City prepares to expand Cushman Trail

Ground breaking ceremony marks Phase 2 of project

Susan Schell

of the Gateway

The City of Gig Harbor will be adding another link to its trail system as it embarks on the second phase of the expansion of Cushman Trail.

City officials attended a ceremonial ground breaking at Wilkinson Farm Park on Friday to celebrate the beginning of the construction project.

“This is a great day for the City of Gig Harbor,” Mayor Chuck Hunter said. “This trail will be a benefit to this whole area. We hope it will be a good job, free of change orders.”

The existing leg of the Cushman Powerline Trail travels from Gig Harbor’s 14th Avenue NW to the Kimball Drive Park & Ride under the Cushman Power line. Phase 2 will extend the trail north to Borden Boulevard.

Pierce County Council Chair Terry Lee, R-Gig Harbor, said he’s thought about this project for years. He said it’s “not just another project.”

“Trails are in my blood,” he said. “The timing is critical to approve appropriations. There has been a lot of design work and challenges in making this a reality.”

Lee is a biking enthusiast who has been a constant advocate for the expansion of non-motorized trails in Pierce County. He said the county has big plans for future trail projects.

“We want to make it possible to some day ride from Purdy to Carbonado on trails,” he said. “This is a remarkable project for an aging community.”

The trail construction is a cooperative project between the city, county and Tacoma Power.

Phase 2 will be commanded by the city, since the trail sections are either in incorporated Gig Harbor or in the city’s Urban Growth Area.

Reach reporter Susan Schell at 253-853-9240 or by e-mail at susan.schell@gateline.com.