6. REGIONAL TRAILS PLAN
OVERVIEW Pierce County Parks manages about 40 miles of trails and walking paths. Trails offer a lifelong opportunity for people of all ages and abilities to recreate and connect to nature while providing access to parks, schools, services, and cultural destinations. Well-designed, well-connected trails can also serve as non-motorized commuter routes and tourist attractions. Trails enhance the county’s economy and make Pierce County a great place to live, work, and raise a family. Pierce County Parks provides trails both as a part of the regional trail system and as amenities within park facilities. Intrapark trails and walking paths provide access to forests, creeks, and marine and lake environments. These trails, like those in Chambers Creek Regional Park and Spanaway Regional Park, help people to live healthy lifestyles and connect with nature. Regional trails, like the Foothills Trail, make up the spine of a trail system, connecting residents to neighboring towns and counties, giving access to services such as transit, commercial, and community services, and providing alternative transportation options. Pierce County Parks seeks to expand the regional trail system by adding miles to the existing network, building on jurisdictional partnerships, and finding new opportunities through connections within and outside Pierce County. This expansion is driven by the local knowledge, advocacy, and on-the-ground support brought by local jurisdictions and non-profit trail groups
Adopted February 11, 2020
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