That is a very cool trail. Many, if not all trails have these issues. It’s hard to wrestle with the tensions. But I do think every trail can evolve to fit the needs of its community. Thanks for reading!
Enjoyed this one in particular. I am more on the execution and implementation side of things and yes we certainly put our heads down and focus on implementing the great park and greenway master plan. It is a balance of trying to quickly create a new investment and new walkable access to quality park space, while also moving slow and intentional enough to engage with current residents and to think about longer term impact, both intentional and unintentional.
Hi Rick, I know the feeling! We work in a system that values very specific, quantifiable aspects of parks. When we work in these intentional ways that you're talking about, it sometimes feels like it's double the work. You're working to build great parks AND change the system by which they are managed and planned. There's no easy answer, and it's different everywhere you go. Thanks so much for reading! I am also enjoying your posts and look forward to hearing more about your experience!
Hi Bonnie, that is a big conversation going on in the parks community now. Greenways are a place where people from all walks of life (no pun intended) converge. If there is a dynamic happening in the community around the trail, you'll see it reflected on the trail as well. It goes much bigger than park management! Thank you for reading!
It's a microcosm of the greater organism for sure. And, the only thing that seems to have a lasting benefit with houseless folks is giving them a UBI! And that's soooo unpopular, sadly. I guess people are more comfortable in crisis mode rather than being proactive and facing the music. I really enjoy your writing and I look forward to catching up. I love parks and they have meant everything to me from kid to adult!
Thank you for reading! Yes, there are a lot of complex issues on the trails. I believe if we pay attention to them and address them proactively, whole communities can benefit.
I’m so glad to hear you’ll be out on the trails again soon. Take care and be well!
I’ve seen some of these issues with our Swamp Rabbit Trail in Greenville SC and I love the trail.
That is a very cool trail. Many, if not all trails have these issues. It’s hard to wrestle with the tensions. But I do think every trail can evolve to fit the needs of its community. Thanks for reading!
Enjoyed this one in particular. I am more on the execution and implementation side of things and yes we certainly put our heads down and focus on implementing the great park and greenway master plan. It is a balance of trying to quickly create a new investment and new walkable access to quality park space, while also moving slow and intentional enough to engage with current residents and to think about longer term impact, both intentional and unintentional.
Hi Rick, I know the feeling! We work in a system that values very specific, quantifiable aspects of parks. When we work in these intentional ways that you're talking about, it sometimes feels like it's double the work. You're working to build great parks AND change the system by which they are managed and planned. There's no easy answer, and it's different everywhere you go. Thanks so much for reading! I am also enjoying your posts and look forward to hearing more about your experience!
Many trails near me have become popular with unhoused folks and that creates much tension.
Hi Bonnie, that is a big conversation going on in the parks community now. Greenways are a place where people from all walks of life (no pun intended) converge. If there is a dynamic happening in the community around the trail, you'll see it reflected on the trail as well. It goes much bigger than park management! Thank you for reading!
It's a microcosm of the greater organism for sure. And, the only thing that seems to have a lasting benefit with houseless folks is giving them a UBI! And that's soooo unpopular, sadly. I guess people are more comfortable in crisis mode rather than being proactive and facing the music. I really enjoy your writing and I look forward to catching up. I love parks and they have meant everything to me from kid to adult!
Thank you for reading! Yes, there are a lot of complex issues on the trails. I believe if we pay attention to them and address them proactively, whole communities can benefit.
I’m so glad to hear you’ll be out on the trails again soon. Take care and be well!