Until recently it seemed the RiverWalk trail project in Winthrop had hit a dead end. Despite years of effort, the town had been unable to secure easement agreements from all the affected property owners. Some business owners along Riverside Avenue, whose parcels would be crossed by the path, have expressed concerns about the trail’s Westernization requirements, loss of parking, ongoing maintenance, and the need for such a path altogether. Council members have expressed frustration over the lack of progress, with one saying, “It’s just done.”. Mayor Sally Ranzau suggested “we will continue anyhow, with or without support of the property owners and residents”.
But with so many holdouts, it seems that the RiverWalk trail may never see the light of day, leaving residents to enjoy the scenic beauty of the Methow and Chewuch rivers from the comfort of their cars.
Why let dead ends end right?
Instead the city council has renamed the RiverWalk to honor one of the valley’s most important and influential figures: Katherine “Kay” Wagner. Kay was a trailblazer (pun intended) in Westernization efforts in the early 1970s, and essentially financed the town’s transformation. And what better way to honor her legacy than by naming a trail after her? It’s a win-win for everyone involved, especially the property owners who supposedly pushed for the change. It’s easy to tell the media what you want when your the city council.
But that’s not all! The resolution also includes a plaque in honor of the late Paul Therriault and considers the RiverWalk a historical corridor. How fancy! The town will work with the Shafer Museum to develop appropriate signage, because what’s a historical corridor without some signs, am I right? Let’s spend more money for a trail that does not yet have permission from property owners to exist.
It’s been nearly 30 years in the making, but the completion of the RiverWalk project is finally in sight. Phase I required numerous local, state, and federal permits and is funded by a state Recreation and Conservation Office grant plus federal transportation monies. And let’s not forget about Phase II and III, because why finish a project when you can just keep extending it?
All in all, it’s an exciting time for Winthrop and its residents. Kay Wagner’s legacy lives on, and the town has a brand new name for a trail. Who knows what’s next? Maybe they’ll rename a building after someone else. The possibilities are endless!
More resources wasted, ignoring local property owners, residents and businesses.. Business as usual with the Winthrop Town Council.
Omak Republic 