BSA Progress Updates for May 2023

Work to open a new Bike Skills Area (BSA) in Deane’s Children’s Park and improve safety in/around the Island Crest Park trail system continues. This post provides updates on the City’s progress.

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Design

Design updates made since the City met with community members at the end of March include:

• Adding a vegetated buffer to the west access trail – This will separate users on the new bike park access trail and the existing trail into the Island Crest Park open space.
• Removing the elevated tunnel from the bike park playground – A step down roller replaces the tunnel feature.

Permitting & Construction

Staff are completing the required Critical Areas Review and SEPA Checklist now, and information about ways to comment on these will be shared on Let’s Talk soon. Construction is planned for late summer/early fall, and restoration plantings will be installed through fall and winter.

Volunteer Events

Staff are coordinating volunteer events to remove dead/invasive vegetation and clear the BSA site in preparation for construction. Stay tuned to Let’s Talk for more details!

Safety improvements installed on 84th Ave SE

Trails in Island Crest Park

Three painted bump outs and one painted crosswalk have been installed on 84^th Ave SE. Designed by the City’s Transportation Engineer, these road safety improvements intend to increase visibility of Island Crest Park trailheads and calm vehicle speeds on 84^th Ave SE. Parks Operations staff will be trimming vegetation along 84^th Ave SE this spring/summer to improve visibility as well. Additionally, staff and volunteers are conducting usage counts along the Island Crest Park trails. Data collection began in April and continued last week. Findings from the counts will establish a baseline of usage and help the City track changes in use after the BSA opens.

Staff continue to review safety improvements for the trail system and will share updates on Let’s Talk when available.