Urban Walk - Gene Coulon Park to Virginia Mason Athletic Center

Meet at 4:00 pm at the volleyball courts at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park (1201 Lake Washington Boulevard N - Renton) ready to walk. There are bathrooms at several points throughout the walk, although unsure if all will be opened in the evening. City park - no passes required. Moderate theft concern so please leave all valuables at home.

Starting coordinates: 47.50348, -122.20172

Driving Directions: From I-405 (regardless of your direction of travel) take exit 5. At the end of the off-ramp turn west onto Southport Drive, then take the first right (a hairpin turn) onto Lake Washington Boulevard. Quickly take the first left onto Coulon Beach Park Drive, then immediately right onto the park entrance, then immediately left into the first parking lot. Park and walk towards the volleyball courts about halfway towards the water.

This urban walk will cover the ~2 1/2 miles between Gene Coulon Memorial Beack Park and the Virginia Mason Athletic Center and back - so 5 1/4 miles total.

Starting at the volleyball courts, we will walk north through the park and onto the North Water Walk. After reconnecting with the park, we will continue heading north through the North Trestle Bridge and out of the park to the East Rail Trail. We will pass Coleman Point and Kennydale Beach Park until we get to the Virginia Mason Athletic Center. After a brief stop, we will head back the way we came (although we will not do the North Water Walk a 2nd time). Since it will be fully dark now, we will stop in Coulon Park by the holiday lights for pictures, then return to our starting point at the volleyball courts.

This is not a slow stroll in the park, but a brisk walk. Please do not join this trip if you are unsure of your pace or are not accustomed to a 2.5 mph brisk walk for over 5 miles (except when taking pics at the end). For the couple of slight uphill portions, we will walk a bit slower. This walk will go even in a downpour so please plan appropriately.

For a complete description of urban walks with the Mountaineers, please consult the Urban Walks standards.

Gaia route: https://www.gaiagps.com/map/?loc=15.6/-122.2084/47.5169&pubLink=5SHRtJHvr8JZMkEpXt8vIcEW&trackId=4767cb56-4b76-4b53-bc38-b1261f3e2e12

City of Renton Park Information: https://www.rentonwa.gov/city_hall/parks_and_recreation/parks_and_trails/find_a_park_or_trail/gene_coulon_memorial_beach_park

Full details will be available soon after registration closes on Dec 1. In the interim, please contact the leader with any questions at BMPeacock@aol.com.