C HAPTER 7.1: R EGIONAL T RAILS P LAN

Transcription

1 Chapter 7.1: Reginal Trails Plan

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3 Reginal Trails Plan In the summer f 2008, Pierce Cunty began a planning prcess t imprve its existing trail system and prepare fr future ppulatin grwth, implementing a key recmmendatin and prject identified in the PROS Plan. Fllwing the recmmendatins f the PROS planning prcess, the intent f the reginal trail system is t prvide recreatinal pprtunities, prmte healthier lifestyles, create cnnectins t majr develped areas and destinatins, and enhance nn-mtrized transprtatin ptins thrughut the Cunty. Pierce Cunty P&RS plans fr and develps the reginal trails system thrughut Pierce Cunty. P&RS seeks partnerships with ther agencies such as, Pierce Cunty Public Wrks, Pierce Cunty Water Management, and ther cities and twns within the Cunty. The reginal trails element f the PROS Plan takes int accunt the issues, needs and pprtunities identified during the planning prcess regarding n- and ff-street trails. It als presents a set f gals and plicies, a reginal trail cncept and a set f trail design guidelines that will assist the Cunty and its departments, as well as ther jurisdictins within the Cunty, in creating a reginal trails system; imprving cnnectivity between majr destinatins and thrughut the Cunty s extensive park and recreatin system. This sectin prvides an verview f the reginal trails planning prcess. Trails Planning Prcess The trails planning prcess invlved a fur-step apprach fr develping the plan and was guided by input frm the prject team and the technical wrking grup in research, analysis and develpment f individual plan elements. This apprach, alng with the review and refinement f the inventry, maps and reprts ultimately resulted in the final plan. Summarized belw is an verview f the fur phased planning prcess. Phase I: Trails Planning Cntext. The first phase f the planning prcess included a review f existing Cunty plicies and planning dcuments that address trails. The Planning Cntext Reprt (Nvember 2008) summarizes the trail planning effrts cnducted by multiple jurisdictins and rganizatins within the Cunty as well as the planning effrts f neighbring cunties. This phase f als invlved a review f federal, state and lcal regulatins that relate t trail planning, design and cnstructin f trails. Pierce Cunty Park, Recreatin & Open Space Plan 101

4 Phase II: Trails Inventry and Analysis. Using infrmatin and data cllected frm the previus phase, the planning team created and refined a cuntywide reginal trails inventry, analyzed the existing and planned trails netwrk fr gaps, presented alternative trail alignments t clse the gaps, classified alignments int a reginal trails classificatin and presented a reginal trails system cncept. The Needs Assessment Summary Reprt (May 2009) dcuments the inventry and analysis phase f the prject. Phase III: Trails Plan Develpment. Based n the first tw phases, the planning team develped the cre elements f the administrative draft reginal trails plan. This included the draft reginal trail netwrk, trail gals and plicies, trail design guidelines and amenities and csts fr develpment. This phase als included the develpment f trail prject priritizatin criteria and the develpment f a public invlvement mdel that will prvide guidance fr future trail prject implementatin. Phase IV: Trails Plan Refinement and Adptin. After the Cunty s initial review f the Administrative Draft, the final phase f the planning prcess invlved the Cunty s frmal review f the revised Draft Plan. This includes Technical Wrking Grup (TWG) meetings and, a meeting f the Parks & Recreatin Citizen Advisry Bard. The Draft Plan was then frwarded t the Cunty Cuncil fr inclusin in the PROS Plan. The final Reginal Trails Plan was adpted by Cuncil as Chapter 7 f the PROS Plan n Octber 27, Trails Public Invlvement The planning team gathered public input fr the plan frm the fllwing primary surces. Parks, Recreatin, and Open Space Plan (PROS), The Reginal Trails Plan is a cntinuatin f the PROS Plan prcess. Thrugh the PROS planning effrt, the public indicated a need fr trail facilities fr bth recreatin and transprtatin purpses. Key findings frm the recreatin questinnaire indicate that trails are ppular amng Pierce Cunty residents. The Reginal Trails Plan has incrprated several f the findings frm the PROS Plan public invlvement prcess. Pierce Cunty Park, Recreatin & Open Space Plan 102

5 Technical Wrking Grup. The TWG was frmed t review prject materials, prvide guidance fr the Plan s directin and t prvide technical trails infrmatin. This grup included Cunty staff and representatives f ther agencies including: Parks & Recreatin staff, Planning and Land Services, Public Wrks Transprtatin, Public Wrks Water Prgram, Tacma-Pierce Cunty Health Department, City f Tacma Transprtatin Planning, the Natinal Park Service, the Fthills Trail Calitin, the Tacma Wheelmen, the Washingtn Water Trails Assciatin and ther trail advcates and cmmunity leaders. The TWG members prvided first hand infrmatin regarding the existing and prpsed trail alignments, as well as desired linkages t meet existing deficiencies in the trail system. The TWG met at key prject milestnes t prvide review, technical advice and input n plan directins. Prject Website. A prject website was develped using MIG s Twnsquare sftware fr use by the planning team and public. The Pierce Reginal Trails Plan website ( served as a resurce fr infrmatin abut the Plan and was specifically designed fr cmmunicatin between the prject team and the TWG. Trails Plan Framewrk The Trails Plan Framewrk serves as a guide fr the future develpment f the Pierce Cunty s reginal trails system. This framewrk is centered n the Reginal Trails Plan s visin which is carried-ut by gals and specific plicies that will be used t develp a successful and well planned reginal trails system. Trails Visin The desired future f the reginal trails system has been cndensed int a statement that summarizes the visin fr the preferred reginal trails system. The visin reflects the preferences f Pierce Cunty residents and decisin makers, and builds n the effrts f the State f Washingtn Trails Plan, Gal 2 f Chapter 5 and the strategies utlined in Chapter 6. Pierce Cunty Park, Recreatin & Open Space Plan 103

