Hats off to the CIP Advisory Task Force for their ideas for central Issaquah (“A Whole New World,” The Issaquah Reporter, June 11).

Here’s another idea: a trail that follows Issaquah Creek from Squak Mountain to Lake Sammamish. Such a trail was proposed years ago during the Issaquah’s Treasures project — the Fish Hatchery and Issaquah Creek topped the list of treasures, and the trail would give access to both.

A future Issaquah Creek Trail would continue from the Hatchery (detouring from the creek where necessary) through the proposed Central Park, past the new Confluence Park and the school into Gilman Village (a pleasant stop for snacks).

It would pass under I-90 to skirt Pickering Place (and the Farmer’s Market) on the existing trail, thence following the creek to its mouth in Lake Sammamish Park.

SE 56th St. would provide a short link to the East Lake Sammamish Trail and various loop possibilities. Walkers could also return via transit.

I hope the Task Force will take a look at the earlier trail proposal in the light of their new and exciting plans for central Issaquah.

Issaquah Creek is indeed a treasure; the trail would be a string of pearls.

<Garry Kampen – Newcastle (former Issaquah resident)