Warmer weather increases opportunities for neighborhood exploration by foot and by bike. As Laurie Holtz pointed out in the initial installment of “B-W Fun Facts” in the November-December 2020 newsletter, the “six hidden staircases of Alameda Ridge between 26th and 50th” are an intriguing area to check out. Following up on Laurie’s tip, Luella Nelson and John Sandie add to the fun with more hidden staircases.
Luella noted that if you expand the search one more block, and look carefully, you come up with more than six. Going from west to east along the top of the ridge:
- One is half-hidden behind a guardrail where southbound 26th Avenue intersects Alameda Street, a block or so east along Alameda;
- Two along Alameda Terrace before you get to 33rd Avenue;
- One from Alameda down to 38th Avenue after Alameda crosses Fremont Street;
- Two along Alameda between 45th and 50th avenues;
- One along Wistaria at 51st Avenue, just north of Sandy Boulevard, on the east side of Basics Market.
- In bike rides along the ridge, John verified all the staircases mentioned by Luella and happened upon one more: NE 19th Avenue, just north of Mason Street.
Enjoy the hunt, neighbors!