John Wayne Pioneer Trail Reconnection Route

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A Central Washington University class in the Geography and Land Studies Department in 11998 developed three possible routes to reconnect the Iron Horse State Park through or around Ellensburg. The students attended public meetings and forums, and developed and presented a proposed project. The student group constructed an informational website and made a pro- posal to the city planners. The report was good background, but needed the focus and details of a workable realistic plan to prepare for funding and operational agencies. THE SOUTHERNROUTE would help connect and create a great Ellensburg Park System, including a greenway along Umptanum Road, connecting the WDFW site, (with passage under Interstate go), the redeveloping Schaake Property, Irene Rinehart Riverfront Park, the golf course and the meandering forested ripirian corridor along the dynamic Yakima River, which is one of the best recreational and natural features of Kittitas County. The Campus to Canyon Trail is part of the new Central Washington Sports Park project, which could connect to the John Wayne Trail near the Fairgrounds. The proposed southern route begins where The Iron Horse State Park meets Reecer Creek road. It heads south through pastureland and under the Cascade Way overpass. From there the route heads further south through more pasture and along the side of Pott road. The trail then crosses Dolarway and cuts across the side of Anderson Hay and Grain property. At the south end of the Anderson Hay and Grain property the trail follows a creek/riparian area and travels underneath I -go into the middle of the Irene Rinehart Riverfront Park. Here people can stop, use the restrooms and BBQ facilities, take a swim, or fish. The proposed trail then travels east, through the park and out to Umptanum road. Here it runs parallel to Umptanum and along side pasture into the commercial area. At the commercial area, people can stop, get something to eat, use restrooms, or even make hotel reservations. The trail travels through the commercial area across Canyon road and along side a bird sanctuary. The trail goes east through the sanctuary and across Bull road. It then travels through an agricultural area to No. 6 road. The trail travels north up No. 6 until it meets the Iron Horse State Park Trail once again. Comments: This route is a long way to reconnect the trail and there would be numerous difficult acquisitions or easements to obtain. 3;obn Wayne Pioneer Trail Reconnection Study Final Report September 2001 17