local entrepreneurs, and deliver 22 acres of new parkland and community gathering space. 

In addition, this funding will support the creation of nearly 500 affordable homes, including 200 homeownership units — the largest Habitat for Humanity development in the country — along with 85 to 100 homes for seniors and veterans and 200 workforce rental units for working families. 

Jayapal secured the following funding for projects across WA-07:

• $3,150,000 for the City of Seattle’s Fort Lawton Redevelopment

• $2 million for the City of Seattle’s Lake City Community Center and Affordable Housing Redevelopment

• $2 million for the City of Lake Forest Park Lakefront Park Community Center Project

• $1,145,144 for the City of Seattle’s Seattle Waterfront Elliott Bay Seawall Project, Phase 2

• $850,000 for the City of Burien Public Market Project

• $1 million for the Port of Seattle’s Seattle Waterfront Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment

• $4 million for Sound Transit’s Link Reliability Improvements

• $1,092,000 for Southwest Suburban Sewer District’s Sewer Rehabilitation Project – Phase one

• $850,000 for the City of Shoreline’s Trail Along the Rail Project

• $500,000 for the University of Washington’s Critical Campus Building Access Fixes

• $281,000 for the Washington State Department of Ecology’s Shoreline Restoration Effectiveness on Vashon and Maury Island

• $250,000 for the City of Seattle’s Third Avenue Revitalization

• $250,000 for the Port of Seattle’s Pier 86 Grain Terminal Switcher Locomotive Replacement

• $1,031,000  for the University of Washington’s Cold Lab

“I want to thank Congresswoman Jayapal for her efforts in securing over $6 million in community project funding for Seattle’s Lake City Community Center and Affordable Housing Development, Third Avenue Revitalization, Elliott Bay Seawall Project and the Fort Lawton Redevelopment,”  said a representative from the City of Seattle. 

“These funds are crucial to building long-term housing for all Seattleites, protecting our city, and ensuring our downtown corridor is functioning for the millions of visitors to come this summer for FIFA 2026 World Cup. We are deeply appreciative of the Congresswoman’s leadership in Congress and look forward to continued partnership.

“The Lakefront Community Center project will provide multiple indoor and outdoor community gathering spaces that currently don’t exist in the City,” said Lake Forest Park Mayor Tom French. 

“This project allows the City to partner with community groups and provide spaces for nature, art, educational opportunities and low-impact recreation right on the shore of Lake Washington. The project is adjacent to the Burke Gilman Trail and will be a boon for everyone in our community. We couldn’t have completed the project without the federal funding sponsored by Representative Jayapal with the support of Senators Murray and Cantwell.”

“The Trail Along the Rail project addresses a growing demand for alternative transportation options to reach regional transit, such as light rail and bus rapid transit,” said Shoreline Mayor Betsy Robertson. 

“The trail will provide an important north/south connection between Shoreline’s two light rail stations, making it easier to get around the region without using a car. We are grateful for Representative Jayapal’s work to ensure we bring federal tax dollars back to Shoreline and make projects like this possible.”

“The University of Washington is grateful for the $500,000 in funding, allowing us to replace older doors with ADA-compliant ones,” said Roney Worden, Interim Vice President of Facilities, University of Washington. “This investment supports critical upgrades to buildings, including improved entryways and essential accessibility features that ensure safe, reliable access for our community.”

“Support for the UW Cold Lab allows us to greatly expand our abilities to solve past and present mysteries of Earth’s coldest places, from polar regions to the upper atmosphere,” said Joel Thornton, interim dean of the College of the Environment. “These places are changing rapidly, and understanding how and why is critical since they have an outsized impact on our global environment and society. We are thrilled to receive this funding, and grateful to the Washington delegation for securing it.”

“Sound Transit is undertaking the largest transit expansion in North America—helping to transform the Puget Sound region with a 252-mile network of light rail, bus rapid transit, and commuter rail. Building and operating this system requires investing in state-of-the-art track and signaling technology,” said Dow Constantine, Sound Transit CEO. 

“Thanks to generous support from two of our dedicated Congressional transit champions, Senator Murray and Congresswoman Jayapal, Sound Transit can advance Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) – the gold standard in signaling – through final engineering and design. CBTC will improve reliability, reduce delays, and increase service frequency, resulting in shorter waits, less crowding, and a more dependable light rail experience for passengers.”

