Trails play a vital role in encouraging and facilitating outdoor recreation that contributes to the health and well-being of residents and visitors alike.
Are trails just lines randomly drawn on maps? While some people may perceive them this way, trail planners would most certainly disagree because of the thoughtfulness and care with which they approach their work. Trail planning is an underappreciated field that is complex and challenging. Aside from the few publications dedicated to trails, little is written about trail planning and the planners who are devoted to this increasingly important work due to the growing popularity of trails. According to recent Outdoor Participation Reports released by the Outdoor Industry Association, trail running, hiking, and mountain biking are among the most popular outdoor activities in the U.S. in terms of both participation rate and frequency of participation.
Recognizing that trails are critical components of the region’s park and recreation system, the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) has been involved in trail planning, development, and maintenance for a long time. A dedicated Trails Planning Section works on a wide range of multi-use trail planning projects that serve hikers, equestrians, and mountain bikers in a variety of settings, including rural, suburban, and urban areas.
DPR is responsible for master planning the county’s regional trail system, which is mapped and included in the Parks and Recreation Element of the L.A. County General Plan. It also maintains the Trails Manual, which provides guidance on trail planning, design, development, operations, and maintenance. In addition, the Trails Planning Section has completed trails master plans for various areas, including Castaic and Santa Susana Mountains, located in the northern part of the county.
DPR has also developed an updated trails website and a new Trails LA County mobile app. The website and new mobile app promote the use of trails and inform the public of the value and importance of stewardship, conservation, and habitat restoration of open space. With its enhanced functionalities, the website is intended to be the go-to online resource for the public to find official trail information throughout the county, while the new mobile app provides an on-the-go experience. Both the website and app offer digital tools, including information on real-time alerts, maps, weather, trail length, elevation, difficulty level, rest stops, picnic locations, and much more.
For more information, please visit the Trails LA County website and read this article.
Read the full story: County Parks, Recreation Encourages Use of Public Trails
Denver mayor announces 'Mile High Line' vision for interconnected bike and transit routes
The mayor emphasized building more housing near transit lines and bike paths, but failed to address planned transit service cuts.
Atlanta could add dedicated bike lane to Beltline
A city councilmember says a dedicated lane would prevent conflicts between cyclists and pedestrians, but others worry it would impede efforts to build transit along the Beltline.
A New Urbanist’s roadtrip guide to Northwest Arkansas
Heading to the CNU conference next month? A Northwest Arkansas urban planner has custom designed a roadtrip just for you.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Colorado’s Largest Data Center Could Rise Next to Homes — Without a Public Hearing
The proposed campus would consume 11 times the power of Denver International Airport; as it has across the country, opposition mounts.
US to reduce Colorado River water deliveries to Mexico
A new Colorado Treaty amendment reduces Mexico’s Colorado River water allocation by 250,000 acre feet.
'This is going to be painful:’ Virginia stares down $1.7 billion funding gap for highway maintenance
The state may address the deficit by shifting $290 million from its construction budget to maintenance projects.
Judges permit Denver to divert 77,000 acre feet from the Colorado River for reservoir expansion
Overuse and climate change have caused the Colorado River’s water levels to plummet.
Amtrak, CN end decades-long dispute with eight-year agreement
The new operating agreement establishes an updated framework for the companies to work together, including processes to resolve disputes.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
KFH Group Inc.
Greater Baltimore Committee
Eagle County Government
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello