Tom Farnsworth Director, Parks and Recreation July 26, 2016 A Study on Walkability Tom Farnsworth Director, Parks and Recreation July 26, 2016

Demographics – Who We Are Population: 13,646 Households with people under 18 years old: 29% Households with people over 65 years old: 23% Capitol City Class I Municipality Located on Missouri River Median Household Income: $52,961 Percent HS graduate or higher: 91% Individuals below poverty level: 11.7%

Future Land Use

Multi Disciplinary Team It is important to have a sense of community ownership. Team members included Public Health Officials, Pierre School District, YMCA, Boys and Girls Club, Bike Club, Parks and Recreation Board members. Meetings were open to the public so others could give input.

Two Primary Goals Promote design to make healthy living easy and accessible Promote “Let’s Move!” lifestyle

Walkability Factors What We Studied Communities that support walkability have better physical health and well-being; lower rates of traffic injuries and deaths, better access for people of all abilities, higher property values, better air quality, and attracts and keeps younger families. Walkability Factors Street connectivity Land use Residential density Trees / vegetation, Buildings variety Street entrances Street experiences So, let’s start by talking about “Walkability” -- which is a measure of how friendly the built environment is to the presence of people and the many aspects of their lives - living, shopping, visiting, enjoying, or spending time in an area. Factors that affect walkability can be street connectivity, land use, residential density, presence of trees or vegetation, frequency and variety of buildings, entrances and other experiences along street frontages.

Walkability Benefits What We Learned Improved health Fewer traffic injuries Better access Higher property values Better air quality Attracts and retains younger people Communities that support walkability have better physical health and well-being, lower rates of traffic injuries and deaths, better access for people of all abilities, higher property values, better air quality and less greenhouse gas emissions. Resources are linked on subsequent slides to give participants and facilitators key resources and research in support of walkability.

Colorado State University IBE forms interdisciplinary teams of faculty and students with off-campus professionals to take research to practice.

Institute for the Built Environment Research Built Environments Green Schools Org. Sustainability Integrative Design Process Specific Projects LEED Schools Civic buildings Commercial bldgs. Student Housing Upcoming Projects National Western Center Healthy, Green Schools Fort Collins Eco-District Facilitate teams + Enhance the design of urban planning and building projects

Parks, Recreation & Public Facilities Comprehensive Plan Locate in compatible areas Provide access, parking & safety Partner to maximize the financial resources Maintain the river greenway corridor for public use & protect encroachment

Pedestrian Experience Great! Not So Great Let’s use this picture as an example. What do you see ….or what don’t you see …. That impacts walkability? (examples: no sidewalk, can’t tell if there are accessible curb cuts, path is overgrown, no visible cross walk or traffic signals, overgrown trees in the background may impede vision of pedestrians and/or motorists, etc.) Look For…. Sidewalk Width & Condition Safe and Clear Street Crossings Pedestrian Connectivity Parking Placement Tree Canopy and Tree Lawns Building Setbacks Historic Building Fabric Building Type & Mix ADA Compliance Shade Structures and Awnings Quality of Lighting Benches and Resting Places

Well defined curb, color, railing Roads & Sidewalks No pedestrian trail Well defined curb, color, railing

Riverfront Trails Flood Damage Well Defined Curb

Benches & Beautification Bench Location Color and Cooling Effect

Sidewalks Poor Condition ADA Ramps

Capitol Creek Trail – Inner City Connector Damaged by Flood Deteriorating Surface

2015-16 RTP Grant Project Redi Rock Design & Safety Railings New Signage & Visitor Friendly

Fishing Piers – A Destination Public Art / Lighting Governors Trail Fishing Piers – A Destination Grandpre Photography

Landscape Ordinance Adopted 2017 Appropriation New Design Standards Outcomes of Our Work Landscape Ordinance Adopted 2017 Appropriation New Design Standards Improved Citizen Access One tree per 50 feet of frontage 50+ parking spaces: one tree per 25 interior parking spaces 15’ planting strip adjacent to the public street

Continue to evaluate community needs Utilize our “Let’s Move Team” What’s Next? Continue to evaluate community needs Utilize our “Let’s Move Team” Engage decision makers – City Commission Follow the Strategic Plan Request funding for projects Incorporate design strategies to new projects Celebrate our success! Keep moving as a Healthy, Active Community!