Read more...

From Rails to Trails - Film Screening at MOHAI

The Great American Rail Trail
Illustration by Anderson Design

A recent documentary unveils the history behind one of America’s most unlikely social movements: turning abandoned rail lines into public trails.

Join Cascade Bicycle Club for a special showing of From Rails to Trails, narrated by actor Edward Norton, at the Museum of History and Industry on Friday, March 13, 2026 from 7-9pm.

If you have ever ridden on the Burke-Gilman Trail, you’ve traversed part of a vast, 3,700-mile network known as the Great American Rail-Trail. 

The ambitious project of converting the nation’s abandoned rail lines into public corridors, supported by more than a century of advocacy, is the subject of a recent PBS documentary, From Rails to Trails.

Narrated by actor Edward Norton, the film tells the story of one of the most unlikely social movements in American history. Join MOHAI and Cascade Bicycle Club for a special showing of the film. 

Tyler Vasquez, Seattle Policy and Advocacy Officer, will serve as the event’s MC, bringing energy while highlighting the bike lanes delivered over the past five years and sharing a vision for the future of biking across the Puget Sound. 

He will also engage with the audience by answering questions about Seattle’s Bicycle Network and discussing how we can carry forward the momentum built by the advocates who came before him.

From 6-7pm, celebrate and explore Riding Together: 135 Years of Cycling in Seattle, MOHAI’s current exhibition on display through April 26.

Register to Attend this Event

Read more...

Bluff trail at RB Saltwater Park closed for maintenance through Friday September 26, 2025

The bluff trail at Richmond Beach Saltwater Park will be temporarily closed through Friday, September 26, 2025 to add a new layer of crushed rock. 

For safety, the trail will be closed while work is completed. 

Richmond Beach Saltwater Park is located at 2021 NW 190th. The bluff trail is the farthest to the east at the highest level of the park.

Read more...

Burke Gilman Trail closure October 2 - November 7, 2025

From October 2 - November 7, 2025, King County Parks contractors will be implementing intersection improvements including ADA accessible warning surfaces, pavement markings, and bollard removals along the Burke Gilman Trail in Lake Forest Park from Ballinger Way down to 147th Ave.

A detour route with the trail intersection at Beach Drive will be open during construction.

All other trail intersections along the trail will remain open for trail users to pass around the work sites during construction.

Read more...

č̓alq̓ʷadiʔ Duwamish Native Plant Trail Grand Opening May 17, 2025

č̓alq̓ʷadiʔ Duwamish Native Plant Trail Grand Opening May 17, 2025 from 12- 4pm

Blackcap raspberry

Just One Week Away! RSVP Now for the Opening of the č̓alq̓ʷadiʔ Duwamish Native Plant Trail.

We’ve been building toward this moment for over two years—and Opening Day is almost here!

Join us on Saturday, May 17 for the official unveiling of the č̓alq̓ʷadiʔ Duwamish Native Plant Trail at Dunn Gardens. 

Duwamish baskets

This new interpretive trail honors the legacy of the Duwamish people and follows a historic route once used to travel between Bitter Lake and Puget Sound. 

Along the way, native plants are labeled in Lushootseed, common, and scientific names—each chosen for its cultural and ecological importance.

This is more than a walk through the garden—it’s a walk through history.

Storyteller Roger Fernandez

You’re invited to make it your own:

• Pack a picnic and relax with live music and storytelling.
• Stroll the trail at your own pace or join a docent-led tour.
• Enjoy family-friendly activities throughout the afternoon.

The rhodies will be in bloom, the air will smell like spring, and the Gardens will be alive with celebration.

RSVP today and follow the link for full details.

Don't miss this unforgettable moment in the life of Dunn Gardens.

Read more...

August King County Park Levy would fund new parks, trails, and pools

By Oliver J. Moffat

A levy on the August ballot, co-sponsored by Councilmember Rod Dembowski, would bring millions for North King County recreation if passed.

