Connections Coalition

The Connections Coalition is a coalition of individuals and organizations working for better health, quality of life and economic development in the Yakima Valley by making both cultural and geographic connections that improve the means and showcase reasons to walk and bike around the Yakima Valley. 

Barb Smith Gilbert initiated the coalition in 2009 while serving as interim staff for CCC and shares leadership responsibilities with Betsy Bloomfield (CCC), David Lynx (YVM), Barbara Cline and other coalition members. Other organizations involved include the Yakima Valley Museum, Mighty Tieton, Yakima Greenway, Yakima Visitors Center, and yakimaoutdoors.net. 

The Connections Coalition is not a separate nonprofit organization.  Individuals and organizations who recognize and want to promote the importance of pedestrian and bicycling routes, paths and trails for the purposes of transportation, health, economic development, recreation and preservation are welcome to participate.  

Connections Coalition participants appreciate the unique natural geography, history, agriculture, multiple cultures, conducive weather and rural lifestyle of the Yakima Valley. We want to increase awareness of current connections between bike routes, pathways and trails and improve the number of safe possibilities for residents and visitors alike to travel from one place to another in the Yakima Valley without the use of motorized vehicles.  We also want to increase awareness of geographic, cultural and historical connections to the of the area through interpretive and interactive materials associated with bike routes, pathways and trails.

For more information contact Cowiche Canyon Conservancy via email or phone CCC @ 509-248-5065.