South Ship Canal Trail Acquisition, Ph 2

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Category Overview

Trails grants help communities and recreation areas fund the creation and improvement of trails for walking, hiking, cycling, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing. These grants help make communities more livable, create regional trails systems, and open up beautiful outdoor spaces for people to enjoy. WWRP is the largest source of trail support in the state of Washington.

Project Highlights

The South Ship Canal Trail, Phase 2 project, will extend the trail west from 6th Avenue West, where Phase 1 now ends. It will terminate at the Emerson Street Bicycle Path, which provides direct access to Fisherman’s Terminal and connects to other bicycle facilities leading to popular waterfront parks such as Chittenden Locks, Discovery Park, and Myrtle Edwards/Elliott Bay as well as to downtown Seattle. IAC funds will be used to acquire about 23,800 square feet of land from Burlington-Northern/Santa Fe Railroad. Acquisition of this property will allow the trail to be routed under the Ballard Bridge/Emerson Street interchange, thereby eliminating a major barrier for bicyclists and pedestrians desiring to travel between the Queen Anne and Magnolia communities. Phase 2 has regional significance as well, providing a key missing link in a chain of trails that will make it possible to bicycle from suburban Redmond to downtown Seattle. The legal description of the property to be acquired is described in Attachment A, which is by this reference incorporated into the Project Agreement.

Quick Facts

WWRP Applicant: Seattle Dept of Transportation Category: Trails WWRP Grant: $265,490.30 Applicant Match: $414,899.52 Project Type: Acquisition County: King Legislative District: 36 Status: Closed Completed RCO Project # 96-1163

Location Details

The South Ship Canal Trail, Ph 2 will run from 6th Avenue West (where Ph 1 terminates) west just beyond the Ballard Bridge to West Emerson Street, where it will link to an existing path. The portion of the corridor where the acquisitions will occur are between 11th Avenue West and Emerson Street. To reach this area take I-5 to Mercer Street, right at Fairview (first street), then take a quick left at Valley, and then a right on Westlake Avenue North. At intersection of Dexter and Westlake (the Fremont Bridge) will be on your right), go straight as Westlake becomes Nickerson. Follow Nickerson to 13th Avenue West (just before the Ballard Bridge interchange area) and turn right. The rail corridor, which the trail will follow, will be right in front of you.

What is the WWRP

The Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program (WWRP) is a state grant program that creates and conserves local and state parks, wildlife habitat and working farms. The Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office administers WWRP grants, and the legislature funds the program.