Tumwater unveils new improvements in the Deschutes Valley Trail

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The City of Tumwater unveiled the new facilities and improvements for the Deschutes Valley Trail during the regular city council meeting on Tue., June 15.

Tumwater Engineering Services Manager Bill Lindauer issued an “acceptance of work” report confirming that they were able to complete phase one of the trail. Lindauer explained that the trail is the first component of a 2.5-mile project that is planned to eventually extend from Tumwater Historical Park, where it begins to Pioneer Park.  

The manager added that there are five segments to the project, noting that the current phase measures 0.3 miles which begins at Tumwater Historical Park and currently ends at Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls.

Lindauer claimed that they had made significant improvements in the Brewery Park parking lot, including the placement of a kiosk that included a bench, bike rack, and message boards for guests.

The trail itself, previously a gravel walking path, is now paved. Lindauer also noted that they placed two types of retaining walls adjacent to the Falls Terrace restaurant. The city engineer admitted that the construction was a challenge in itself after they encountered bedrock issues which made it difficult to construct the retaining walls. For additional safety, they also installed a split rail cedar and black chain link fencing.

Lindauer also noted that the ten-foot wide trail can accommodate bikes and pedestrians.

In terms of landscaping, the city also made improvements in irrigation. During the meeting, council member Joan Cathey asked about the trees that were taken down to give way for the paved trail. In response, Director of Transportation & Engineering, Brandon Hicks clarified that the trees were replaced on a three to one ratio.

The project was designed by Robert W. Doll, and was funded by the Tumwater Parks and Recreation. Overall, the project costs a total of $1,471,440.

Lindauer shared that the city's goal is to eventually provide non-motorized alternatives for residents and foster growth for the community. He also encouraged people to visit the park. “ I think the most important thing is you can't enjoy it unless you go out there and watch it – take the time to walk the trail and enjoy the park,” he said.

Councilmember Eileen Swarthout agreed, “It's just beautiful, so I just want to celebrate the work that’s done and how it adds and beautifies our city.”

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  • AJoytoknow

    Paved path is gross. My grandmother had mobility issues and she happily walked the gravel path. Removing trees is gross. Replacement 3 fold doesn't mean much when removing large old trees with little baby trees that won't grow to size in our children's lifetime. This story just makes me sad for longtime residents who enjoyed the park and ALL of the trees. Doing work to help salmon is important, but a lot of this just sounds like elitist b.s. and the designer obviously doesn't care about nature as much as aesthetic. Not local I'm guessing, locals have better connection to these places and would not have removed trees (in my opinion)

    Thursday, June 17, 2021 Report this

  • Tractor1

    Thank You Tumwater. You can't please everyone but what you have done so far should meet with overwhelming acceptance.

    Thursday, June 17, 2021 Report this

  • LAKEG05

    Was there any update on the timeline for an estimated completion date for the trail from Pioneer park? I can't wait for that to be done and be able to ride on it.

    Monday, July 26, 2021 Report this