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Trail upgrades in Pierce County that prioritize pedestrians, bikers and nature

Stories by Tacoma News Tribune journalists, with AI summarization

Recent trail projects in Pierce County prioritize pedestrians, bikers and nature. A new $16 million bridge extended a popular trail, highlighting the importance of safe and sustainable transport routes for both pedestrians and cyclists. These initiatives cater to a growing demand for outdoor recreation in the South Sound.

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories below were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.

The newly opened Foothills Trail bridge connects King and Pierce County over the White River, on Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024, in Buckley, Wash. By Brian Hayes

NO. 1: NEW $16 MILLION BRIDGE EXTENDS POPULAR PIERCE COUNTY TRAIL TO 22 MILES, INTO KING COUNTY

The span is also an emergency route. Vehicles and pedestrians can use it if a disaster damages the state Route 410 bridge, a news release said. | Published October 2, 2024 | Read Full Story by Alexis Krell

A rendering of the planned 12-mile-long spuyaləpabš Trail between Tacoma, Puyallup and Fife. By Courtesy

NO. 2: FUTURE TRAIL WILL CONNECT TACOMA, PUYALLUP AND FIFE - MANY WILL HAVE TO LEARN THE NAME

The name honors the Puyallup Tribe. | Published May 17, 2024 | Read Full Story by Craig Sailor

Larry Volland (center-bottom) makes his way along one of the numerous paths through the tall trees on his way to exiting Orangegate Park on Thursday afternoon. By Pete Caster

NO. 3: 100 ACRES OF THIS PIERCE COUNTY PARK ARE CLOSED FOR MONTHS AS CREWS CONNECT LOCAL TRAIL

“We ask that all park users, including equestrian users, stay out of the closed area for their safety,” the agency said. | Published January 31, 2024 | Read Full Story by Angelica Relente

The Carbon Glacier Corridor, which encompasses Wilkeson and Carbonado, offers a gateway to the northwest area of Mount Rainier National Park. By Courtesy of Pierce County Parks

NO. 4: ‘CRUCIAL’ UNDEVELOPED PIERCE COUNTY TRAIL WILL BECOME 3.5 MILES FOR BIKERS, PEDESTRIANS

Without the trail, the only route connecting the towns is the highway. The goal is for the trail to reach Mount Rainier National Park. | Published July 16, 2024 | Read Full Story by Angelica Relente

Wards Lake Park will be closed starting Jan. 7 the park in Lakewood will be closed until November 2025 for significant park By Brian Hayes

NO. 5: POPULAR PIERCE COUNTY PARK TO BE CLOSED IN 2025 FOR MAJOR UPGRADES, LIKE NEW DOG PARK

The park will be getting new paved trails, an off-leash dog park and new playground this year. | Published January 6, 2025 | Read Full Story by Becca Most

This report was produced with the help of AI tools, which summarized previous stories reported and written by McClatchy journalists. It was edited by journalists in our News division.