Life, we are often told, is about the journey and not the destination. The adventures we have along the way are where we learn, have the best of times and make lasting memories. Now don’t get me wrong — there are times we all need to go from A to B, to get to a job, say, or make it to class on time. Sometimes I need chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream, and nothing stands in the way of me and Manette Mart.
But when we are fortunate enough to have downtime, to breathe, to be present in our community, there’s a special place I often go walking: my favorite pathway.
I love that I live near two bridges: Manette and Warren Avenue. Both were built for cars. Serendipitously, building these spans for our iron horses also materialized a nearly 3 mile walking loop through lush green parks and urban neighborhoods. It’s informally known as the “bridge to bridge trail.” But its also a simple, multimodal spoke wheel that ties together different areas of Bremerton — east side, west side, downtown, Olympic College, and more.
The Manette span, originally built in 1930 and rebuilt in 2011, has an amazing sidewalk — no, a pedestrian promenade! — with alcoves to watch the birds and vistas to view craggy peaks. The Warren Avenue Bridge, née the Port Washington Narrows Bridge, was constructed in 1958. However, it currently lacks a spacious walkway. But that will soon change. A 2027 project WILL make the south walkway much wider, improving the experience for all who undertake it.
I started Bridging Bremerton, a community festival, in 2018, as a way to celebrate this great pathway. We need to make it better — and we need more pathways on the Great Peninsula. So where’s your favorite pathway? Where do you go to blow of steam, ride around or walk with a friend? A county road in Hansville? The pedestrian promenade in Port Orchard? Perhaps the bridges in Bremerton, like I do?
Every community needs such a path.
And I hope you’ll come to Bridging Bremerton with us, Sept. 19 at Evergreen-Rotary Park (by the boat launch!), to celebrate a great local one. We’ve got a full day of fun for you, with a kids’ passport adventure at 11 am, full walk and tour around the loop at noon, painting at Manette’s art wall, and a night cap of storytelling at the Roxy Theatre at 6 pm. Here’s hoping you’ll find and enjoy your own pathway, too.
We all need one on this journey together. // J. FARLEY
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