Over the last few decades, planners and transportation professionals have worked tirelessly to convert abandoned rail lines into trails to serve as transportation spokes in a greater network or as recreational amenities adding to the quality of life in urban communities. Downtowns and other commercial centers along these lines have seen an uptick in walk-in traffic and in out-of-town visitors driven by these amenities.
While planners have purposefully created entrances and exits; parking lots for riders; and break spots sponsored by the community to enjoy nature, use the restroom, or even share a picnic; in many places, trail connections haven’t been maximized or even made accessible along the routes.
The planning consultants at Kendig Keast Collaborative (KKC) believe it is vital for communities to consider activating the space along the entire pathway. Here’s an example of how this approach can work.
One of our client communities has a main street set of businesses whose back doors open to one of the most vibrant and active trails in their region. They have seen an explosion of new, local businesses open and flourish as a direct result of this trail system.
Many of these businesses have backyard spaces for dining and events, signage along the trail inviting guests in, and even added bicycle racks. A few are actually seeing more customers from the trail than from the other door opening to the parking lot. This is all clear evidence that the City should organize and accommodate this business type, but until now, no organized way of thinking regarding this potential double-frontage boom has been undertaken.
There are many considerations that any municipality will have to work out: Where does bike parking go? Should vehicle parking requirements be reduced when bike racks are provided? Should signage be organized and collective? Where does trash go? Should the community dictate lighting? Accessibility? Safety?
There are many concerns and opportunities. Each business along these trails would be happy to have these overwhelming customer problems from two doors.
With a unique approach to each of these problems, KKC is working with client communities like the one described above to create balance and harmony along trails in these towns.
Further, by using an enCodePlus landscaping and amenity calculator, we could measure the amenity space against requirements for on-site open space. Click here for more information about this and other types of development calculators.
