May 23, 2024 | Activities, green tukwila, News

A Guide to Tukwila Strolls

Sun’s out, run’s out. That’s our latest motto here at Experience Tukwila, now that we’re finally back to warmer, brighter days for the next few months.

It’s time to lace up your tennies and dig up the sunscreen. We’ve put together a handy little guide of all our favorite routes in Tukwila. There’s a level for everyone here, from the seasoned marathon runner to the “just out for a stroll” casual walking group. You’ll explore new neighborhoods, get elevated views of the city, and find perfect post-stroll drink and food spots. So go ahead, try all five and then let us know what you think.

The Routes

#1 The Framed Tree


Miles: 2.7
Elevation: 411 feet
Description: While this route may be short, it packs a punch. With over 400 feet of elevation, expect to get those legs burning on the hills. This route is mostly paved but has some sections of trail.

Highlights:
Crestview Park, where you should absolutely take a breather and check out the cute dogs at the dog park
Crystal Springs Park — pack your rackets and paddles, since there are tennis and pickleball courts here too

#2 The Bank to Bank Run


Miles: 3.2
Elevation: 131 feet
Description: A relatively flat course, apart from the Duwamish Hill Preserve, which takes you on a scenic 100-foot climb — but the views from the top are worth it! This route is mostly paved but has some sections of trail. The majority of the route takes place on designated biking/hiking trails along both banks of the Duwamish River, so car traffic is kept to a minimum.

Highlights:
Tukwila Community Center
Duwamish River
Green River Trail
Duwamish Gardens Park
Duwamish Hill Preserve
Duwamish Park

#3 Fire and Water


Miles: 4.7
Elevation: 41 feet
Description: This is a flat course and perfect for a speed workout, if that’s your thing. The route is mostly all bike paths and parks. Along the way, you’ll get VIP views of Starfire Sports and the Green and Black rivers.

Highlights:
Starfire Sports/Fort Dent Park
Quick little visit to our friends over in Renton to run around the Black River Riparian Forest and Wetland and to check out the artwork at Waterworks Gardens
Views of the Green and Black rivers
Explore parts of the Green River Trail, the Lake to Sound Trail, and the Springbrook Trail

#4 Cross-Town Craze


Miles: 10.9
Elevation: 229 feet
Description: This route is for the marathon trainer. Ease into a good pace and get ready to enjoy some relaxing miles through Tukwila’s parks and long stretches of bike paths. Be sure to have a plan for hydration, since this is a long one!

Highlights:
Duwamish Hill Preserve
Starfire Sports/Fort Dent Park
Duwamish River
Green River Trail
Tukwila Park

#5 The One and Done

Miles: 0.2
Elevation: 5 feet
Description: Begin your route at the front of Foster Golf Links. Walk around the building once (no running!) and then head inside toward the Billy Baroo’s counter. Watch out for occasional obstacles on your path, like a misplaced dining chair or an exuberant Seawolves fan. Once at the bar, order a pint of your favorite local brew, find your leisurely sipping pace, and enjoy!

Highlights:
Foster Golf Links
Billy Baroo’s
Requires no fitness experience
Beer

Think you’ve got what it takes to conquer every Tukwila route? Then give it a go on a nice, sunny day, and don’t forget to share your experience with friends and family on your favorite fitness apps. We’re so grateful to have such a wide variety of paths throughout the city. Even if you’re not a runner, these routes are perfect for exploring new areas of Tukwila at a leisurely pace. As always, be sure to pack plenty of water and sunscreen, and wear high-visibility clothing while running, walking, or biking around the city.

If you have any questions about these routes or would like to submit your own route, simply reach out to us via email or on social media.

April 11, 2023 | green tukwila, volunteer

Celebrate Earth Month in Tukwila!

Happy Earth Month, Tukwila! Our beautiful city is home to over 150 acres of open space, including 20 parks and 12 miles of multi-use trails. This month, we’re highlighting our Green Tukwila Partnership and showcasing the many ways you can get involved in protecting Tukwila’s open spaces. The more people that lend a hand, the easier it is to create a healthy ecosystem in which both wildlife and the Tukwila community can thrive.

In 2016, Tukwila became an official “Green City” after the city council adopted a 20-year Green Tukwila Partnership Stewardship Plan led by Forterra. Together with Forterra, EarthCorps, Duwamish Alive Coalition, Dirt Corps, King County Parks, and the Tukwila community, the partnership works to restore and maintain 138 acres of Tukwila’s urban forest. 

For Earth Month, we sat down with Tukwila Parks & Recreation’s Olena Perry to talk about the importance of the Green Tukwila Partnership and the impact it’s had on Tukwila’s urban forest and community.

Experience Tukwila: How much progress has Green Tukwila made in the preservation of Tukwila Parks and Wildlife since the Green Tukwila 20-Year Stewardship Plan started?

Olena Perry: Walk through one of the restoration sites — Tukwila Park, Green River Trail by Bicentennial Park, Crystal Springs Park, Cottonwood Corner and Duwamish Hill Preserve — to see the impact. As the program installs a diverse pallet of plants and trees, and removes invasive plants like English Ivy and Himalayan Blackberry, we will see the return of wildlife and a balanced ecosystem. We measure the success of the partnership by carefully tracking the square feet of noxious weeds removed and the number of native shrubs, groundcovers, and trees planted. 

ET: What makes Tukwila’s landscape special in the broader Duwamish watershed?

OP: Tukwila landscape is unique for many reasons; we have a wide variety of habitats that lend themselves to various native plants and wildlife, from upland forests and riparian zones to grasslands. Healthy green spaces work as filter systems, cleaning stormwater, and airborne pollutants. Tukwila’s impact on the Duwamish River directly affects Orca, salmon, and marine life in Elliot Bay.

ET: Where would you like to see Green Tukwila go in the future? Any exciting new things on the horizon? 

OP: Lots of excitement for Green Tukwila; the partnership is growing. Every year we see more and more volunteers and stewards join the conversation and the work. We have launched environmental programming with the Department of Fish and Wildlife, Partner in Employment is returning with their Green Jobs program, Dirt Corps is starting a large project at Crystal Springs Park, and the Service Board has returned for another year of stewardship at Duwamish Hill Preserve. The work is essential, and the community is strong; Green Tukwila is growing and making significant yearly impacts. 

ET: What’s Tukwila Parks’ message to people during Earth Month? 

OP: Earth Day is a time of reflection, to think about our impact on this precious planet and what you can do to support a healthy tomorrow. Get involved in Green Tukwila’s events, learn about your local environment, and make an impact! www.Tukwilwa.gov/earthmonth

Interested in answering Olena’s call to action and getting involved with Green Tukwila? Check out these upcoming Earth Month events: 

Experience Tukwila regularly highlights Green Tukwila work parties, so keep an eye out on our events page and social media to catch future volunteer opportunities!