Arboretum neighbors and friends,

Thank you for registering for updates on the Arboretum Loop Trail. The contractor, Ohno Construction has mobilized to the site and started surveying, installing tree protection fencing and erosion control. Tree removals, earthwork and clearing will begin in April within the limits of the trail work. The Birch parking lot is closed.

We anticipate completion of the trail by December 2017. Safety for visitors, contractors, volunteers and staff is the priority during construction of the Arboretum Loop Trail. We will temporarily close or re-route some trails when work is taking place nearby. 

The Arboretum will remain free and open to the public throughout construction. To get additional information or register for updates, please visit LoopTrail.seattle.gov.

Thank you,
Garrett Farrell

On Monday, March 28, construction crews will begin work on the new Loop Trail. Construction is scheduled to run through December 2017.

The Arboretum Loop Trail is a 1.2-mile trail that will connect to Arboretum Drive, creating a 2.5-mile path through the Washington Park Arboretum and provide improved access to the flagship public garden. Seattle Parks and Recreation awarded the construction contract to Ohno Construction for the paved, multi-use Arboretum Loop Trail.

The Arboretum will remain free and open to the public throughout construction. Safety for visitors, contractors, volunteers and staff is the priority during construction of the Arboretum Loop Trail. We may temporarily close or reroute some trails when work is taking place nearby. To receive meeting notification and construction updates please visit LoopTrail.seattle.gov. 

In June 2013, City Council approved $7.8 million from WSDOT to fund implementation of the Arboretum loop. This project, as outlined in the Arboretum’s Master Plan, is key in mitigating the effects of the upcoming replacement of the SR 520 Bridge. It fulfills the Master Plan’s three primary goals: conservation, recreation and education. It will also improve safety for pedestrians and bicyclists visiting the Arboretum. Additionally, the project restores portions of Arboretum Creek and nearby wetlands.

For more information about the project visit:

LoopTrail.seattle.gov. If you have questions email [email protected] or contact project manager Garrett Farrell at [email protected] or 233-7921.

Seattle Parks and Recreation is inviting the community to a public meeting for the Washington Park Arboretum Multi-Use Trail. This community update will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2015 from 6:30 – 7:45 p.m. at the Arboretum’s Graham Visitors Center, 2300 Arboretum Dr. E.

 The Arboretum Multi-use Trail project provides a pedestrian and bicycle loop trail through the Arboretum. The community update will provide information on the design, the construction timeline and impacts to the park and neighborhood. The meeting will focus on the improvements on the south end of the trail. For the safety of pedestrians and bicyclists at the south end of the park, the City is exploring options to make 31st Ave. E a one-way street southbound.

 The preferred design presented at a public meeting in February 2014 took into consideration public input from public meetings held in 2011-2012. Seattle Parks and Seattle Department of Transportation staff will be at the meeting to answer questions and collect feedback. The community is encouraged to participate and all are welcome.

 In June 2013, City Council approved $7.8 million from the Washington State Department of Transportation to fund implementation of the Arboretum loop trail. This project, as outlined in the Arboretum’s Master Plan, is key in efforts to mitigate the impact of the upcoming replacement of the SR 520 Bridge.

 For more information about the project, please visit: seattle.gov/parks/projects/arboretum/trail.htm. If you have questions, please contact Garrett Farrell, Project Manager, at [email protected] or 233-7921.

Seattle Parks and Recreation, the University of Washington Botanic Gardens and the Arboretum Foundation invites the community to a public meeting for the Washington Park Arboretum Multi-Use Trail. The final public meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 27 from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. at the Graham Visitors Center located inside the park at 2300 Arboretum Dr. E.

The Arboretum Multi-Use Trail project provides a trail from the intersection of East Madison through the Arboretum to the intersection of Foster Island Road and Lake Washington Boulevard.

At the meeting, design development drawings will be presented that take into consideration input from public meetings held in 2011-2012.  Parks staff will be on-site to answer questions and collect feedback. The community is encouraged to participate and all are welcome.

In June 2013, City Council approved $7.8 million from Washington State Department of Transportation to fund implementation of the Arboretum Multi-Use Trail. This project, as outlined in the in the Arboretum’s Master Plan, is a key element in mitigation effects of the upcoming replacement of the State Route 520 Bridge.

For more information about the project visit seattle.gov/parks/projects/arboretum/trail.htm If you have questions about  the project please contact project manager Andy Sheffer at [email protected] or 206-684-7041.