Adapting to the Elements and Making Progress at Olmsted Park!

Aerial Video of Olmsted Park and the Thompson Pond Loop Trail being built by Skagit Trail Builders. Jenny Sandbo, 2026.

Our plans for the March 14 work party evolved thanks to several days of heavy rain. But, as it turns out, the weather gave us exactly what we needed.

With water actively flowing down the hillside toward the pond, we were able to clearly see how drainage is impacting our trail routing. While the saturated soil meant scaling back our use of machinery (and postponing work on filling low spots and preparing the foundation for the rock retaining wall) it gave us valuable insight that will help us build a more sustainable trail.

Overview of Thompson Pond Loop Trail Development at Olmsted Park in Sedro-Woolley, WA.

Even with the change in plans, our team made meaningful progress.

We focused on the west side of the pond, where volunteers cut and removed sod along the trail corridor, stockpiling it in an area designated for future fill. From there, we continued building out the trail; completing the section from the sidewalk to the end of the contractor’s trail (marked in blue on the map), and extending another 100+ feet beyond the “Y.”

We also tackled one of the muddiest trouble spots where the trail connects to the ADA route by excavating the saturated soil and replacing it with gravel to improve drainage. At the steel bridge, we built up the approach using ¾” rock to create a more stable, accessible entry point for our power carriers.

One of the biggest takeaways from the day was the low area between the ADA trail and the “Y,” where significant runoff is collecting and flooding the trail. After discussing options with the City, we’ve been cleared to build up this section with rock, an important step toward a long-term solution.

Despite the weather challenges, we met our goal 🎉 the “Y” was fully walkable in time for the March 20 ribbon cutting at Olmsted Park!

Looking Ahead: March 28 Work Party

Next up, we’re excited to welcome a group of youth volunteers from 4-H Kids ‘n K9s (ages 8–12). We’re planning a work party that matches their energy and abilities, while staying mindful of the wet conditions and our current priorities.

The plan includes:

Using the Dingo loader to establish trail routing on the east side of the pond along a former gravel roadbed
Having volunteers gather and stage discards in a designated area
Raking and tidying the trail corridor

Additional projects may include finishing rock work at Benefield Bridge and helping with restoration efforts around the pond.

Rain or shine, progress continues and every work party brings us one step closer to a more connected, accessible, and resilient trail system.

Goals

Remove discards along east bank trail routing
Fill with ¾ gravel
Make sure our volunteers have a good time!

Schedule

8:45 am Volunteers Sign-in at the material staging area on Thompson Rd. Volunteer Parking is located at “the Quad” on Thompson Rd. Directions.

9:00 am:

JT & Paul will lead introductions, make announcements, and explain today’s work.

Safety Talk : Chloe & Amelia

T-shirts & Group Photo (JT)

930-noon: trail work

12-12:45 pm: lunch

1-3 pm: trail work

3 pm: clean up and organize tools

4:00 pm: Work Party Planning Meeting (by invitation for volunteers who work a full day 9am-3pm)

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Teams

Roving Crew Leader: Paul

Sod Removal and Capping Leads: Chloe and Amelia + TBD

Restoration: Lynn

Power Carrier Drivers: Kip, Michael and Craig

Material staging and loading: JT

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**Additional teams may be determined on Friday afternoon after the conditions and materials are evaluated.

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Save the Dates!

April 3: Ground Breaking ceremony at Hilt Creek Falls Park near Rockport
April 11: STB Work Party at Thompson Pond
April 25: STB Final work party on Thompson Pond
March 17: Ribbon Cutting for Yudwasta Big Rock Park (County conference room)
May 9: STB First work party on Norlum Trail. Guest Groups Skagit Alpine Club and SW Earth Club.
May 23: Norlum Trail. Guest Group Mountaineers GoHike.
June 13: Norlum Trail. Guest Group Mountaineers GoHike.
June 27: Norlum Trail. Final work party before summer break.
July 25: Public History Day at SWIFT
Aug 22: Music in the Park SWIFT (tentative)
Sept 12: Music in the Park SWIFT (tentative)

Skagit Trail Builders

Skagit Trail Builders is a program of United General District 304.

The trails at Northern State Recreation Area are the result of our partnership with Skagit County Parks and Recreation, the Port of Skagit, the City of Sedro-Woolley, and our incredible community of volunteers!