6 The Reginal Trail Visin The Pierce Cunty Reginal Trails System will be an accessible and seamless trails netwrk used by peple f all ages and abilities fr recreatin and transprtatin. Pierce Cunty trails will prvide users with the pprtunity t experience recreatin, slitude r cmpaninship, and prvide a practical transprtatin ptin. It will ffer cnnectins t majr develped areas and attractins within the Cunty, prvide pprtunities fr appreciatin f nature, and cnnect the Cunty t the greater regin. Trail Gals & Plicies Gals and plicies implement the Plan s visin and are primarily directed twards the develpment f the ff-street trails netwrk, but in rder t develp a cmprehensive and seamless trail system nstreet trails are included. While gals describe the ultimate utcme f fr the reginal trails system, plicies are mre specific and measureable statements designed t achieve the gals. Gals and plicies are based n needs and trends discussed thrughut this Plan, as well as the directin f the trails planning Technical Wrking Grup. Alng with lcal desires, trail plicies must cmply with Washingtn State guidelines. Gal 2A: Healthy Cmmunities Create healthy cmmunities thrughut the Cunty by prmting active lifestyles, reducing reliance n persnal mtr vehicle travel and ffering free pprtunities fr recreatin and physical activity. 2A.1. Accmmdate all nn-mtrized transprtatin mdes safely and cmfrtably. 2A.2. Imprve transprtatin demand management by encuraging use f the reginal trails system fr cmmuting. 2A.3. Encurage ther Cunty agencies t develp Cmplete Streets that incrprate reginal trail rutes. Pierce Cunty Park, Recreatin & Open Space Plan 104

7 Gal 2B: Accessibility Develp reginal trail rutes, crssings and trail facilities that are accessible t all. 2B.1. Fllw r exceed Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) guidelines t ensure equal accessibility fr all users. 2B.2. Reduce accessibility barriers and prvide safe crssing f the I-5 crridr, railways and ther busy transprtatin rutes. Gal 2C: Safety Develp a trail system that is safe fr users thrugh the prvisin f well maintained, visible and pen trail crridrs and adequate emergency access. 2C.1. Ensure safe trail intersectin design based n AASHTO, WSDOT, ADA and ABA guidelines and requirements that takes int cnsideratin visibility, pavement markings, signage, intersectin angle, pavement texture, use f clr and lighting. 2C.2. Incrprate Crime Preventin thrugh Envirnmental Design (CPTED) cncepts and techniques thrugh the design f pen and visible crridrs fr bth users and public safety services and persnnel. 2C.3. Accmmdate maintenance crews and emergency respnse t the extent practicable. If deemed necessary, techniques such as emergency call bxes, gegraphic psitining identifiers (GPS), lighting, security vehicle access and landscaping may be designed and installed t increase safety. 2C.4. Cnsider establishing a neighbrhd trail watch prgram where prperty wners adjacent t trails can be encuraged t mnitr nearby trails and reprt maintenance r peratin prblems t the Cunty r ther jurisdictins, and reprt vandalism r ther suspicius activity t the apprpriate agency. 2C.5. Develp trail systems that are safely separated frm mtr vehicles where pssible, with clearly visible stripping fr high traffic segments, trail crssing and intersectin markings. Pierce Cunty Park, Recreatin & Open Space Plan 105

8 Gal 2D: Reginal Cnnectivity Prvide and enhance cnnectivity t imprtant Cunty and reginal destinatins, between multiple jurisdictins and t neighbring cunties. 2D.1. Create cnnectins between key cmmunity destinatins such as reginal and cunty park sites, schls, emplyment centers, transit centers and significant natural areas and landmarks. 2D.2. Cnnect t neighbring cunties and nearby jurisdictins thrughut Pierce Cunty. 2D.3. Prvide linkages t the water trails netwrk where pssible. 2D.4. Acquire trail segments that cmplete the reginal trails system thrugh a variety f methds including land dedicatin, purchase, use f vacated rail lines (rail-banking) and ther rightsf-way, dnatin f land, and public easements and use agreements. 2D.5. Wrk with ther Federal, State and Lcal agencies t identify public prperty that culd be used t further the reginal trail system. Gal 2E: Awareness & Educatin Strengthen the awareness f the reginal trails netwrk thrugh a widespread prmtinal campaign, and prmte trail safety and user educatin. 2E.1. Prvide current and easily accessible infrmatin abut the reginal trails system using multiple means f cmmunicatins. 2E.2. Prvide infrmatin n the Cunty s website and include items such as trail rute and access infrmatin. 2E.3. Prvide interpretive and histrical signage alng the reginal trails and include interpretive and histrical signage in all reginal trail planning and cnstructin reviews. 2E.4. Hld public events that bring awareness and attentin t the reginal trails system. 2E.5. Mnitr trail use ver time by cnducting trail cunts and seeking input frm trail users. 2E.6. Supprt and expand safety educatin prgrams fr adults and children, as well as different user grups and mtrists t Pierce Cunty Park, Recreatin & Open Space Plan 106

