Residents, Walmart and city celebrate pathway


Sequim Gazette staff

Local supporters christened a new pathway along Brackett Road the morning of Jan. 3. A crowd comprised of employees with the City of Sequim, Walmart employees and residents of The Vintage at Sequim, an affordable senior housing facility, turned out for the event.

The six-foot-wide pathway from The Vintage to Priest Road on the south side of Brackett Road stems from the efforts of The Vintage resident Andy Nilles. He campaigned for the city to increase safety at the intersection of Priest Road and Brackett Road.

The Sequim Walmart donated $20,000 toward the eventual plans for a pathway with the city paying the difference. Lakeside Industries completed the three-day project on Dec. 14.

Mayor Ken Hays said the project wouldn’t have happened without Walmart’s donation and Nilles, whom he referred to as an “effective troublemaker.” Steve Burkett, city manager, said the project proved people could fight city hall.

Betty Handly, The Vintage property manager, said she’s seen more foot and scooter traffic using the pathway. Nilles and Walmart also paid for a bench along the pathway.