In December, the public will be able to wander forest trails in Burien's largest city-owned park.

Mathison Park, at 533 S. 146th Street, offered 5.3 acres of forested open space in the center of urban development, but the public could only experience the one acre initially developed and accessible.

Completion of the current project will allow the public to walk along meandering trails and learn about the park's flora and fauna through a series of interpretive panels.

Along the trail the visitor can rest on a trailside bench or take in a view of Mt. Rainier, Sea-Tac International Airport and Puget Sound from several overlooks or picnic sites.

A second playground for ages Kindergarten through 5 years old will also be available.

An additional element of the project is the removal of substantial amounts of invasive plant species and the re-establishment of native plants, especially along the trail corridors.

The construction began in August of 2009 and has included the earthwork and grading to establish the trail systems and playground.

The project is anticipated to be completed in December with the final touches to include interpretive signage throughout the trail system.

Design of the park expansion was provided by KPG and the construction contractor is L.W. Sundstrom Inc.

Funding has been provided by the State of Washington's Wildlife and Recreation Program, the King County Youth Sports Facilities Grant program, and the City of Burien capital improvement program.

The park was dedicated on Sept. 15, 2006. Most of the land was dedicated by Ted Mathison in 1999.

Ted and Bernadine Mathison bought the land from the Sunnydale Goat Dairy in 1942 and raised five children there.

In 2003, sisters Eleanor Carver Nelson and Dorothy C. Carver donated an adjoining parcel of land, off of South 148th Street. This allowed visitors to access the park from 146th or 148th streets.

The two gifted their property in memory of their grandfather, Herman Nickolas Peters, who homesteaded the area in 1889.