ACTIVE AND PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
BETWEEN NORTH TEMPLE AND THE JORDAN RIVER PARKWAY TRAIL
WESTSIDE STUDIO | SPRING 2016
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Westside Studio for Spring 2016 studied active transportation connections between the Jordan River Parkway Trail and the North Temple corridor on the west side of Salt Lake City, Utah. The goal was to evaluate sidewalks, trails, and transit in the area, and to document their connections to neighborhood assets.
This information was used to propose improvements that will strengthen connections and promote walking and biking in the neighborhood.
Students studied the west side’s history and demographics, conducted surveys and focus groups with residents, and performed on-site analyses of infrastructure and amenities.
KEY FINDINGS
RECOMMENDATIONS
Trail Amenities
The Jordan River Parkway Trail is a significant asset, but it lacks features like restrooms, adequate lighting and signage, that would benefit and encourage greater use.
North Temple Assets
North Temple has easy access to transit, stretches of quality pedestrian and bicycle infrastructures several popular destinations. Its primary obstacles as a quality pedestrian space arise from its 20th century growth as an automobile-oriented road, which is slowly beginning to change.
Wayfinding
The area where North Temple crosses the Jordan River Parkway Trail has inconsistent and confusing wayfinding, as do other stretches of the trail.
Safety
Residents and trail users have concerns about safety and accessibility in the area, which presents opportunities for improvements for both.
Add and Improve Trail Amenities
Add more bathrooms, water fountains and trash cans along the Jordan River Parkway Trail.
Promote Universal Accessibility
Take measures that promote universal trail accessibility, including ramps and guide rails.
Improve Wayfinding
Improve signage and wayfinding, especially at trail entrances and exits.
Increase Perception of Safety
Take measures that improve perceptions of safety in the area, including better trail lighting.
Encourage Active Transportation
Encourage and stage entertainment and events that use the trail and incentivize land use that make the area more walkable.
ABOUT THE NEIGHBORHOOD
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
FOCUS GROUPS
Students and community partners conducted multiple focus groups to get in-depth feedback on the neighborhood from interested residents, who provided invaluable feedback that shaped the project's findings. Focus group discussion topics included:
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What are some of your favorite things about the neighborhood?
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What events on the Jordan River Parkway Trail and North Temple do you go to?
Do you bike or walk to any nearby events?
What do you feel makes the area bikeable or walkable? -
What do you think would prompt more people to walk to North Temple or the trail?
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How do you and your friends and family use the Jordan River Parkway Trail?
Where would you put signage in the area and what would it look like? -
What types of services or activities would you like to see in the park?
COMMUNITY SURVEY
Westside Studio surveyed nearly 300 west side residents to determine how they use and perceive North Temple and the Jordan River Parkway trail, and what barriers stand between them and greater use of active transportation options.
