NE Seattle Trails Walking Map in Process

Did you know that there is a group working on a walking trail map for the NE Seattle area? How great is that - our own walking map where we can venture out on the trails in our area.

The group called, Feet First, is working on creating the first walking map of the Northeast Seattle area. The project is based on the West Seattle Trails project model, which Feet First was involved in.

Susan Rosebrough, from the National Park Service, said they began working on the Northeast Seattle Trails Project in the Winter of 2008. They are working in partnership with Seattle Audubon, Wedgwood Community Council, the Homewaters Project, Public Health -Seattle & King County, Seattle Department of Transportation, and other community groups.

Susan said she has just received a bunch of walking surveys back from the community to help with input on creating the map. She says in reviewing all of them " we have learned alot about this area."

Susan says that the outcomes of this planning project will be (1) a map of NE Seattle with a collection of walking routes (in-park trails, sidewalks, and streets), (2) a plan to improve walkability in the area, and (3) a web based map.

"The next draft of the map that will incorporate all the field work done, will be shared in later summer. After the planning is done signage and on-the ground projects will be pursued," Susan says.

Here is a draft of the walking trail map.

If you love to walk, then this is a great project for you to help with, and get exercise at the same time.

Here are some ways to get involved:
• Take the NEST Survey
• Organize or participate in a neighborhood walk to assess potential trails
• Help create and/or contribute to the NEST website and blog

You can download the map and walking survey tool here. See more details at the end of the message on how to use the tool.

The group is also on Facebook under Northeast Seattle Trails (NEST) group.

Please contact Susan if you would like hard copies of the map, tool, or other project information.

Here are some details on how to use the walking (audit) tool:
- Choose a route from the map that you want to walk. If you know of an interesting route that is not on the map, we'd like to hear about this too.
- Print out a few paper copies of the tool (if you don't have access to
a printer, let us me know and we will try to get copies to you).
- Read the survey over before you leave to have a sense of what you will
be looking for.
- Go out and walk the route, enjoying yourself and taking notice of the trail's
condition and your experience.
- If the trail makes a dramatic change of conditions (goes from sidewalks to no
sidewalks, quiet street to noisy arterial) then complete a survey for the
section you have already walked.
- If your route takes you onto (what could be considered) another trail, such as
from going along 55th, to being along the Burke Gilman, then complete a survey
for the section you have already walked
- If you get to the end of your route, then complete a survey for the section
you walked.
- Also, please note any interesting natural or cultural resources in the area,
as we'd like to map these as well.

Contact for Susan from the National Park Service is susanrosebrough@yahoo.com.