After being closed for construction the last six months, West Hylebos Wetlands Park has reopened to the public a little bit greener with a new eco-friendly boardwalk and parking lot.

Almost a mile long, the new boardwalk is built out of composite wood and recycled plastic lumber, and is wider to accommodate wheelchairs. The original boardwalk was built in 1990 and was badly deteriorated.

The new parking lot is built with pervious concrete which allows water to filter through it down to a soil layer that naturally breaks down the pollutants. This environmentally friendly concrete also reduces flooding and means cleaner water for the West Hylebos Wetland and Hylebos Creek. Located near the historic cabins on South 348th Street, the parking lot will now serve both the cabins and the boardwalk.

“The City’s investment in repairing the boardwalk means that people will continue to have access to one of the Puget Sound’s great natural wonders for decades to come,” said Chris Carrel, Executive Director of the Friends of the Hylebos, whose group helped secure funding for the project. “The environmentally friendly elements of the park show the City’s commitment to taking care of the environment and its parks.”

“I’m pleased to be able to reopen the West Hylebos park,” said Donna Hanson, the City’s Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director. She noted the challenge of building in the park’s sensitive ─ and muddy ─ environment. “The West Hylebos has a lot of passionate fans. We appreciate their patience and welcome them back to their park.”

The City and Friends of the Hylebos are installing new interpretive signs for the boardwalk. An official grand opening ceremony is set for May 3, 2008.