9 increase knwledge f safe trail use, and encurage psitive individual behavir change. 2E.7. Wrk with area schl districts t create trail use and safety educatin prgrams fr students. 2E.8. Wrk with area trail partner grups t prmte trail use and prvide safety educatin fr the general public. Gal 2F: Trail Design Incrprate innvative design techniques that minimize impacts t the natural envirnment and neighbring uses, and that ffer a variety f experiences and diverse facilities. 2F.1. Design trails that prvide recreatin pprtunities, as well as transprtatin rutes fr pedestrians, bicyclists, equestrians and baters. 2F.2. Design trails that prvide a variety f trail lengths and destinatins, and ffer lps that are intercnnected. 2F.3. Plan, size, and design trails in accrdance with the Cunty s Lw Impact Develpment (LID) techniques, American Assciatin f State Highway and Transprtatin Officials (AASHTO) design guidelines, ADA and ABA guidelines, Crime Preventin Thrugh Envirnmental Design (CPTED), Washingtn State Department f Transprtatin (WSDOT) requirements and Federal Highway Administratin (FHWA) standards. 2F.4. Prvide trails signage in accrdance with the Manual n Unifrm Traffic Cntrl Devices, as published by the FHWA. 2F.5. Develp planting standards and/r guidelines that prhibit vegetatin r landscaping frm negatively impacting the n-ging and lng-term maintenance f the reginal trails netwrk. 2F.6. Lcate trails utside natural hazards areas, such as fld znes, as much as practicable. Gal 2G: Facilities & Services Offer sufficient facilities and trail supprt services t accmmdate the needs f varius trail users. 2G.1. Prvide clear signage, pavement markings, interpretive signs and histrical markers fr way-finding, educatin, pints f interest rules and regulatins, and traffic safety targeted t equestrians, bicyclists, pedestrians, baters and mtrists. Pierce Cunty Park, Recreatin & Open Space Plan 107

10 2G.2. Prvide rest statins, restrms, seating, picnic tables, water funtains, bike racks and recycling/trash receptacles alng the trail and trailheads where feasible. 2G.3. Design centralized staging areas and trailheads fr trail access. Trailheads shuld include parking, trail rientatin and infrmatin, kisks, and any necessary specialized unlading features (ADA accessibility, equestrian facilities, etc.). 2G.4. Maximize the number and diversity f viewing and educatin pprtunities. Gal 2H: Maintenance Prvide rutine trail maintenance that is respnsive, effective and resurceful, t ensure the lng term success f the reginal trails system. 2H.1. Maintain the reginal trails system and related facilities s they prvide safe and cmfrtable cnditins fr users, while preventing cnflicts between users n shared rutes. 2H.2. Respnd t damaged trail sectins quickly and prvide effective trail repair and maintenance. 2H.3. Implement an n-line reprting system, with respnse time gals, fr trail maintenance needs, safety cncerns and general suggestins. 2H.4. Use apprpriate and specialized maintenance equipment, durable and cst saving materials and effective maintenance prducts that have a lw impact n the natural envirnment. 2H.5. Cntinue the adpt-a-trail maintenance prgram s rganizatins, grups r individuals can adpt trail segments r crridrs by vlunteering r prviding dnatins fr maintenance and develpment. Gal 2I: Crdinatin Crdinate with cities and lcal cmmunities, federal agencies, tribes, park districts, user grups and rganizatins, and neighbring cunties t ensure the successful develpment f a reginal trails system. 2I.1. Crdinate and cperate with surrunding jurisdictins and prviders t create a seamless reginal trails system. 2I.2. Encurage special purpse districts, cities, twns, prts, tribes and cmmunity plan areas t prvide trail cnnectins Pierce Cunty Park, Recreatin & Open Space Plan 108

11 thrugh their jurisdictins and prvide access t the reginal trails system. 2I.3. Encurage develpers and private land wners t prvide trail cnnectins thrugh their develpments and prvide access t the reginal trails system. 2I.4. Prmte public/private partnerships in develpment, implementatin, peratin and maintenance f trail prjects. 2I.7. Crdinate with lcal trail interest grups and advcates in develpment, implementatin, peratin and maintenance f trail prjects. 2I.5. Enhance crdinatin fr imprved respnse time t trail maintenance issues. 2I.6. Crdinate with utility prviders fr scheduling maintenance alng trail crridrs t ensure user ntificatin f disruptins, and anticipate pprtunities fr trail imprvements. Planning fr Trails Well planned and designed trails ffer several significant benefits t Pierce Cunty and its surrunding cmmunities. Alng with recreatinal pprtunities, trails prmte healthier lifestyles and prvide nn-mtrized cnnectins t destinatins in and arund the Cunty. This sectin discusses trail-related benefits and public interest in trails, prvides a descriptin f the Cunty and its land uses and physical characteristics, and summarizes trail prviders and advcates within the Cunty. The Planning Cntext Reprt (Nvember 2008) available under separate cver frm the Cunty, prvides additinal infrmatin in greater detail. Benefits f Trails With changes in the ecnmy including increasing gas prices and the dwnward trend f discretinary dllars, the prvisin f utdr recreatin and trails clse t hme has becme increasingly mre imprtant. The current mainstreaming f active utdr lifestyles is characterized by wellness and quality time with family and friends. T meet this new and changing demand peple are lking fr ways t be utdrs yet clse t hme, while cnnecting t these areas by nnmtrized means. Due t time demands f family and jbs, cnvenience and accessibility t recreatinal pprtunities are imprtant cnsideratins. If the Cunty can deliver a quality recreatinal experience by cnnecting its unique pen spaces and Pierce Cunty Park, Recreatin & Open Space Plan 109

