West Seattle puts feet first with Brandon Trail

Pedestrians traveling on Southwest Brandon Street in West Seattle now have a safe alternative to the busy street.

The newly developed Brandon Trail, a 3-foot-wide gravel path, is replacing the narrow, dirt trail that was used by residents.

"There's no sidewalk on Brandon. People were naturally walking to a safer place to avoid traffic," said Lesa Russell, project manager at Delridge Neighborhoods Development Association. The community will celebrate the project's completion Saturday.

Along with creating a safer passage, the improvements make the trail accessible all year. Before the facelift, which began in February, the narrow trail was muddy in winter and covered with weeds in the spring, Russell said.

Both situations made it impassable.

"As soon as the trail was graveled, there was evidence of foot work on the trail, so it's being utilized," she said.

Volunteers also helped remove invasive plants and replanted native species, picked up litter, and placed mulch and wood chips along the trail during the refurbishing.

The project cost $19,800 and was funded by a grant from Seattle's Department of Neighborhoods and King County.

Brandon Trail is a connecting trail for the Longfellow Creek Legacy Trail, a 4.2-mile pedestrian trail that links West Seattle resources such as community centers, schools, parks and businesses.

Parts of Longfellow have gravel paths that guide the user through forest areas and onto neighborhood streets before connecting to other park areas, including Camp Long and Greg Davis Park.

"They provide a connection to nature," said Jay Mirro, lead volunteer for the Brandon Street natural area work party.

Mirro lives a block east of Brandon Trail and walks the trail every day with his children and their dog. "A trail like this is a great way to connect to nature without having to go very far," he said.

Also being unveiled at the Saturday ceremony is a new West Seattle trails and neighborhoods map for individuals exploring on foot.

Feet First, a pedestrian advocacy organization that supports creating walkable communities, developed the "Neighborhoods on Foot" map, which outlines bike routes, bus routes and trail networks throughout West Seattle.

The map is a product of three years of community input, planning and pedestrian construction "to encourage people to walk to different neighborhoods," said Rebecca Deehr, policy director at Feet First.

The organization recently sent copies of the map to families of some elementary schools students. Maps also will be available at businesses, libraries and community centers in West Seattle.

Feet First also is working to have the map available in the future at kiosks along the trail.

IF YOU GO

The Brandon Trail Renovation Celebration is 10-10:30 a.m. Saturday, Southwest Brandon Street and 26th Avenue Southwest.