The Union Bay Natural Area (UBNA) is a 74-acre wetland owned by the State of Washington and managed by the University of Washington. This remarkable space includes miles of shoreline, walking trails, bridges, and gardens. Unfortunately, UW has chosen to block public access with a mile-long fence. The fence pushes pedestrians against busy roads and terminates at large parking lots without sidewalks. UW has said that people that want to access UBNA should enter through the Center for Urban Horticulture in Laurelhurst, which is a location that is only practical to drive to. They have also said they do not want to add a break in the fence as it could let in transit users, cyclists, or the homeless.

There is a simple solution that is modest and highly feasible: create an opening in the fence near the bus stop across from the main entrance into U-Village, then add a trail to UBNA from there. It would go along Ravenna Creek and connect to UBNA trails and a pedestrian bridge over the creek that leads to the UW rail station. The route is both beautiful and practical, ideal for transit commuters and recreational users alike. Design and build could be funded with open space and park funds, similar to how Yesler Swamp boardwalks were built in 2016 (on the East side of UBNA).

UW’s Campus Master Plan has only one goal for the fenced off intramural field area: “Improve pedestrian environment and universal access”. Within UBNA the proposed trail goes along decommissioned Douglas Road, which the UBNA management plan specifically recommends turning into a trail. The UBNA management plan goes on to say that UW should have an “overarching goal” to “increase the area’s service to the public”, and that “an expansion of the trail system would increase the site’s value and its utilization by the public”. The trail is also clearly aligned with UW's sustainability plan and active transportation goals.