Officials from Washington partnered with Wellmark in September through the Healthy Hometown program to view the community through a different lens as part of a walking audit. Wellmark describes the activity as an opportunity to identify possible enhancements for walkability and bikeability. Those who participated included members of the Washington Economic Development Group, Washington County Hospital and Clinics, Washington City Council, Washington Police, City of Washington, Washington Parks and Recreation, Washington County Public Health, Washington County Board of Supervisors, Wellmark representatives and Washington residents.

The group completed a 1.7 mile walking route beginning and ending at the Washington Public Library that included South Marion Avenue, Highway 92, Second Avenue, Fifth Street, Avenue D and Main Street. Washington Mayor Jaron Rosien shared his takeaways on the information provided and Washington City Administrator Deanna McCusker talked about what can be done in the future to act on suggestions from the study. Rosien said, “It was fantastic. I mean, there are so many good things that we are already doing. Things that we need to continue to do. How do we make these things happen. Several of the recommendations would not require additional budgeting, they’re things that have already been budgeted for. Like the continental paving for increased visibility. The lighting suggestions for the underpass, could be affordable.”

McCusker stated, “We need to pull this out during budget time, for maintenance and make sure we’re identifying the areas that need improvement and getting those on the lists. You can drive by things 100 times, but when you’re actually walking, you get to see things in a different perspective.”

Following the audit participants talked about their observations. Points of emphasis in the report included sidewalk quality, lack of sidewalks in some spaces, curb ramps, cross walks, traffic counts and lane conversion, Kewash Nature Trail connections to the Washington Wellness Park, railroad underpass improvements, pocket parks, parklets, trailheads, and more.