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

2. 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%

3. Future Land Use

4. 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.

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

6. 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.

7. 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.

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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

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

13. Riverfront Trails
Flood Damage
Well Defined Curb

14. Benches & Beautification
Bench Location
Color and Cooling Effect

15. Sidewalks
Poor Condition
ADA Ramps

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

17. 2015-16 RTP Grant Project Redi Rock Design & Safety Railings
New Signage & Visitor Friendly

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

19. 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

20. 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!