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Snoqualmie commission prioritizes trail wayfinding, volunteer crews and Orchard Park work
Summary
Commissioners discussed trail signage and wayfinding, the Green Snoqualmie volunteer model, Orchard Park tree work and the Riverwalk trail bid; staff cited staffing shortages, rising contractor costs, and plans for a fall field tour and volunteer program.
The Snoqualmie Parks and Events Commission on July 15 placed trail wayfinding, volunteer trail crews and several park projects among its short-term priorities, and asked staff to return with implementation steps this fall.
Commissioners and parks staff discussed wayfinding and signage on the city’s trail network, including low-cost signpost options and higher-cost kiosk-style maps at major trailheads. Staff noted prior work on a coherent trail-signage program had experienced turnover and false starts and recommended a phased approach that could start with a map and QR-code links to online trail maps.
Staffing and maintenance: Dylan, a parks staff member, told commissioners the department is understaffed for current maintenance needs and relies on seasonal workers in summer. City staff said contract and labor costs have risen since COVID; to address capacity the department is exploring adding two permanent staff positions funded in part by reduced contractor spending and efficiency gains. Commissioners said that additional staff could make in-house signage production and trail repairs more feasible.
Volunteer program and trails work: Commissioners discussed reviving a volunteer trail program similar to the Green Snoqualmie effort that previously organized community blackberry removal, tree planting and trail stewardship. Phil, a staff member noted for volunteer coordination experience, said a trailer of tools and a predictable sign-up process helped prior volunteer efforts succeed; commissioners proposed outreach to local schools and clubs for community-service hours and seasonal trail events.
Orchard Park, Riverwalk and dog park ideas: Commissioners raised the Orchard Park area and other city-owned parcels as possible sites for expanded community uses (fruit-tree plantings and larger-scale “peach patch” plantings were mentioned). Staff described the Riverwalk trail project as entering a construction phase (a bid opening was scheduled shortly after the commission meeting) and said future phases could include soft-surface trails and restoration. Commissioners also discussed the possibility of a new dog park and noted a fee study is underway that could inform whether user fees or annual permits are appropriate.
Process and next steps: the commission agreed to a fall field tour (October–November window) to view parks and trail sites in person and asked staff to prepare a trail-signage plan, a volunteer-program framework and updates on Riverwalk progress for an autumn meeting.
