New emergency locator signs were recently installed by Greenway Association volunteers throughout the seven plus miles of the Greenway trail system. The new emergency sign program was a joint effort between Kitsap County Cencom 911, the Kitsap County Parks Dept., the Hansville Greenway Ass’n. and North Kitsap Fire and Rescue.
The signs show a coded number that indicates a specific satellite GPS location that will aid rescue teams to respond quickly to the emergency location. In case of an accident or a medical emergency, hikers can call 911 on their cellphone and report their location within the Greenway by using the number on the sign, (such as “HG12”). Cencom will notify the rescue team who have the GPS locations on file and can respond to that exact spot without having to spend a lot of time searching for it. There are 31 coded signs strategically located throughout the Greenway. The existing numbered trail signs, (see the photo below), each have the new coded signs easily identified as well as on other free standing signs. Prior to having these signs it could take too much valuable time for rescue crews to find the exact location during an emergency. Many thanks to all the volunteers who not only provided the GPS locations for inclusion in the GIS data base, but also installed the 31 signs.
Now is a great time to view blooming trillium flowers, (the Greenway’s symbol). also called the Easter Lilly. The most trillium flowers are located in the South forest Trillium Loop portion of the Greenway which is an easy 2 mile round trip from the Greenway entrance at Buck Lake Park. Take the trail South from post 3 to post 6 turn right and follow the trail to post 7 than turn left to post 9 and left again back to post 6 and return. A trail map is located at the Kiosk at the Greenway entrance.
If you would like to volunteer for any of the Greenway’s Summer projects, check the volunteer opportunities on our website, www,hansvillegreenway.org or on our Facebook page. The next Hansville Greenway Association meeting will be held at 6:00 pm on Thursday, June 7 at the Greater Hansville Community Center.