Saturday, October 3, 2026
The Tumwater City Council approved a contract with SCJ Alliance to design the remaining segments of the long-envisioned Deschutes Valley Trail.
The $2.5 million contract, which was approved at a meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 7, also covers permitting, construction specifications and cost estimates.
The first segment of the trail system was completed in 2021, connecting Historical Park to Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls. Six segments remain.
Jared VerHey, the city’s capital projects manager, told the Tumwater Public Works Committee in September that design work for the remaining segments is going to be done in phases.
Designs for Segment C and the Deschutes Valley Park Spur have a target completion date of June 2026.
Segment C, the longest segment of the system, starts at the parking lot of Valley Athletic Club and extends more than 2 miles southeast toward Pioneer Park. The segment features a bridge crossing a drainage ditch near M Street.
Deschutes Valley Park Spur is going to connect Segment C with T Street via the entrance of Deschutes Valley Park.
Designs for the other four segments are not expected to be completed until early 2027.
A segment called Palermo Spur connects Segment C with Linda Street. Segment D runs from the Deschutes River to Pioneer Park and includes two bridges.
Segment B continues from the north end of Segment C and stretches to E Street.
Segment A2 picks up from there, linking E Street to the Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls. VerHey noted the segment involves structural challenges, given it passes under Capitol Bridge and runs along Capitol Boulevard.
Once designs and permits are completed, construction could begin in late 2026 or early 2027.
2 comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here
TomBoucher
Can't wait. Investments like this--starting with a good design--are what will make our whole area healthier and happier.
Tuesday, October 14, 2025 Report this
chrispc2u
These are some the improvements that make Olympia such a livable city.
Wednesday, October 15, 2025 Report this