15-mile Ocean Shores bike trail rollout incomplete after Blue Zones funding ends; implementation needs ~$278,000 in grants

Commissioners reported on Oct. 20 that the 15-mile bike trail developed under a Blue Zones initiative has completed design work but lacks implementation funding and installed signage. Chair and other speakers said Pickled Flower (a Snohomish design firm) completed the signs and QR-code wayfinding design, and that the public bike-workstation is already installed at the convention center. However, Blue Zones and initial funders (Summit Pacific and Choice Medical) have ended local funding, leaving the city without committed resources to install wayfinding and striping.

Commissioners cited an itemized cost estimate in the project document that aggregates expenses for signs, wayfinding, striping, and bike-lane markings; when added together, commissioners reported approximately $278,000 in grants would be required to complete implementation. Line items mentioned in discussion included wayfinding signage ($5,000–$10,000), 32 bike-route signs, 76 directional signs, striping costs, green pavement treatments, and bike-lane symbols. Commissioners said the group that initially sponsored design work is no longer answering inquiries and that city staff would follow up with the city administrator to pursue answers and possible grant sources.

Commissioners noted the city deliberately did not commit public funds during design and that future implementation would likely require private or grant funding. No implementation contract or funding commitment was authorized at the Oct. 20 meeting. Commissioners suggested seeking grants and continuing conversations with the city administrator and potential private partners.