Jayne Kirkpatrick, Director, Public Affairs

Prepared by: John Boyette Jr., Senior Public Affairs Specialist

For more information: Todd Milam, Greenway Planner, Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department, 919-996-3285

March 31, 2014

Raleigh to Formally Open Walnut Creek Greenway Trail Extension April 8

The City of Raleigh Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department is inviting residents to celebrate the completion of the Walnut Creek Greenway Trail Extension Project. A dedication ceremony will be held on Tuesday, April 8, at 4 p.m. at the ballfields in Worthdale Park, 849 Sunnybrook Road.

The Walnut Creek Greenway Trail is a vital corridor of the Capital Area Greenway system (CAG), first adopted by City Council in 1976. CAG is a system of linear parks located primarily along rivers, streams, and creeks. It includes an interconnected system of pedestrian trails across the region.

The Walnut Creek Trail Extension Project is approximately 4.5 miles long and extends from Rose Lane to the Neuse River Trail. This new section is primarily comprised of a 10-foot-wide asphalt path with one bridge crossing over Walnut Creek. The trail is different from most due to the extensive natural wetland areas it passes through, requiring almost one mile of boardwalk.

With the completion of the Walnut Creek Trail Extension Project, the entire Walnut Creek Trail extends over 15 miles across the southern section of Raleigh. The trail provides connections with several major facilities and areas of the city. These include Walnut Creek Amphitheater, Walnut Creek Softball Complex, Walnut Creek Wetland Center, Pullen Park, North Carolina State University’s Centennial Campus, State Farmers Market, and connections into Downtown and Lake Johnson.

The Walnut Creek Trail Extension Project began in March 2013 and was completed in February. The extension’s budget was approximately $3.7 million. In 2007, Raleigh voters approved a parks bond referendum that included funding for the Walnut Creek Trail. In 2009, additional funding was included in a transportation bond referendum that local voters approved. The Parks and Recreation Trust Fund Grant provided separate financial assistance for the acquisition of several parcels and easements for construction of the trail extension.

Stewart Engineering was responsible for the design and construction administration of the Walnut Creek Trail Extension Project.