The new Marymoor Connector Trail may only cover one and half miles of land, but the small trail will make a huge impact to the King County’s regional trail system.

On May 14, King County community members and leaders celebrated the recently completed trail which runs through the Marymoor Park at the North end of Lake Sammamish.

“This little mile and a half represents more than just space, it’s a connector in many different ways,” King County Councilmember Jane Hague explained at the trail dedication. “With this link in place, we’ve joined the Burke-Gilman Trail, the Sammamish River Trails, and the East Lake Sammamish Trail. This fill an important gap in the locks to lakes regional trail corridor that spans 175 miles.”

Hague represents Bellevue on the County Council.

The connector trail will help increase pedestrian and cyclist safety through Marymoor Park.

“The Regional Trail System continues to grow with thanks to the confidence of the tax payers,” Hague continued. “King County is actively planning and developing a network of regional trails equaling 300 miles in length. This highly prized resource provides excellent year round opportunity for active recreation and regional.”

The trail connector will allow users to travel safely from Puget Sound to the Cascade Foothills.

“Trials benefit the health of our citizens, our economy, and our environment,” said King County Parks Director Kevin Brown. “Health and wellness are vital to the residents of King County and we are always looking to increase health practices in our communities.”

Community members are welcome to give back to King County be donating a bench or tree along the trail. The King County Parks Legacy Fund lets people make tax-deductible donations that go towards the long-term health and protection of parks in King County. To learn more, visit www.kingcounty.gov/parks/.

Lindsay Larin can be reached at 425.453.4602.