With the completion of the Frisco-Scull Creek Trail connection, Fayetteville residents no longer have to exit the trail and ride along streets (and through the middle of a parking lot) to get from Frisco Trail to Scull Creek Trail.
When headed south on Scull Creek Trail, bikers/walkers/runners/skaters/etc. can now cross Maple Street, continue past the Maple Street Apartments, head down the hill under the Lafayette Street bridge, and eventually end up at Dickson Street next to George’s Majestic Lounge.
- Yup.
- Not yet.
- I don't use the trails.
From there, the trail follows the railroad tracks where it makes a brief exit onto a marked path at the Walton Arts Center parking lot before continuing south towards MLK Blvd.
It’s a somewhat steep incline underneath the bridge, but it’s a heckuva lot quicker and much easier on your nerves no matter which direction you’re headed.
So tell us, have you used the connection yet?
* If the above slideshow doesn’t load, you can view all the photos from this set on Flickr.
Last week’s poll
Last week’s poll question was “Do you usually vote early in elections?”
The results as of October 25, 2010:
50% – Sometimes, it depends.
37% – Yes, always.
13% – Nope, I vote on election day.
I have used the new “connection” many times since it opened (even a couple times prior to officially opening. I ride at least twice a week. It’s nice to have the connection to get me from Maple to Dickson without having to get on the roads… Thank you Fayetteville!!!
Although, I will say at the “grand opening” last week, it was tough to get through the crowd blocking the trail… Just saying!
I love Fayetteville’s new bike trail network. Bikability was a primary factor in choosing to move to Fayetteville from Seattle. I look forward to future expansions to the trail system.
The trails are a great start, but improvements to the neighborhood connections to those trails are also needed. Many of the neighborhood sidewalks are in terrible condition if they exist at all. The crossing situation at the corner of Dickson and College is especially bad. Crosswalks are needed across all sides, not just three, and the signals need to be calibrated to better serve pedestrians.
Signage along the trail is also lacking. I keep passing the exit to Fiesta Square and ending up almost at the mall before I realize where I am. Street signs, better maps, and informational signage about connecting to popular off-trail destinations are needed.
Despite the work still needed, I want to emphasize that the trail has done a great job making Fayetteville a more desirable place to live.
Now for some lights under the Lafayette bridge for that new connection.
The connector is awesome. When do we get an extension from MLK further south?
Now if we can just get something done about the sludge and slime in the Fulbright Tunnel
@Trevor. Best advice, use the rail going into work if possible. Traffic is terrible going into downtown in the mornings. Otherwise, look at carpooling. The city should still have a website about it. Many of the businesses have something setup too.
I am more familiar with the the Auburn/Bonnie Lake area so I can’t say much for the northern part of Seattle. You will love Alki Beach, Downtown Seattle, The Library, Pikes Place Market (there is a little park that is right next to the Alaskan Viaduct overlooking the water and west Seattle that I love), The Water Front area is nice, Point Defiance Park in Tacoma is great for runs and walking around, Mt. Rainier is only a few hours away with some smaller ones closer…. Crime isn’t too bad in the area, just make sure you check the area out first. I feel sooooo much safer in the Seattle area than I do here in Little Rock. I even live in a nicer area of LR. Schools are ok. The major NWA cities actually have some good schools so you will need to actually look around and rank them compared to here if you have kids.
Bill sounds like the Frisco Trail extension south of MLK will probably start late 2011 or early 2012. Not sure what can be done about the Fulbright tunnel. Unfortunately the AHTD won’t let the city make any changes to the tunnel. It was part of the agreement that was made in the beginning apparently.
Hey Sarah, I’m about to move to Seattle for a job, do you have any tips, general observations, or things to look out for about Seattle? Obviously there’s size differences, but can you think of any unexpected similarities or differences between Fayetteville in Seattle?
I’ll be living around Green Lake and working downtown.
Hi Trevor,
I hope you have a job already and are not moving there in hopes of finding one as the unemployment rate there is extremely high. Seattle is very beautiful but be aware that it only gets 52 days of sunshine a year. The culture is not very friendly. People are very polite but also very reserved so it is difficult to get below the surface. The consensus seams to be that it takes the average person two years to make friends. There is also no social accountability so be aware that all plans are tentative.
My advice would be to go outside every time sun is shining. Take up as many outdoor activities as you can such as hiking, biking, and skiing (consider joining the Mountaineers and Cascade Bicycle Club). Get a library card and use it as the library system is outstanding. Take classes and volunteer in order to meet people in a context more conducive to forming relationships.
Make sure you move into a place with South and West facing windows to maximize your sun exposure. The West slope of Queen Anne is the neighborhood that gets the most sun. Avoid living on Capitol Hill (cloudiest and infested with hipsters) and near I-5 because of air quality issues.
Seattle has great food, beer, and coffee. If you do end up in Green Lake, the Latona Pub is very good. Queen Anne has Roti (best Indian in the city), Hilltop Ale House (best pub), Blue Water Taco (best cheap Mexican), and 5 Spot. Capitol Hill – Coastal Kitchen (Great Seafood), Victrola, and Healeo. Ballard – La Cart de Oaxaca (best Mexican), La Isla (best Puerto Rican). U-Dist – Chaco Canyon (best raw and health food).
Good luck!
I am so glad to have you back home in Fayetteville, and we will all be richer for your involvement. Can’t wait to catch up on everything.
Yes job is locked in and house has been bought. Thanks much for the insight and recommendations.
Er, Fayetteville and Seattle…