The city completed the Main Parks Master Plan in May 2023. Out of that master planning process came the need to realign the Foothills Trail through a portion of the City’s Main Park and is a critical component of the Main Parks Master Plan approved by the City Council of Orting. The alignment of Foothills Trail is proposed to change in selected areas of the park blocks. Trail realignment will maximize park lands for other program elements, improve the safety of pedestrian and bicycle circulation between the parking areas and the park, and in general improve wayfinding, or organization of all park elements.

Foothills Trail is proposed to shift to the east, closer to Washington Ave. S. over the length of the Main Park blocks between Calistoga St. W. and Bridge St. S. There is no change in the trail alignment in North Park, or in Charter Park between Bridge St. S. and the Public Safety Building parking lot, or in Charter Park east of Meadow Ln. SE. These changes allow for greater separation from the children’s play areas from Washington Ave. S., allow for an expanded multi-purpose field area in Charter Park, and reduce user conflict between the primary parking areas and the park.

The realignment of the trail will optimize the use of park land, enabling the expansion of recreational areas, and ensuring a balanced, equitable distribution of open spaces. By improving the pedestrian environment, reducing vehicular-pedestrian conflicts, and creating a more inviting recreational space, the project will contribute to a more vibrant, attractive, and welcoming city center. 

The project is funded by the Federal Highway Administration through the Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC).