Parks Superintendent Ken Bounds decided that a trail that traverses the Orchard Street Ravine and connects to the surrounding neighborhoods would be better than a loop trail that stays within the ravine.

The trail will connect the 38th Avenue Southwest street end at the higher northern side of the ravine to Orchard Street at the lower southern side.

City park planners previously recommended a loop trail contained within the bottom of the ravine. The Seattle Board of Parks Commissioners endorsed that proposal in February but changed its mind later in favor of a through trail.

A through trail would be the shortest option and cause the least environmental impact, Bounds stated in his written decision. A through trail also would least disturb plants and wildlife in the Orchard Street Ravine, which has been a priority of many people living nearby.

A through trail would be the most cost-effective solution, Bounds said, partly because there is good access from nearby streets. Maintenance would be simpler too.

The decision ended a couple years of debate that pitted two newly formed neighborhood organizations against each other. Friends of Orchard Street Ravine argued for a loop trail around the bottom of the ravine that would display native plants. Meanwhile the Orchard Ravine Community Association stated it was more important to build pathways through the ravine to better connect the surrounding neighborhood.

Along with his decision, Bounds allocated $140,000 to the new trail from interest earnings off Pro Parks levy money. Voters approved the levy in 2000.

The new through trail will likely be built with timber steps and gravel treads. There would be a handrail and some sections will require walls along the side of the trail.

A wooden deck is to be built at the top of the trail at the 38th Avenue street end and should provide views of Puget Sound.

Signs will be included in the project to direct pedestrians to and through the trail.

Volunteers have been removing invasive species such as Himalayan blackberry and English ivy from the ravine.

Construction is expected to begin next year and be completed by summer 2008.

Part of the Orchard Street Ravine is made up of city-owned street right of way that is too steep for roads. The rest of the 2.2-acre ravine, which is covered in woods and other vegetation, was purchased by the city in 1996.

Tim St. Clair can be reached at tstclair@robinsonnews.com or 932-0300.