i-SUSTAIN inspired King County and the City of Bellevue to create a tactical urbanism installation in that city, situated very strategically at the site where the Eastside Rail Corridor and the Grand Connection, major bike ped/infrastructure projects would intersect.

A team led by King County Parks transformed the approx. 1000 feet of rail into a lit trail using a plywood foundation covered by faux turf, poles and string lights to hang from them. This brought attendees to the “Enliven Wilburton: Trailside Cafe”, which provided protection from the rain and cold with canvas canopies and heat lamps. A very cozy “Copenhagen-style” cafe with food, drink and live music by Choroloco, a vintage Brazilian jazz band, was created in spite of the weather, which was rainy and cold. This supported one of the goals of the event which was to highlight that outdoor public space, properly lit and protected from the elements, can be enjoyed much of the year.

Photos used with permission – King County Parks | Eli Brownell