Letter to the Editor: build a greenway between Gateway Plaza and Cromwell Park

To the Editor:

I am proposing a greenway between Gateway Plaza and Cromwell Park. Due to the gentle grade of 183rd Ave N (as compared to the steep grades southerly streets) and 183rd's convenient orientation between Cromwell Park, the Courthouse & Gateway Plaza, 183rd is ideally suited as a greenway to accommodate pedestrians and vehicles. Compacted gravel paths can connect the patchwork of concrete sidewalks. The recently improved intersection of 183rd & Wallingford will complement the greenway.

Proposal:

Use standard curb/sidewalk code for new construction to create curbing and paths on both sides of 18rd Ave N from Gateway Plaza to Meridian Ave N. In lieu of concrete use subtly winding gravel paths along both sides of 183rd to improve drainage and to soften the appearance by making it look more natural.

Use native and ecologically beneficial plants and trees along greenway to absorb winter drainage and reduce water needs during the summer drought.

If a porous concrete exists, use this for pouring the curbing.

As with Cromwell Park, utilize an army of volunteers to help complete this project.

Utilize park taxes to fund the greenway.

Benefits:

A beautiful inviting pathway which will benefit people and wildlife while creating an incentive to get out for a walk and go shopping without having to worry about getting run over.

The greenway will also benefit commerce at Gateway Plaza by acting as a natural connector between the Interurban Trail and Cromwell Park. This will also provide an incentive for residents living West of Aurora to walk to Cromwell Park and go shopping on their return.

Reduced speeds on 183rd, chronic speeding endangers pedestrians and vehicular cross traffic.

Reduced abuse of a residential street by speeders short cutting between 185th & Meridian.

Reduced accidents: the subtle grade and visibility on 183rd facilitate many near misses on Wallingford every day as well as accidents.

Foliage will decrease greenhouse gases and help clean the air while reducing freeway noise.

Beautiful gently winding gravel paths connect the patchwork of concrete sidewalks.

Terry Rabourn

Shoreline