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Proponent: Walla Walla Valley 'Sweet Onion' scenic bikeway advances after high score
Summary
Don Olguin told commissioners the Walla Walla Valley Sweet Onion Scenic Bikeway scored 31.8 out of 35, placed second statewide, and will advance to a presentation stage; there is no direct monetary award but the Washington State Trails Association offered signage support for the 39‑mile route.
At the Feb. 17 meeting Don Olguin, a project proponent, updated the Board of County Commissioners on the Walla Walla Valley Sweet Onion Scenic Bikeway application to Washington State Parks.
Olguin said the route received "a total of 31.8 points out of a possible 35" and finished second overall among 21 submissions; nine routes moved forward to the next stage and, after a flood‑washout elimination, eight remain. He explained that the program does not award direct funding for a route and that Washington State Parks prefers to use existing cycling infrastructure rather than build new paths.
Olguin said the Washington State Trails Association pledged funds to supply wayfinding signage, offering roughly one sign per mile; for the proposed 39‑mile route, that pledge would cover about 39 signs. He outlined the schedule: 20‑minute presentations to program directors and task‑force members in March (dates being considered), MOU development in April–June, designation steps in July–September and implementation thereafter.
Commissioners thanked Olguin for leading outreach and suggested the county provide time on a future agenda for a fuller presentation when proponents are ready.
Why it matters: The Scenic Bikeway designation is a branded recognition that can promote tourism and local recreation; while it does not come with direct state funding, donated signage and formal designation can aid wayfinding and marketing.
Next steps: Proponents plan to prepare a 20‑minute presentation for state program directors and task force members next month and to develop MOUs if the route is advanced.