12 allwing access t rivers and ther water bdies, all while prviding functinal ptins fr cmmuters, it will have a cmpetitive advantage in retaining residents and businesses and attracting turists. Health. Trails prvide an pprtunity fr physical activity and prmte healthy lifestyles. Trail facilities can prvide safe lcatins fr activities such as running, walking and bicycling. Cmmunities with cnvenient access t trails ffer residents lw cst ptins t get active and enjy the benefits f physical activity. The health benefits f physical activity include a reduced risk f premature mrtality and reduced risks f cardivascular disease, hypertensin, strke, sme cancers and diabetes. Active lifestyles and regular physical activity can als reduce besity, depressin, stress and anxiety. Trails and trail related activities als create healthy families by ffering places parents can bicycle r walk with their children. Transprtatin. Transprtatin systems in cities tday are tasked nt nly with efficient and effective circulatin netwrks, but with prmting a cmmunity s livability. A well designed trail system reduces reliance n persnal vehicle travel and reduces traffic cngestin. An apprach t transprtatin planning that is gaining ppularity is the cncept f Cmplete Streets which safely incrprates pedestrian, bicycle and transit mdes f travel int the design and develpment f all radways. Cmplete Streets create an inviting envirnment fr cyclists and pedestrians with separated wide sidewalks and marked street shulders fr cyclists. The develpment f cmplete streets can cntribute t creating cnnectins in urban areas t ff-street trail crridrs, while at the same time making active transprtatin bicycling and walking a viable ptin fr residents. Envirnment. The tw majr nn-fuel cnsuming and nnplluting frms f transprtatin are bicycling and walking. Increasing nn-mtrized transprtatin mdes can decrease the cumulative affects f mtrized transprtatin n the envirnment. Vehicle exhaust and carbn mnxide impact air quality and can lead t respiratry disease symptms. Diesel particulate matter has acute shrt-term impacts and a disprprtinate effect n the elderly, children and persns with illness. Strm water runff cllects mtr il, metals and ther chemicals frm streets and parking lts and pllutes water systems, negatively impacting drinking water quality and wildlife habitat. With mtrized transprtatin accunting fr ne-third f the U.S. carbn dixide Pierce Cunty Park, Recreatin & Open Space Plan 110

13 emissins impacting climate and air quality 1 cmmunities are implementing trail prgrams and educatinal campaigns encuraging active transprtatin and individual and envirnmental health. Ecnmic. Trails are a desirable amenity as they prvide inexpensive transprtatin ptins and increase prperty values. With the cntinued and prjected rise f gas prices and the desire t saving mney, individuals and families are turning t less expensive mdes f transprtatin. Trails can als increase prperty values. 2 Accrding t the Natinal Assciatin f Hme Builders trails have becme the tp ranking utdr cmmunity asset. Their study fund that 57% f prspective hmebuyers wuld like t see trails in their new cmmunity. This culd be attributed t the recreatin, transprtatin, prperty and aesthetic value trails can bring t a cmmunity. Well planned and designed trails can als benefit lcal businesses with increased turism by attracting bicyclists, equestrians and ther utdr enthusiasts. Public Interest & Trends Interest in trail activities and trail develpment has increased natinwide. Cmmunities acrss the cuntry are building trails alng waterways, rail crridrs, and greenways and vacated rights-f-way. Cmmunities are recgnizing that trails prvide pprtunities t imprve quality f life and individual health. Trail advcates and rganizatins have a wide base f supprt and have been successful in securing funding, implementing trails prjects and active transprtatin prgrams. Trends in the State f Washingtn and Pierce Cunty indicate that trails and trail related activities are desirable thrughut the regin. State & Cunty Trends. Trails and trail-related activities are ppular in the State f Washingtn and the Cunty. Trail activities including walking, jgging r running and bserving r phtgraphing wildlife r nature are the mst frequently ccurring utdr activities in the state. Accrding t the Washingtn State Outdr Recreatin Survey, the activity with the mst participatin is walking. Walking in a park r n a trail is the mst ppular setting, secnd t walking n a sidewalk. Trails are als ppular fr jgging r running, secnd t streets and sidewalks. 1 Rails-t-Trails Cnservancy, August Ibid. Pierce Cunty Park, Recreatin & Open Space Plan 111

14 Pierce Cunty. As the furth mst densely ppulated cunty in Washingtn State, ppulatin grwth is rapidly changing the character and land use patterns within Pierce Cunty. The increase in ppulatin has triggered the need fr a reginal trail system that cnnects cmmunities and destinatins acrss the Cunty. Pierce Cunty encmpasses a large area and includes a cmplex mix f urban and rural envirnments, urban centers, small twns, suburban cmmunities, scenic natural areas and widely varied tpgraphy. At 1,680 square miles, Pierce Cunty stretches frm the Puget Sund t the nrth and west, t Mt. Rainier in the east, and includes prtins f Kitsap Peninsula, as well as several islands in the Sund Questinnaire Highlights 80% believe mre trails and pathways are needed; 44% think the tp benefit f parks and recreatin is prviding pprtunities t enjy nature and the utdrs; Pierce Cunty is surrunded by several cunties with existing trail systems and trail plans. These include King and Kitsap Cunties directly t the nrth, Yakima Cunty t the east, Lewis Cunty t the suth and Thurstn and Masn Cunty t the west. While planning fr a reginal trail system, it is imprtant t cnsider trail cnnectins t these surrunding areas. Nt nly can a reginal trail system link cmmunities in Pierce Cunty t ne anther, but it can als prvide pprtunities t cnnect with larger reginal destinatins such as Seattle and Olympia. Several f these uter-cunty trail segments already exist. 24% cited using parks fr walking r biking fr exercise; and 28% felt that using trails and paths fr nn-mtrized transprtatin purpses is a high pririty. Pierce Cunty Park, Recreatin & Open Space Plan 112

15 Figure 5: Reginal Cntext As nted in Chapter 1, Pierce Cunty is required t develp its planning under the state s Grwth Management Act (GMA). Therefre, the Pierce Cunty Reginal Trails Plan must cnsider and crdinate with the cunties utside f Pierce Cunty. 3 Thurstn, Kitsap, King, Pierce and Yakima Cunties and their respective trail plans are addressed in greater detail in Appendix F: Trail Prviders, Advcates and Plans. There are tw Cunty departments respnsible fr trail peratins and maintenance in unincrprated areas f Pierce Cunty: Pierce Cunty Parks & Recreatin Services. This department prvides public parks and recreatin services t the residents f unincrprated Pierce Cunty. The Parks Department maintains ver 5,000 acres at ver 50 park sites. Additinally, the Pierce Cunty Cnservatin Futures system administers the acquisitin f passive pen space areas. 3 RCW 36.70A.100 Cmprehensive plans Must be crdinated. The cmprehensive plan f each cunty r city that is adpted pursuant t RCW 36.70A.040 shall be crdinated with, and cnsistent with, the cmprehensive plans adpted pursuant t RCW 36.70A.040 f ther cunties r cities with which the cunty r city has, in part, cmmn brders r related reginal issues.[1990 1st ex.s. c ] Pierce Cunty Park, Recreatin & Open Space Plan 113

