2013 Stairway Walks Day Recognized

On February 9th this year we teamed up with Feet First, the statewide walking advocacy group, for our first annual Stairway Walks Day. On that day Feet First volunteers led 300 people on 15 stairway walks across the metro area, all of them routes from the book.  

We've just learned that Stairway Walks Day has been nominated for a 2013 Sustainability Leadership Award from Sustainable Seattle, whose website says "...Started in 2001, these awards are designed to recognize those helping make the Puget Sound region a more sustainable and livable place." The event has been nominated in the "Transforming Spaces" category, with final winners to be announced January 31st at the Museum of History and Industry.

We're excited! Stairway Walks Day helped put a spotlight on how important our region's stairway legacy is - for connecting, exercising and just generally getting out to explore our neighborhoods. Next year's event, again with Feet First backing, will take place on February 8th. 

Stairs in Tacoma

Heading up the Grand Staircase from the Tacoma Museum of Glass to the Chihuly Bridge of Glass

This weekend we headed down to Tacoma's Museum of Glass for their 10th annual "Bird Lover's Weekend." In addition to the bird-themed creations, we enjoyed a wealth of other elegant glass compositions from artists around the world. After lunch at nearby Harmon Brewery and Eatery, we set out on foot to explore the Old Downtown area around the museum and hunt down some stairs. We had a great time in Tacoma!

Old Downtown Tacoma is perennially revitalizing. They've lured the University of Washington to build a campus in the area, built a free light rail line a couple of blocks up from Dock Street, and done a good job preserving landmark architecture from the early 20th century, such as the Spanish Steps. Russell Investments moved up to Seattle three years ago - a huge blow - and there are still many vacant buildings, but there's much to see and explore, and it's easy to get around. With the great weather ahead this week, a quick trip to Tacoma could be fun!   

The slide show gives an idea of some of what you'll see - including stairways.