Partnering with the City of Bellevue to Enhance Swanson Park
Swanson Park’s New Look!
Big improvements are coming to Swanson Park, thanks to a collaborative effort between Trails Have Our Respect (THOR) and the City of Bellevue. Together, we’re creating a safer, more welcoming, and more intuitive trail experience for all visitors through a newly approved package of trailhead amenities and a fully unified signage system.
A Fresh Identity for a Growing Trail System
For years, Swanson Park’s trails have offered riders, hikers, and families a close-to-home outdoor escape. Now, the trail system is getting a refreshed visual identity and improved infrastructure designed to match the quality of the experience visitors enjoy on the trail.
A centralized trailhead hub will anchor the updated system, featuring:
A new kiosk and comprehensive trail map
Benches and a small gathering space
Native landscaping for a welcoming, natural entry
A safer location, set back from the main parking area and vehicle traffic
This consolidated starting point makes it easier for users to meet up, orient themselves, and confidently begin their adventure.
Clear, Consistent Wayfinding Across the Park
A cohesive signage system has been developed to carry a consistent look and feel throughout the Swanson Park Trail System. Updated wayfinding signs will guide trail users through the network with clear mapping, directional cues, and trail-use information.
These improvements will help reduce confusion created by outdated or informal access points, ensuring that everyone—from first-time visitors to seasoned riders—can navigate the park safely and efficiently.
A secondary welcome sign will also be added near the parking area to direct users to the main trailhead. This simple addition reinforces wayfinding, enhances visitor flow, and improves overall trail safety.
A Safer, More Intuitive Park Experience
Removing outdated trail entrances and replacing them with a single, well-marked access hub significantly improves user safety. By guiding visitors away from vehicle traffic and toward a clear starting point, the new design supports a more organized and thoughtful park experience.
Enhanced landscaping and high-visibility signage at formal entries will create a more inviting atmosphere, help prevent unintended trail access, and ensure that every user begins their experience in the right place.
An Investment in Community, Safety, and Sustainability
These upgrades—new kiosks, signage, landscaping, and safer crossings—represent a meaningful investment in Bellevue’s trail infrastructure. They enhance safety, accessibility, and clarity for visitors while also strengthening community pride in a well-designed, thoughtfully maintained public space. Look for these enhancements to be installed in Spring 2026!
Together, THOR and the City of Bellevue are ensuring that Swanson Park remains a vibrant, safe, and well-loved destination for residents and visitors alike.
