Comments from Project Open House

What is the cost of the trail and will that information be available to the public?
Trail costs will be posted on the King County Foothills Trail website by the end of this month. At this time we are waiting for some additional information to prepare the cost estimate.  If you do not have access to the online information you can call me at (206)263-7280 and I will get you the information.

Move back the guardrail +/- 20 feet and provide parking at 252nd Street.
King County currently owns a 100’ corridor in which to build the trail.  The County does not own any additional property that would allow for parking.  Fortunately, there is ample parking available to trail users at the trailhead in the City of Enumclaw.

Add viewpoint at the south end of the trail.
At this time, in order to keep trail costs down the County will not be constructing any additional viewpoints or seating at the end of the trail.  However, the County is actively pursuing funds to construct the Foothills Trail Pedestrian Bridge across the White River which will provide trail users magnificent views from both sides of the trail. Additionally, any viewpoint facilities constructed at the south end terminus of the current proposed trail would have to be removed when the pedestrian bridge is constructed.

Change Chain link Fence to wood split rail similar to White River Rim Trail.
King County staff will consider making this change.

Don’t want to see trail users – screen from view from private property.
The proposed trail follows a wooded corridor. The trail design calls for much of this vegetation to be preserved which will help screen private property from the view of trail users. King County does not provide screening plants for individual neighbors along the trail.  In some cases, mitigation plants may be required along the corridor which will also protect private property from view.

Concern regarding trespassing, will there be signage?
King County Parks will post the boundary signs along the trail.

Would like to see a fence installed (to prevent trespassing on private property)
King County Parks does not install fences along trails to prevent trespassing.  Trail neighbors may install fencing on their own property along the trail.

Make sure there is room for horses (redraw cross section).
The trail’s current design includes a 3’ gravel path on one side of the trail and a 5’ clear zone beyond the 3’ gravel path which will accommodate equestrians.

Is the old rail road bridge still available?
No.

Concern for bollard placement – want single (center) bollard with yellow diamond, stripe and alert bar.
We will ask our designers to incorporate this recommendation into the trail plans.

Is there enough money also budgeted for maintenance?
Yes, after the trail is constructed there will be maintenance funds in the King County Parks’ budget for staff and materials to maintain the trail.

What is the schedule for the bridge segment?
The feasibility study completed last May recommended a preferred alternative route for the bridge, and the next step is to secure funding for the design and construction.  At this time, representatives from four jurisdictions -- Pierce and King Counties and the cities of Buckley and Enumclaw are continuing to put together a strategy to secure funding.