16 Pierce Cunty Public Wrks & Utilities. This Department is respnsible fr nn-mtrized transprtatin facilities within Cunty rad right-f-ways and maintains the n street bikeways. Public Wrks & Utilities nly perfrms trail maintenance wrk when requested by Pierce Cunty Parks & Recreatin. Trail Land Use & Physical Characteristics The impacts f grwth are evident near urbanized areas and are felt by rural land wners, and residents living near newly built subdivisins. Amng mre urbanized cmmunities, increasing density, smaller lt sizes and disappearing pen spaces create a demand fr places fr recreatin and interactin with the natural envirnment. At the same time many peple living in rural areas want assurance that new develpment will nt affect their way f life. The central cunty area, beynd existing municipalities, anticipates a majrity f higher density residential develpment and master planned cmmunities. This area is als planned fr emplyment, activity centers and urban villages. New develpment will require new transprtatin infrastructure t cnnect with the existing system. Trail planning in this area shuld be a pririty t prepare fr this new grwth. Once new develpment has taken place, trail planning and develpment becmes increasingly mre cmplex and cstly. Land Ownership. Understanding land wnership patterns helps identify ptential partnerships, as well as lands that may require heightened regulatry review. Develpment in the sutheastern prtin f the Cunty is generally scattered and sparsely ppulated. This area is predminantly reliant n agriculture and frestry. The sutheastern prtin includes privately-wned frests and parts f three natinally prtected wilderness r wildlife areas; Mt. Baker-Snqualmie Natinal Frest, Nisqually Natinal Wildlife Refuge and Mt. Rainier Natinal Park. These three unique areas present numerus pprtunities fr trail expansin and imprvement f cnnectivity thrughut the cunty s abundant natural areas. Tpgraphy. Tpgraphy is a critical cnsideratin in the design and cnstructin f a trail. Gradual r flat terrain is als ppular and can prvide interest and challenge when incrprating ther natural r even built features. Pierce Cunty is frtunate t have a variety f physical terrain. Frm Mt. Rainier and the fthills f the Cascades t the east, t the flatter areas f west- Pierce Cunty Park, Recreatin & Open Space Plan 114

17 central Pierce Cunty, tpgraphy plays an imprtant rle in the design and cnstructin f trails in the cunty. The Cunty s diverse tpgraphy will require creative and envirnmentally sensitive slutins unique t each setting. Drainage patterns in the varius tpgraphies will be an imprtant factr in the engineering and cnstructin f prpsed trails. Gelgy & Sils. Like tpgraphy, gelgy and trail surface cmpsitin are ther imprtant design cmpnents. Pierce Cunty is lcated gelgically in the Seattle Fault zne, which creates a seismic hazard fr the ppulated regins in the Puget lwland. The Cunty has created a seismic activity map as well as Hazard Mitigatin Plan that includes sectins n earthquakes and tsunamis amng ther natural disasters. The Cunty has established evacuatin requirements in the event f a lahar, debris flw, fld, and/r avalanche affecting the area s majr waterways, including the Nisqually, Puyallup, Carbn and White Rivers. Sme existing trails are already lcated alng the Carbn and Puyallup Rivers. Water Resurces. Water resurces are ppular fr recreatin, nature and wildlife bservatin and phtgraphy amng ther activities. Waterways in the Cunty include bth saltwater and freshwater bdies, and range frm large rivers and lakes t creeks and wetlands. T the west, the Puget Sund is the mst prminent water feature in Pierce Cunty. The Sund is a significant reginal resurce with eclgical, envirnmental, ecnmic and recreatinal value. Freshwater resurces, including lakes, wetlands, rivers and streams, all prvide great settings fr trails. Several cities and twns in the Cunty have rivers that flw in clse prximity. The fur majr rivers in Pierce Cunty the Nisqually, White, Puyallup, Carbn all are fed by the glacial melt waters f Mt. Rainier and flw thrugh Pierce Cunty int the Puget Sund. Trail Prviders & Advcates Overlapping jurisdictins, gals and strategies create cmplexity in planning fr the netwrk f trail crridrs, parks and natural pen space areas in the Cunty. As a regin-wide system, there are a number f stakehlders invlved in the prvisin f trails n lcal, cunty, reginal, state and federal levels. The fllwing sectin prvides a summary f imprtant trail prviders and advcates. Pierce Cunty Park, Recreatin & Open Space Plan 115