A preliminary concept created by Toole Design shows a potential route to fill the half-mile gap in the Interurban Trail where cyclists and pedestrians must cross SR104 between Shoreline and Edmonds - curtesy North Sound Bicycle Advocates

The levy would dedicate $5 million towards connecting the Interurban Trail between Shoreline and Edmonds. Currently, pedestrians and cyclists must navigate a half-mile of busy, unsafe roads and brave a death-defying crossing of State Route 104. Proposed solutions include building a bridge over the highway. 

Another $10 million for the connection was included in the state’s transportation budget sponsored by Senator Liias from Edmonds.

The levy would include $5 million for a new Shoreline pool. A levy for a Shoreline Aquatics and Community Center on the 2019 ballot failed to pass. Shoreline budgeted $720.9k for planning a new aquatics center and preparing a 2026 bond measure for voter approval.

An areal image from the LFP website shows the location of the proposed city-owned Lakefront park

The City of Lake Forest Park would receive $4 million for the planned Lakefront Park, a future 3.3-acre park on Lake Washington near the Burke-Gilman Trail and across Bothell Way from Town Center. It will provide public water access and is estimated to cost $12 million.

A map from the city of Kenmore shows the 13.29-acres of the former landfill the city plans to acquire for a waterfront park

$15 million from the proposed levy is allocated to Kenmore for Lakepointe property acquisition. Kenmore recently accepted $8 million towards the planned waterfront park with a trail and wildlife habitat at the former landfill.

A rendering from the city of Bothell shows the possible future layout of the Park at Bothell Landing including a skatepark and pump track

A proposed Skatepark and Pump Track at the Park at Bothell Landing would receive $1 million from the proposed King County Parks Levy renewal. Bothell is holding a workshop on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at City Hall to gather community input on the design phase of this project.

If approved by voters in August, the levy would raise $1.45 billion over six years and would cost a median-valued home owner about $16.33 a month.

Read more...

King County Council approves Parks Levy renewal, sends to voters for August ballot

Rod Dembowski

On Tuesday, April 15, 2025 The King County Council on Tuesday approved legislation to send the Parks Levy renewal to voters on the August ballot.

The levy provides all funding to operate and maintain King County’s regional and local parks, trails and open space system. 

The levy, first approved by voters in 2003, has been repeatedly renewed by voters.

The proposal received unanimous support from elected representatives countywide serving on the Regional Policy Committee.

Our county council representative Rod Dembowski, had this to say:

I have cast 8,480 consecutive, uninterrupted votes as a County Councilmember. Today we passed legislation that I have been working on for many weeks with my colleages at the council and around the region to renew our county’s parks, trails and open space program.

It will be on the August ballot for voters’ consideration. If approved, it will represent the largest investment in our region’s parks, trails, recreation and conservation efforts, ever: $1.45 Billion.

It is one of the top five most important and consequential votes I have cast while serving, because it will create opportunity, build equitable and healthy communities, grow our economy, address climate change, and restore salmon — returning civic and ecological dividends for many, many generations to come.

It’s a true privilege to serve.

Read more...

Evening closure on the Burke-Gilman Trail in Lake Forest Park November 12-14, 2024

Beginning Tuesday, November 12 through Thursday, November 14, 2024 a section of the Burke-Gilman Trail in Lake Forest Park will be closed from 7pm to 10pm for Seattle Public Utilities to complete emergency repairs.

The trail will be closed from 40th Ave NE in the south to NE 151st Street in the north with no detour.

Please plan to take an alternate route during closure times.

Questions? Contact parksinfo@kingcounty.gov or 206-477-4527.

Read more...

Closing the gap in the Interurban Trail - Leafline walking tour

35 attendees walking the Interurban Trail Gap right of way where the trail would be rebuilt.

By Paul Tolmé

Thirty five people including local and state elected officials gathered Friday, September 20, 2024 in Mathay Ballinger Park in Edmonds to learn about and advance efforts to close a gap in the Interurban Trail along SR 104 in Shoreline.

Ed. note: SR 104 is variously named Ballinger Way (east of I-5), 244th SW (in Snohomish County), NE 205th (in King County), Lake Ballinger Way (in Snohomish county), Edmonds Way (west to the ferry dock) 

“This is an infrastructure gap that affects all residents of Shoreline, Edmonds, Lynnwood and the region, and closing it will improve biking and walking for everyone in the area,” said David Urbina of Cascade Bicycle Club.

