A trail from Gorst to Bremerton would offer many benefits
April 28th, 2009 by cdunaganI’m glad to hear that there is room for a 10-foot trail between the shoreline and the railroad tracks for most of the way between Gorst and Bremerton. (Check out my story in today’s Kitsap Sun.)
Anyone driving into Bremerton from the south on Highway 3 knows this route. Look beyond the railroad tracks along the shoreline and think of the possibilities. I’ve always wondered if a trail could be developed there.
Consider the benefits for hikers and bikers, including the folks who would like to bike to work. While I would never ride a bike on Navy Yard Highway as it is today, a separate trail away from the traffic is another story.
I guess in one place — maybe less than a quarter mile — the trail would need to come between the highway and the railroad tracks, but it could be separated with a fence or some kind of barrier.
There is no money for the trail, and engineering designs are still needed, but the group that came together last weekend put together some good ideas for the trail, shoreline restoration, stormwater management and public education. The next step is completion of a concept plan followed by a public meeting.
I don’t know if anybody remembers, but a shoreline trail around the Sinclair Inlet estuary (behind the buildings in Gorst) has already been designed and is ready to be built. (Read the story from Aug. 19, 2004.) State funds were available to build the trail as part of an estuary restoration, but money ran out during the restoration project, so the trail never got built.
Maybe it’s time to dust off these trail plans and get this project going — with volunteers if necessary. I don’t believe there are any permitting obstacles to be overcome. It just needs to be built.
The Gorst trail, including boardwalks through wet areas, could link up with the future trail that will take you all the way into Bremerton.
Tags: Gorst, Highway 3, Sinclair Inlet
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May 2nd, 2009 at 6:15 pm
When do we start?