Toldeo ponders new wildlife viewing area
Photos courtesy TPW
Toledo City Councilors this week gave new direction to a project that has been postponed for quite a while, one that aims to install a walking bridge over Olalla Creek between East Slope and Sturdevant Roads. Toledo Public Works Director Adam Denlinger told the council that after talking with various officials, including the police department, it was felt by most that the project lacks the kind of security necessary to protect children and solo adults who would be walking in an isolated area over water. Especially at night.
So, having said all that, Denlinger suggested a new use for the 60-foot bridge, which has been stored for a number of years at public works as part of an environmental mitigation project. Denlinger said there appears to be substantial interest in using the bridge as a means to walking out to a wildlife viewing platform, out from the river bank and into a very wildlife-active wetland. Denlinger said although the city already has the bridge plus $36,000 in an account for the project, the upgrade, including an observation platform, will cost more than that.
The council asked Denlinger to pursue additional grant funding from state, federal or any other agencies that might find the project worthwhile. Denlinger told the council that he’s sure there is interest among a number of agencies and that he will report back to the council with a progress report at a future council meeting.