The group walked a quarter mile section of former rail line corridor that trail supporters and elected officials hope to convert into a paved segment of the Interurban Trail. The grassy right of way currently dead ends at a steep bramble covered slope that leads up to SR 104.

The walk was an opportunity to see the topography and familiarize the community with the options for closing the gap and connecting the severed segments of the trail. Alternatives being considered include a bike and pedestrian bridge over SR 104, though a design study will be commissioned to determine the most feasible alternatives.

Individuals who want to learn more can go to Bridge the Gap

Senate Transportation Chairman Marko Liias, D-Edmonds, and David Urbina of Cascade Bicycle Club.

Attendees included state Sen. Marko Liias of Edmonds, chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee and a supporter of trails and bike infrastructure statewide; Christine Frizzell, mayor of Lynnwood; Julieta Altamirano-Crosby, Lynnwood City Council; and Rory Paine-Donovan, Mountlake Terrace City Council.

The event was organized by the Leafline Trails Coalition, a partnership of government agencies, nonprofits, trail managers, businesses including REI, community groups, bike advocates including Cascade Bicycle Club and other parties working to connect the 450 miles of biking and walking trails in the central Puget Sound Region to form a connected regional network that would enable more people to bike and walk for sustainability, health, transportation and recreation.

Learn more about Leafline here

Read more...

Leafline Walking Tour and Bike Ride in Shoreline/Edmonds Friday, September 20, 2024

Shoreline Interurban Trail ends at N 200th (yellow star) where riders go east to the Ballinger Commons Trail which goes north to SR 104 (red pin). After crossing the highway, riders continue on 76th seven blocks to join the Snohomish County portion of the Interurban Trail

Join Leafline and North Sound Bicycle Advocates on Friday, September 20, 2024 at 2pm for a walking tour to explore the gap in the Interurban Trail as it crosses SR-104 between King County and Snohomish County. 

North Sound Bicycle Advocates is spearheading the effort to close this gap via a bridge across SR-104.

The walking tour starts at Mathay-Ballinger Park in Edmonds, and a bike ride to the start will depart at 1:30pm from the newly opened Shoreline North/185th Link light rail station.

More information and RSVP here

Read more...

Interurban Trail through Ballinger Commons resurfaced

Photo by Johanna Polit

The middle section of the Interurban Trail through Ballinger Commons.

By Diane Hettrick

When the Interurban Trail was finished through Shoreline, the planners took advantage of the fact that the Ballinger Commons already had a trail that ran from 195th to 205th.

That trail is sloped and lined with trees, whose roots have been busily displacing the asphalt for years. I walked that section of trail once, 20 years ago, and never went back. Bicyclists sped past me, doing ski jumps over the uplifted asphalt, while I worried about losing my footing. 

Happy to say that the current owners, the King County Housing Authority, have redone a long and dangerous section of that trail.

Johanna Polit, who provided the photos, says that

"It is nice and smooth all the way and some areas that were quite hazardous due to root upheaval are now entirely flat. So much better for all of us, even runners and strong walkers!!"

Photo by Johanna Polit

The last section of the trail with the art piece on N 205th visible at the end of the trail.

Read more...

Interurban Trail in Ballinger Commons was closed for maintenance work

 

Photo by Johanna Pollit

The Interurban Trail running through the Ballinger Commons apartment community has been closed intermittently for maintenance work as per our previous article.

The work was scheduled to be done by Friday, July 12, 2024.

Bicyclists were able to use Meridian Avenue N as a detour route while pedestrians were able to use the sidewalk on the west side of Meridian Avenue.

Read more...

Temporary closures of Interurban Trail through Ballinger Commons for maintenance

Interurban Trail in Ballinger Commons
Photo by Oliver Moffat

In order to complete maintenance work, the Interurban Trail running through the Ballinger Commons apartment community will need to close temporarily for brief periods over the next two weeks. 

Ballinger Commons has structured the work to minimize the amount of time needed to close the trail.

Closure schedule:

• Northern portion of trail (N 200th Street to N 205th Street) – July 1 and 11, 2024
• Southern portion of the trail (N 200th Street to N 195th Street and then east to 1st Avenue NE) – July 1-2 and July 11-12

There will be signs on the trails to let people know about the short closures.

