Pilot Projects
With The Trail Next Door, we're exploring how WTA can best benefit people looking to access urban green spaces and trails; from encouraging people to explore and invest in neighborhood trails to expanding the types of volunteer opportunities we offer.
We are listening to partner organizations and trying out new strategies for improving access and availability of urban trails. Learn more about them below!
HIKING GUIDE IMPROVEMENTS
There are nearly 200 hike entries for "trails next door" in the WTA Hiking Guide, and throughout 2020 we'll be working to add new trails, improve existing information and add public transit directions when possible to these entries. Many urban parks have large trail systems with multiple routes, and we've heard from partner organizations and city hikers is that it can be hard to figure out the best one to take when exploring a new city park. You can help other nearby hikers by writing a trip report for your next urban hike and tagging #trailnextdoor.
Volunteer trail work to improve urban trails
We're excited to roll up our sleeves and run volunteer work parties in urban parks across the state. Initially, the majority of these will be concentrated in King and Pierce Counties. We are trying to focus our work on neighborhoods and areas that have less access to green spaces and can serve large populations of people for the greatest impact. In addition, we're also experimenting with shorter half day work parties in select areas of the state that will give new volunteers the opportunity to join us in their neighborhood park without the need for a lengthy time investment. Keep an eye on our volunteer sign up page for an upcoming work party in your area!
see what else we're working on
What Do You Want From Seattle Parks? Let Them Know
Sep 29, 2021
The city of Seattle's Parks and Recreation Department wants to hear from you to help them shape their priorities for the coming years.
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How WTA Works for Trails and for You
By building connections, looking for creative solutions and mobilizing hikers, we’re helping to create a strong future for trails. | By Jessi Loerch
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Trails Next Door Are Always There For Me
Aug 24, 2021
The way I hike has been altered drastically, but my enjoyment of nature is unchanged.
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Take This Survey — And Help Make King County Parks More Equitable
Jul 22, 2021
King County Parks is soliciting community feedback via survey on priorities, needs and barriers related to park, trail and natural area access.
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Where the Sidewalk Ends: Finding Gaps in the Trail Network
Jun 02, 2021
Putting a focus on trails and other ways for people to safely move around urban areas can make for a stronger trail system and a healthier community. Having nature nearby is one thing — but getting to it safely is another. A new state effort is working to eliminate gaps that make it hard for walkers, bikers or wheelchair users to get around.
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WTA Volunteers Create Easier Access to Green Space in Vancouver
May 13, 2021
As part of our Trails Next Door work, WTA volunteers recently completed work in the Blandford Canyon Greenway. The trail reroute makes it easier to access the green space near Vancouver.
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