For years, people took the path between Koura Road and Yukio Lane for granted as a public trail.

It wasn’t. It was a driveway to a neighboring home.

Working with the Parks Foundation, new homeowners Mark and Catherine Anderson granted a 5-foot easement at the west edge of their driveway, allowing construction of a safe, public-access trail alongside. The driveway was shifted several feet to the east, with a new split-rail fence for separation.

The Koura-Yukio Trail debuted last month. Signs denoting public access on the trail side of the fence are planned, with the path restricted to non-motorized uses.

Whitworth Construction of Poulsbo built the compacted-gravel driveway and trail. Fencing was built by Heritage Landscaping, Fence & Deck Co.

While probably not widely known outside the immediate area – tiny Yukio Lane is itself a spur of Bayhill Road, east of Miller – the new trail is a key pedestrian link for several neighborhoods.

“It’s a great way to walk or bike to Grand Forest from the neighborhoods to the north, and so many people use it as such,” said Barb Trafton, Parks Foundation projects director.

“Building a dedicated public trail makes it safer for everyone, and protects the interests of the homeowners as they use their driveway.

Planning, permitting and construction were paid for through the Parks Foundation’s Trails Fund. It’s one of a number of trail improvements the foundation has planned this year in partnership with the Bainbridge Island Metropolitan Parks & Recreation District.

The foundation and parks will host a volunteer work party at the new Koura-Yukio Trail from 3-5 p.m. July 8.