Bicyclists can use Meridian Avenue N as a detour route while the trail is closed. Pedestrians can use the sidewalk on the west side of Meridian Avenue.

Read more...

Earth Day trail work in Hillwood April 20, 2024 - bring cardboard

Help with the ongoing trail maintenance at Greenwood Ave N and 200th in Hillwood

Volunteers have worked for the past two years to reclaim the footpath connecting Greenwood Ave N and N 200th Street from overgrown blackberries, install artwork and a bench, and plant native plants to stabilize the hillside.

Please join us from 10am-12pm on Saturday April 20, 2024 in honor of Earth Day, to begin work on a new section of the hillside. We look forward to planting additional plants in this area later this year!

Questions? Contact Rachel at rachelmiller811@gmail.com

Read more...

Interurban Trail at Ballinger Commons reopened

A jogger enjoys sunny weather and the newly reopened Interurban Trail at N 205th Street
Photo by Oliver Moffat

 
By Oliver Moffat

King County Housing Authority (KCHA) reopened the segment of the Interurban Trail between N 195th and N 205th Streets just in time for neighbors to enjoy the sunshine on Wednesday afternoon.

Used yellow “CAUTION” tape and spray paint cans in the back of maintenance vehicles as crews worked nearby. Photo by Oliver Moffat

As previously reported, the segment of trail that runs through Ballinger Commons had been closed without notification - surprising both residents and the city.

Newly painted stripes warn bicyclists and pedestrians of uneven pavement on the Interurban Trail at Ballinger Commons. Photo by Oliver Moffat

In an email from a spokesperson, KCHA promised to provide advance notice for future trail closures and said trail maintenance projects are planned through the fall of 2024.

Read more...

Surprise closure of Interurban Trail through Ballinger Commons frustrates neighbors

Trail through Ballinger Commons abruptly closed with no warning
Photo by Oliver Moffat

By Oliver Moffat

On Friday, March 8, 2024 neighbors were surprised by the sudden appearance of traffic signs and yellow caution tape blocking the entrances to the Interurban Trail between 195th Street and 205th Street.

The half mile section of trail runs through the Ballinger Commons apartments property owned by the King County Housing Authority (KCHA).

A news release posted on the city’s website, announced the trail “has been temporarily closed by the property’s owner until further notice.”

A hastily modified “Nature Trail” sign and yellow “CAUTION” tape mark the closure of the Interurban Trail on Ballinger Commons property. Photo by Oliver Moffat

As a detour, pedestrians can use the sidewalk on the west side of Meridian Ave N (the east side has no sidewalk). Cyclists can use the bike lanes on Meridian.

Neighbors expressed surprise and frustration on social media sites with some users speculating about why the trail was closed.

A map showing the closed section of the Interurban Trail between N 195th Street and N 205th Street

A spokesperson for the city of Shoreline said KCHA closed the trail without notifying the city. “We weren't notified ahead of time of the closure, so it was a surprise to us as well,” the spokesperson said in an emailed response to questions.

The city said they will work as quickly as possible to resolve KCHA’s concerns so the trail can be reopened.

An emailed request for comments to the KCHA was not returned.

Read more...

Trail maintenance work in Hamlin Park begins March 5, 2024

A beautifully groomed trail in Hamlin Park
Photo courtesy City of Shoreline

Hamlin Park after 2019 storm
Photo by Seattle Poppy

Beginning Tuesday, March 5, 2024 and continuing for the next two months, Shoreline Parks will be engaged in trail maintenance activities in Hamlin Park. The maintenance work will include trail resurfacing, step reconstruction, and accessibility improvements. Please use caution around the work areas.

We have contracted with the Seattle Conservation Corp to complete this work. The Conservation Corp is a program that provides skill building opportunities for individuals who have had minor offenses or addiction recovery issues. The program seeks to educate, build construction skills, and provide employment opportunities while providing for the betterment of our public lands.

Funding for this work comes from the King County Parks, Recreation, Trails and Open Space Levy. We use levy funding for a variety of park and urban forestry improvements, including trail maintenance and construction.

Read more...