KENNEWICK, Wash. – The Kennewick City Council has approved the ‘Pathways and Trails Master Plan,’ aiming to enhance the city’s trail system.
The plan proposes 63 miles of trails and pathways across Kennewick. Nick Farline, Kennewick’s Parks, Recreation & Facilities Director, said the project aims to improve walking access throughout the city.
“Our goal is to make our community more walkable, more accessible,” Farline said. “And it gives people a better opportunity to get out there and recreate because we live in a beautiful area. And so to get people out there to do that is our ultimate goal.”
The city is working with local irrigation districts to create new walking trails along canals. The plan aims to connect existing trails, making it easier for residents to reach schools, hospitals, government offices, and other destinations.
Farline emphasized the community’s role in shaping the project.
“The community has said, ‘Hey, we want more trails, we want more accessibility. We want to be able to have trails that connect,’ And so we heard that,” Farline said. “The next step is, well, what does that look like? So you want more trails, but where, how and where do they connect? And so that’s where the Pathways and Trails master plan really kind of took form.”
While the master plan is not yet funded, the city will look to grants to finance the trails. Farline hopes some trails will be accessible within the next year or two, although he acknowledged that government processes can be slow.
The project will include various trail styles to accommodate bikers, riders, hikers, and individuals with disabilities.
The ‘Pathways and Trails Master Plan’ can be found here.
