Trustees Approve John Wayne Trail Easement with City of Ellensburg

On Friday the CWU Board of Trustees approved a trail and utility easement between the university and the city of Ellensburg for a portion of the John Wayne Pioneer Trail reconnection route near Brooklane Village.

“This easement is another example of the importance of the close working relationship between Central Washington University and the city of Ellensburg,” said Ron Erickson, trustee vice chair. “We are stronger together.”

The John Wayne Trail is the former Milwaukee Railroad bed, which used to run through the middle of campus. A six-mile reconnection route was adopted by local and state governments 13 years ago to address the gap in the trail and provide a safe path for walkers, bicyclists, horseback riders, and cross-country skiers.

The 1.14-acre easement along East 18th Avenue and north to East Helena Avenue is a portion of the reconnection route. The easement was sought by the city to connect the land with Ellensburg’s non-motorized trail systems and utility easements, and provide an equestrian bypass.

Under the agreement, the city is responsible for maintaining the trail surface and water and power. CWU will continue to maintain landscaping within the easement.

Media contact: Barb Arnott, CWU Public Affairs, 509-963-2841, BArnott@cwu.edu

May 24, 2016