Provide equitable, inclusive, and safe parks, open space, and trails.
Members of the community identified walking and bicycling as the top two activities they participate in along the river—with participation in these two activities together greater than the participation in all other activities combined.
Yet, 61% said they do not use the river due to safety concerns. By aiming to provide 51 miles of safe, connected open space, the LA River can be a valued recreational resource for the surrounding communities in LA County.Actions
Steps that should be taken to achieve the goal
Needs: Parks and Trails
The LA River Master Plan evaluates park need based on park access and availability, but also by considering an area’s level of exposure to poor environmental conditions where access to open space and recreation can have the greatest impact on multiple needs.
Design Components that Address Parks and Trails
Case Studies
South Platte River Greenway
The 10-mile stretch of the South Platte River Greenway that runs through Denver, Colorado, is a part of the larger planning effort for the South Platte River. The planning effort came about following a large period of rainfall in June of 1965. The resulting planning effort has brought about over 100 miles of riverside trails and over 100 acres of riverside parks and natural areas along the South Platte River in Metro Denver.1“River & Trail Info.” The Greenway Foundation. Accessed March 26, 2020. https://www.thegreenwayfoundation.org/river-amp-trail-info.html.
Lessons Learned
- Re-imagining a river corridor to include continuous trails and parkland happens incrementally with persistence.
- Multiple objectives can be met if management is integrated and balanced.
- Various departments have responsibilities and work together along the corridor to achieve a complete vision.
Waterloo Greenway, Austin, TX
The Waterloo Greenway is a plan for a 1.5-mile park system that incorporates 35 acres of connected park space along Waller Creek in Austin, Texas. The plan for the greenway is made possible by the construction of an extensive flood mitigation strategy that takes excessive flood waters, previously transported by Waller Creek, through a tunnel to Lady Bird Lake.2“Waller Creek District and Tunnel.” Waller Creek District and Tunnel | AustinTexas.gov. Accessed March 28, 2020. https://www.austintexas.gov/department/waller-creek-district-and-tunnel. The Waterloo Greenway is being constructed in three phases, allowing the community to utilize parts of the park system throughout the construction process.
Lessons Learned
- The revival of urban waterways was powerful in spawning public and economic interest.
- A bypass and tunnel solution to flood risk created opportunities along the river that would not exist otherwise.
- Project phasing allowed for parts of the project to be opened and generate revenue for future sections.