The Root River Trail has fallen short of the "economic savior" status some were hoping from it, but it has also exceeded expectations in some towns along the route.
"The impacts of the Root River Trail System on the communities along it resemble the paved path itself: turns that veer one way, then another," reports Mike Cronin.
"During the summer of 2009, the path generated about $2.3 million from those who used it, the [2010 Department of Natural Resources] report [pdf] said. While overall use of the trail since the mid-1990s has declined 38 percent — to about 112,000 user hours in 2009 from roughly 179,000 in 1997, according to the report – homegrown residents such as Nethercutt’s newest legal colleague, Greg Schieber, are riding it more often."
The impact of the trail on the local economy is of special consequence because it used state dollars for funding back in the early-1980s (and on an extension in the 1990s) and cuts through productive agricultural land.
The article goes on to highlight some of the attractions along the trail, such as the Aroma Pie Shop in Whalan (a town with less than 70 residents), the Houston Nature Center, and Amish country, among others.
FULL STORY: How has the Root River Trail System affected hamlets along its path?
Chicago's 606 Bike Path Made Gentrification Inevitable, Expert Claims
Because the rails to trails project left housing up to the market, rising rents were inevitable, claims a new report.
Denver Canal Trail to Receive $100 Million Upgrade
The funding will support maintenance and repair projects along the 71-mile High Line Canal.
A National Bike Trail Network Is Slowly Growing
Around the United States, new bike lanes and trails are connecting communities via two (or three) wheels.
Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House
If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.
Planning for Accessibility: Proximity is More Important than Mobility
Accessibility-based planning minimizes the distance that people must travel to reach desired services and activities. Measured this way, increased density can provide more total benefits than increased speeds.
World's Largest Wildlife Overpass In the Works in Los Angeles County
Caltrans will soon close half of the 101 Freeway in order to continue construction of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing near Agoura Hills in Los Angeles County.
Alaska Village Becomes Test Case for Climate Change Relocation
The Yup’ik village of Newtok is the first Alaska community to begin a full-scale relocation necessitated by the impacts of climate change. Another 31 Alaska communities remain vulnerable.
Amtrak Takes Lead on Texas Central Rail
The high-speed rail project isn’t a done deal, but if it moves forward, trains could begin operating in 2030.
Maine Approves Rent Relief Program
Legislators hope the assistance program will help struggling low-income households avoid eviction.
City of Costa Mesa
Licking County
Barrett Planning Group LLC
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Tufts University, Department of Urban and Environmental Policy & Planning
City of Universal City TX
ULI Northwest Arkansas
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
