How are you liking the Lakewalk extension?
I didn’t get around to checking it out until yesterday, but I must say the new Lakewalk extension to 47th Avenue East is fantastic. Call it reason #1,327 to love Duluth.
My only complaint: What’s the deal with the annoying chain-link fence that runs the entire stretch? I suppose it’s to prevent toddlers from crawling in front of a train, but can’t we sacrifice a few kids for the sake of aesthetics?
I think it’s great. The stretch from 36th to near the Holiday station is quite nice (I know this stretch has been around for a couple of years) as it has less traffic but is still quite beautiful, especially near Tischer Creek. I can’t wait until it goes all the way to Brighten Beach. It will be right behind my house and will be such a great way to get to Lester Park.
I rode my bike on it a few weeks ago and LOVE it! Lakesiders are so damn lucky to have this! I agree with Paul, another reason to love Duluth.
It is lovely, and I agree about the fences. Sheesh, that had to double the cost of the thing. And they are deeply deeply ugly. Young teens have been strolling those railroad tracks in distracted dazes for years and not one has gotten squished by a slowmoving tourist train. Could we not have dispensed with the glittery steel? and then we’d have had enough money to finish the trail . . .
Funny, I walk there with kids and love the fence.
I assume the fence is a product of liability concerns attendant to building a path that actively encourages greatly increased traffic right next to the railroad tracks. I don’t see it as a big deal, in any event–if that’s what it took to get the thing built, then it’s fine by me, and I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the pace of the project.
Just think of the potential lawsuits if someone did wander onto the tracks and were injured if there was not a fence. One cannot have a swimming pool in one’s yard without a fence…
But fences fly in the face of evolution, swimming pools and train tracks are there to cull out the dumb ones before they breed.
right right?
Does anyone know if there is a map showing the extension? I’m making a map of Duluth highlighting landmarks, parks, trails, etc., for an upcoming book and would like to get the extension in there accurately. Even a good written description would help.
Thanks!
It runs from the Holiday Stationstore on London Road through the woods near Ordean school and out to Superior Street, where it serves as the sidewalk in the business district. I haven’t seen any maps yet.
Thanks, Paul!
just a stupid question…can it still be called a “lakewalk” when the lake is not even in view after 26th or thereabouts? Or am I thinking about a different walking path?
Essentially, it runs along the railroad right-of-way out to 47th Avenue East.
You can go east(NE)or west(SW)and it is money well spent.
Peace
Todd
My only concern with the extension: gobs of people walking their dogs. Need more frequent trash cans for people to deposit dog waste.
Also it might be helpful if walkers figured out how to walk on the right side like everyone else in America. I’ve seen more people walking 4 and 5 abreast and then get all pissy when a rollerski/skater or biker or even, God forbid, a runner, wants to pass.
Climbing vines have been planted at the base of the fence in a few places. If they catch on , and more are planted, they will greatly improve the look of the fence, even when the leaves are down.I hope someone follows through with that good idea.