I am graduate student at Plymouth State University in New Hampshire. I am currently working on my thesis as well as coordinating riverfront enhancement projects along the Pemigewasset and Baker Rivers. Has anyone found evaluations of any riverfront walks/trail or any other studies showing that riverfront walks instill a "sense of place" within community members? I am would like to use these evaluations in a social marketing campaign that we are starting revolving around the enhancement of a riverfront trail system in hopes that the community may see that they have a lot to benefit from the enhancement.
Thank you and I look forward to your responses.
Beth Roy
Graduate Assistant - PSU
Pemi-Baker Riverfront Enhancement Projects
(603)968-7194
Has Anyone Evaluated a Riverfront Trail/Walk?
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The City of San Jose formally opened the Guadalupe River Park with 2.6 miles of trails (riverwalks) in September 2005. The project includes well integrated flood protection and park elements.
The park functions as San Jose's "central park" and serves adjacent downtown housing and businesses. Work is underway to pave an additonal 7 miles of connnecting trail within the next year. The park serves as the core of the City's developing 100-mile trail network. The park also hosts most of the city's cultural festivals during the spring and summer.
Adjacent high rise housing developments reference the park and trail in marketing brochures. The park has contributed to downtown's sense of place.
Some related websites include:
http://www.grpg.org/
www.sjparks.org/trails
http://www.sjdowntown.com/LiveHere.html
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Yves Zsutty
Program Manager - Trail Network
City of San Jose
Department of Parks, Recreation & Neighborhood Services
200 East Santa Clara Street, 9th Floor
San Jose, CA 95113
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Phone: 408 793-5561
Fax: 408 292-6416
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Yves Zsutty
Trail Program Manager
City of San Jose
United States
Beth - we are in the process of developing a master plan to extend our 20 mile trail system. Part of the new section is near our downtown and there is lots of interest in making connections between the trail and downtown. Of course there are always those that question why money should be spent on these types of amenities. I would love to see your thesis when it is completed. I also encourage you to go to the American Trails website, www.americantrails.org as they have an extensive research library on-line.
karen scopel
Hi Beth,
My design company created interpretive and wayfinding signs for the Salinas RiverWalk in Paso Robles, California in 2007. The project, which included native plantings and trail construction with benches etc., has not been formally evaluated as far as I know. If you'd like to see the signs go to our website and download the booklet "Sign Designs" (pdf). http://www.gaiagraphics.com
Terre