18 Cities & Twns. Pierce Cunty has 23 cities and twns. A successful reginal trail system takes int accunt and enhances the unique physical and cultural characteristics f these cmmunities. Sme Pierce Cunty cities such as Tacma, Gig Harbr and Steilacm verlk the Puget Sund, while thers such as Eatnville and Carbnad are lcated further inland in mre agricultural and frested areas. Mst f the larger cities including wd, University Place and Puyallup are lcated in clse prximity t the Tacma area. Park Departments & Districts. Park and recreatin departments and metrplitan park districts play an imprtant rle in the prvisin f lcal and reginal trails. Of the 23 cities and twns in Pierce Cunty, six have a parks department, 12 assign park and recreatin respnsibilities t ther city departments and five d nt have park respnsibilities assigned t city staff. Pierce Cunty s Metrplitan Park Districts (Metr Park Districts) are anther imprtant partner in trail develpment. Metr Park Districts are separate and distinct gvernments that have taxing and ther funding available t them that Pierce Cunty Parks Department des nt. There are fur Metr Park Districts in Pierce Cunty: Metr Park District f Tacma; Key Peninsula Metrplitan Park District; Peninsula Metrplitan Park District; and Andersn Island Park and Recreatin District. Advcacy Grups & Organizatins. A variety f different rganizatins and agencies are invlved with trails planning and trail-related issues. These entities are active in lbbying fr a variety f issues related t trails and trail crridr acquisitin. Seven majr entities that are actively r have previusly been invlved with trails planning and develpment in Pierce Cunty include: Green Tacma Partnership. The gal f the partnership is t prmte a viable, healthy netwrk f natural spaces thrughut Tacma. Cascade Land Cnservancy. This rganizatin develps strategies fr land acquisitin and cllabrative relatinships with ther agencies, jurisdictins and rganizatins. FreverGreen Cuncil. The Cuncil is dedicated t facilitating the implementatin f a system f multi-use trails which links each cmmunity and jurisdictin in Pierce Cunty. Pierce Cunty Park, Recreatin & Open Space Plan 116

19 Fthills Rails t Trails Calitin. The missin f the Calitin is t assist Pierce Cunty cmmunities in the creatin, maintenance and usage f a cnnected system f nnmtrized trails fr healthier peple frm Mt. Rainier t Puget Sund. Tacma Wheelmen s Bicycle Club. The Club s missin is t prmte and develp safe bicycling fr recreatin, health and alternative transprtatin. Washingtn Wildlife & Recreatin Calitin. The Calitin wrks t prtect wildlife habitat and secure public access t parks, trails, shrelines and ther utdr recreatin areas. Washingtn Water Trails Assciatin. The missin f the Assciatin is t prmte advcacy, educatin and stewardship f public access t Washingtn's waterways fr peple in human and wind pwered beachable watercraft. Pierce Cunty Park, Recreatin & Open Space Plan 117

20 Pierce Cunty Park, Recreatin & Open Space Plan 118

21 K I T S A P UV 302 UV 16 Crescent K I N G Bay Puget Sund 1 DUPONT Nisquall y River GIG HARBOR Sundview Trail 13 + STEILACOOM 1 FIRCREST RUSTON 4 UNIVERSITY PLACE Grandview Trail 2 American Steilacm LAKEWOOD Jhnsn Marsh UV MILTON 12 PACIFIC TACOMA Spanaway FIFE UV 512 PUYALLUP Nathan Chapman Memrial Trail EDGEWOOD UV Fthills Trail UV 167 SUMNER Puyallup Ri ver ORTING AUBURN 21 BONNEY LAKE Fthills Trail UV 162 Tapps 1 Carbn River Wh i te River 20 SOUTH PRAIRIE WILKESON CARBONADO BUCKLEY Fthills Trail UV 410 ENUMCLAW P uyallup River UV 165 ROY UV 161 Kapwsin UV Narrws/Grandview Trail 2 - Frt Steilacm TTrails H U R S T O N 3 - Water Ditch Trail 4 - Sctt Piersn Trail 5 - Rustn Way 6 - Schuster Parkway Sidewalk/Trail 7 - Link - Schuster Parkway Trail t S. Stadium Way 8 - Prairie Line Trail 9 - Thea Fss Esplanade 10 - Hylebs Trails 11 - Puyallup River Trail 12 - Miltn Interurban Trail 13 - Cushman Pwer Line Trail 14 - Perimeter Rd. t 176th St. S. Trail 15 - land Hills Trail 16 - White River Trail 17 - Sumner Cnfluence Trail - Stuck & Puyallup 18 - Sumner Trail 19 - Nrth Puyallup River Trail 20 - Flume Trail 21 - Link Fthills Trail t Train t the Muntian RWT EATONVILLE UV 161 Alder ELBE ASHFORD Nisqually River ² L E W I S Natinal Frest Mt. Baker-Snqualmie UV Mt. Rainier Miles Existing Cunty Trail + Other Trailhead Municipality Pierce Cunty Park, Recreatin & Open Space Plan Existing Other Trail Water Trail Access Other Cunty Map 7: Existing Trails Existing Out f Cunty Trail Linear Park/Trail Interstate Highway/Majr Arterial All users f the data shall be advised that the map features are apprximate and are intended nly t prvide an indicatin f said feature. Additinal areas that have nt been mapped may be present. This is nt a survey. The Cunty assumes n liability fr variatins ascertained by actual survey. ALL DATA IS EXPRESSLY PROVIDED AS IS AND WITH ALL FAULTS. The Cunty makes n warranty f fitness fr a particular purpse. â â â â â â Water Trail Cunty r Reginal Park Railrad July 2009 I Data Surce: Pierce Cunty GIS, Fthills Trail Calitin, Trails Plan Technical Wrking Grup, and Cmmunity Plan - planning area maps. Prjectin: NAD 1983 HARN State Plane Washingtn Suth FIPS 4602 Feet Lambert Cnic Cnfrmal 1 Cunty Trailhead Other Park Water Feature

22 K I T S A P Bay UV 302 Puget Sund d hh DUPONT a GIG HARBOR STEILACOOM e UV 16 ii American Crescent FIRCREST UNIVERSITY PLACE f g RUSTON c Steilacm LAKEWOOD Jhnsn Marsh g1 i b h h i j TACOMA Spanaway t2 j1 t m t1 n m k l FIFE UV 512 n PUYALLUP t MILTON PACIFIC EDGEWOOD UV 167 aa bb 1 dd jj y ee UV 167 SUMNER 1 m Pierce Cunty Prpsed Trails t1 - Link - Crss Park t Train t the Muntain RWT w - Stewart Rad Trail Trail Partnerships Prpsed Trails a - Cushman Pwer Line Trail j1 - Trail Linkage Tacma Dme Statin/Freighthuse Square n1 w cc m Puyallup Ri ver ORTING K I N G - Crss Cunty Cmmuter Cllectr Trail (CCCC) t - Train t the Muntain RWT t3 - Eatnville t Rimrck Park Trail z - Link - Fthills Trail - Enumclaw Cnnectr AUBURN ff ff1 ff UV 162 BONNEY LAKE x kk gg Tapps 1 ff cc Carbn River Wh i te River SOUTH PRAIRIE WILKESON CARBONADO BUCKLEY z UV 410 ENUMCLAW Nisquall y River ROY UV 507 p q UV 161 kk Kapwsin P uyallup River UV 165 ll Other Prpsed Trails b - Rustn Way c - Shreline Trail d - Narrws/Grandview Trail e - DuPnt/Nisqually Trail f - Chambers Creek/wd Trail g - University Place/wd Trail T H U R S T O N g1 - Link - Univ. Place/wd C O Ut NPrairie T YLine Trail s s UV 702 h - Water Ditch Trail EATONVILLE i - Prairie Line Trail j - Thea Fss Esplanade s UV 161 Mt. Rainier k - Tacma's Julia's Gulch Trail s l - Hylebs Trails t m - Puyallup River Trail n - Nrth Levee Trail and Cnnectr n1 - Nrth Puyallup River Trail cc - White River Trail p - Trail t McKenna dd - JEB III Trail - Dixie Gatchel Trail q - Graham Trail ee - Link - 144th St. E. t Fthills Trail r - NW Trek Wildlife Park t Nisqually-Mashel State Park ff - Fennel Creek w/ Lps Alder s - Nisqually River Trail ff1 - Tapps Trail ELBE ASHFORD t2 - Link - Train t the Muntain RWT t Nrth Levee Trail gg - Williams Trail u v u - Ashfrd t Elbe Trail hh - Cushman Pwer Line Spur Suth Nisqually River UV ² 706 v - Ashfrd t Rainier ii - Cushman Pwer Line Spur Nrth x - Orting Bridge Fr Kids - Link t Fthills jj - Link - Fthills Trail t Jeb III Trail - Dixie L E W I S y - Link Ave. E. t the Puyallup River Trail Gatchel Trail Mt. Baker-Snqualmie aa - Edgewd Interurban Trail kk - Link - Fthills Trail t Train Natinal the Muntain Frest RWT Miles bb - Pacific Trail ll - Link - Fthills Trail (Mt. Rainier Cnnectr) r t t3 Existing Cunty Trail â â â â â â Water Trail Municipality Prpsed Cunty Trail 1 Cunty Trailhead Pierce Cunty Park, Recreatin & Open Space Plan Prpsed Trail Partnership + + Other Trailhead Prpsed Trailhead Other Cunty Map 8: Existing and Prpsed Trails All users f the data shall be advised that the map features are apprximate and are intended nly t prvide an indicatin f said feature. Additinal areas that have nt been mapped may be present. This is nt a survey. The Cunty assumes n liability fr variatins ascertained by actual survey. ALL DATA IS EXPRESSLY PROVIDED AS IS AND WITH ALL FAULTS. The Cunty makes n warranty f fitness fr a particular purpse. Existing Other Trail Prpsed Other Trail Existing Out f Cunty Trail Water Trail Access Linear Park/Trail Cunty r Reginal Park Interstate Highway/Majr Arterial Railrad July 2009 I Data Surce: Pierce Cunty GIS, Fthills Trail Calitin, Trails Plan Technical Wrking Grup, and Cmmunity Plan - planning area maps. Prjectin: NAD 1983 HARN State Plane Washingtn Suth FIPS 4602 Feet Lambert Cnic Cnfrmal Prpsed Out f Cunty Trail Other Park Water Feature

23 K I T S A P SR 302 Alternate Rute UV 302 UV 16 Crescent K I N G kj Hales Pass Cmmunity Center UV 167 Bay Puget Sund Nisquall y River wd Cmmunity Center Steilacm kj American Jhnsn Marsh UV 507 Orangegate 1 UV 512 Heritage Spanaway Recreatin Reginal Center kj kj Park Spanaway Crss kj Meridian Prperty Habitat Park kj kj kj Frntier Park UV Puyallup Ri ver UV 162 Tapps kj kj 1 Tapps Park Buckley Bnney Park Carbn River Wh i te River 1 kj + 1 Carbn River Valley UV 410 P uyallup River UV 165 UV 161 Kapwsin UV 702 T H U R S T O N kj Rimrck Park UV 161 Mt. Rainier Alder Nisqually River ² L E W I S Natinal Frest Mt. Baker-Snqualmie UV Miles Existing Cunty Trail â â â â â â Water Trail Linear Park/Trail Prpsed Cunty Trail 1 Cunty Trailhead Cunty r Reginal Park Park, Recreatin & Open Space Plan Map 9: Trail Linkage Opprtunities Prpsed Trail Partnership Existing Other Trail Prpsed Other Trail Prpsed NMTP Linkage + kj kj Other Trailhead Water Trail Access Cunty r Reginal Park Cunty Recreatin Center Other Park Other Cunty Pierce Cunty Municipality Interstate All users f the data shall be advised that the map features are apprximate and are intended nly t prvide an indicatin f said feature. Additinal areas that have nt been mapped may be present. This is nt a survey. The Cunty assumes n liability fr variatins ascertained by actual survey. ALL DATA IS EXPRESSLY PROVIDED AS IS AND WITH ALL FAULTS. The Cunty makes n warranty f fitness fr a particular purpse. Prpsed Radway Linkage Existing Out f Cunty Trail Emplyment Cllege r University Highway/Majr Arterial Railrad July 2009 I Data Surce: Pierce Cunty GIS, Fthills Trail Calitin, Trails Plan Technical Wrking Grup, and Cmmunity Plan - planning area maps. Prjectin: NAD 1983 HARN State Plane Washingtn Suth FIPS 4602 Feet Lambert Cnic Cnfrmal Prpsed Out f Cunty Trail Middle, Jr. High r High Schl Water Feature

