Trail Use Soars!

from Pierce County Parks 2021 Spring/Summer Adventure Guide + Calendar

by Pierce County

Kids Need To Play!

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Pierce County Parks Adventure Guide + Calendar | SPRING/SUMMER 2021

Foothills Trail - Puyallup

Foothills Trail - Orting

TRAIL POPUL

Walk. Bike. Stroll. Roll. Whatever your preferred activity, Pierce County trails offer opportunities at a time when people are clamoring to safely get outside. Whether it’s a quiet escape to the woods, a biking or walking connection to a neighborhood school, or an accessible way to get some exercise, our local trails are here for us now, and into the future.

Over a year ago, we collectively took an unexpected break from our “normal life” and began the process of adjusting to new rules for social distancing, masking, and engaging with our communities. For many, that meant leaning into teleworking with our new canine coworker or balancing zoom school with zoom work, and after all that screen time, we needed the outdoors more than ever. Pierce County data shows

a 57% increase in trail use from 2019 to 2020 which amounts to over 1.6 million additional visits. And this trend continues into 2021 where, despite a record setting January rain event, the Foothills Trail still saw double the traffic at almost every trailhead. The message is clear: even a little rain won’t stop Pierce County residents from getting out on the trail.

This trend continued at the national level. Americans have flocked to outdoor recreation in record numbers amid COVID restrictions. According to an Outdoor Industry article 1 , more Americans took up running, cycling and hiking for the first-time last year. Urban residents, seeking a respite from the stresses and close quarters of towns and cities, took up these activities in even higher numbers than the general population.

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Foothills Trail - South Prairie

ARITY SOARS

As we look at a post-COVID future, it’s easy to see that already popular trails will remain an important outlet both for both veteran users and people just discovering their favorites. So how do we plan for that future? Fortunately, Pierce County has a vision for a robust trail system that will continue to build diverse trail opportunities, with more local and regional connections, and accessibility.

Pierce County Regional Trails Plan Vision:

• An accessible and seamless trail network used by people of all ages and abilities.

• Practical transportation options.

• Opportunities to connect with nature.

• Links to parks, open spaces, significant environmental features, public facilities, and areas of interest.

• Diverse trail opportunities and experiences including non-motorized transportation, recreation, fitness, connecting with nature, and organized events and races.

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• Connections to major developed areas and attractions within the County as well as connection to the greater region.

In communities across the County, Pierce County Parks is planning and implementing near, mid, and long-term trail projects that will continue to meet the need of a growing trail community. By building new connections and improving the beloved, Pierce County will continue to provide residents access to trails now and into the future.

Getting out on your local trails can be an important way to improve your mental and physical health. During this time, and always, safety is the number one priority. Remember to limit travel, limit stays, limit contact, and be prepared while visiting trails! ~ Brianne Blackburn and Tiffany Odell, PierceCounty Parks Planners

1 Outdoor Industry Association: https://outdoorindustry.org/article/increase-outdoor-activities-due-covid-19/

Pierce County Parks Adventure Guide + Calendar | SPRING/SUMMER 2021

Bresemann Forest trail system receives a makeover!

Bresemann Forest Trail

In order to make trails through Bresemann safer and more welcoming, Washington Conservation Corps and Washington Service Corps members, led by Parks Specialist Ben Monte Calvo, employed the principles of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED). You will notice new wayfinding signage, less underbrush, and longer, straighter sightlines as you wander the forest paths. Ben Monte Calvo shared another important CPTED principle, “One of the major safety enhancements that comes from this large-scale trail maintenance is that these areas start to feel loved and cared for. The more people feel that a trail systemis taken care of, the more they feel safe while visiting.”

Don’t be afraid to check out Bresemann! And when you do, please remember the important safety tips in the Trails Safety Video below. ~ Cindy Haverkamp, Pierce County Parks Planner

stay safe while exploring pierce county trails