Tennant Trailhead Park, initially slated for a housing development of up to 86 single-family units and 226 multifamily units, will soon welcome hikers and mountain bikers to explore its trail system.

“The project is unique in several ways, offering new trails for beginner and intermediate riders and, through a future connection, creating access to the extensive trail network in the Raging River State Forest,” said Si View Metro Parks Recreation Manager Minna Rudd. “This park will be a great venue for family outings, nature walks, short hikes and bike rides.”

The park was purchased in 2016 by the City of North Bend, Si View Metro Parks, King County Parks and the Trust for Public Lands, with funding support from a Conservation Futures Grant and the Land and Water Conservation Fund. The park aims to provide interconnectivity between existing trails in the area.

“Soon enough, residents of North Bend can just jump on their bikes, leave their garages, and access a backcountry trail system,” said Si View Metro Parks Executive Director Travis Stombaugh. “I don’t know of any municipal park settings where you can do that.”

Following the purchase, North Bend created the 2017 Tennant Trailhead Park Master Plan, which included the goals of each partner, site analysis, projected maps and public comments on the proposed use of the land. Once complete, Si View Metro Parks hired a landscape architect firm to design the park while working with Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance. Si View Metro Parks then implemented the design over the next several years.

The park, located at 12201 W. Ribary Way, will be home to 2.1 miles of multi-use and accessible trails, a 29-stall parking lot, an informational kiosk, a restroom and a trailhead plaza for small classes or a meeting place for group walks.

Tennant Trailhead is the latest park added to nearly 1,000 acres of parkland managed by Si View Metro Parks. The organization strives to enhance the quality of life for all community residents through their work and plans to prioritize preservation and education within the new park.

“We couldn’t have accomplished nearly as much without the staff that we’ve accumulated or our partnerships,” Stombaugh said. “It’s going to be pretty unique.”

A tentative ribbon-cutting is scheduled for April 19. But, with crews currently designing the informational kiosk and waiting for the delivery of the restroom structure, the date may be pushed back.

Phase three of the project — connecting Tennant Trail with the Raging River State Forest and Tiger Mountain for a total of 5.6 miles — is expected to be completed in 2026.

For updates on the park’s opening day or a trail map, visit www.siviewpark.org.