24 K I T S A P UV 302 Purdy Sand Spit UV 16 Crescent Crescent Park K I N G Purdy C (McCrmick Frest) UV 167 Hales Pass Cmmunity Center Puget Creek Beach Bay Puget Sund Fx Island Fishing Pier Cheney Stadium Tapps Park Chambers Bay Glf Curse Chambers Creek Canyn Park Frt Steilacm wd Glf Curse Cmmunity Center Steilacm Old Settlers Cemetary American Seeley Park Spanaway Reginal Park Waller Prperty Dawsn Playfield Mayfair Playfield Spanaway Naches Trail Preserve Lidfrd Playfield Crss Park Orangegate UV 512 Suth Hill Cmmunity Park Heritage Recreatin Center UV 167 Meridian Habitat Park Puyallup Ri ver Tapps Tapps Habitat Dieringer Cemetery Buckley Bnney Park Carbn River Wh i te River UV 410 Nisquall y River Jhnsn Marsh UV 507 Frntier Park UV 162 Carbn River Valley Ry Cemetery Nisqually River Interpretive Center UV 161 Kapwsin P uyallup River UV 165 Fairfax Marsh Prperty Fairfax Twn Site Suth Pierce Wetland UV 702 T H U R S T O N Rimrck Park UV 161 Mt. Rainier Alder Ashfrd Elbe Park Nisqually River ² L E W I S Natinal Frest Mt. Baker-Snqualmie UV Miles Reginal Trail Special Use Facility Municipality Sub-reginal Trail Linear Park/Trail Pierce Cunty Park, Recreatin & Open Space Plan Cnnectr Trail Resurce Cnservancy Park Other Cunty Map 10: Trail Classificatin â â â â â â Water Trail Reginal Park Undevelped Site Cemetery Interstate Highway/Majr Arterial All users f the data shall be advised that the map features are apprximate and are intended nly t prvide an indicatin f said feature. Additinal areas that have nt been mapped may be present. This is nt a survey. The Cunty assumes n liability fr variatins ascertained by actual survey. ALL DATA IS EXPRESSLY PROVIDED AS IS AND WITH ALL FAULTS. The Cunty makes n warranty f fitness fr a particular purpse. Cunty Park Other Cunty Owned Park Railrad July 2009 I Data Surce: Pierce Cunty GIS, Fthills Trail Calitin, Trails Plan Technical Wrking Grup, and Cmmunity Plan - planning area maps. Prjectin: NAD 1983 HARN State Plane Washingtn Suth FIPS 4602 Feet Lambert Cnic Cnfrmal Lcal Park Other Park Water Feature

25 K I T S A P UV 302 Purdy Sand Spit UV 16 Crescent Crescent Park K I N G Hales Pass Cmmunity Center Purdy C (McCrmick Frest) Puget Creek Beach UV 167 Bay Puget Sund Fx Island Fishing Pier Tapps Park Nisquall y River Cheney Stadium Chambers Bay Glf Curse Chambers Creek Canyn Park Frt Steilacm wd Glf Curse Cmmunity Center Steilacm Old Settlers Cemetary American Seeley Park Spanaway Reginal Park Waller Prperty Dawsn Playfield Mayfair Playfield Spanaway Naches Trail Preserve Lidfrd Playfield Crss Park Orangegate UV 512 Suth Hill Cmmunity Park Heritage Recreatin Center UV Meridian Habitat Park Puyallup Ri ver Tapps 1 Tapps Habitat Dieringer Cemetery Buckley Bnney Park Carbn River Wh i te River 1 11 UV 410 Jhnsn Marsh UV 507 Frntier Park UV 162 Carbn River Valley Ry Cemetery Nisqually River Interpretive Center UV 161 Kapwsin P uyallup River UV 165 Fairfax Marsh Prperty Fairfax Twn Site Suth Pierce Wetland UV 702 T H U R S T O N Rimrck Park UV 161 Mt. Rainier Alder Ashfrd Elbe Park Nisqually River ² L E W I S Natinal Frest Mt. Baker-Snqualmie UV Miles Existing Reginal Trail Special Use Facility Rural Federal Land Prpsed Reginal Trail Linear Park/Trail Urban Federal Land Park, Recreatin & Open Space Plan Map 11: Reginal Trails Cncept All users f the data shall be advised that the map features are apprximate and are intended nly t prvide an indicatin f said feature. Additinal areas that have nt been mapped may be present. This is nt a survey. The Cunty assumes n liability fr variatins ascertained by actual survey. ALL DATA IS EXPRESSLY PROVIDED AS IS AND WITH ALL FAULTS. The Cunty makes n warranty f fitness fr a particular purpse. â â â â â â 1 Water Trail Existing Reginal Trailhead Water Trail Access Reginal Park Cunty Park Resurce Cnservancy Park Undevelped Site Cemetery Other Cunty Owned Park Other Park Urban Unicrprated Area Cmmunity Planning Area Pierce Cunty Other Cunty Municipality Interstate Highway/Majr Arterial Railrad July 2009 I Data Surce: Pierce Cunty GIS, Fthills Trail Calitin, Trails Plan Technical Wrking Grup, and Cmmunity Plan - planning area maps. Prjectin: NAD 1983 HARN State Plane Washingtn Suth FIPS 4602 Feet Lambert Cnic Cnfrmal Lcal Park Within Cunty UGA -nt within a city UGA Water Feature