Greensboro Plan2Play Parks and Recreation Master Plan 2019

146 - FEBRUARY 2019

#8 CONNECT Improve Connectivity to Parks Improving connectivity explores how safe, clear, and accessible pedestrian, bike, and bus routes tie parks and trails into the broader city fabric. Linking multi- modal systems to parks and trails opens access to services and increases the impact on residents’ daily lives. Building off of existing organizations such as the NRPA Safe Routes to Parks Program , 10-Minute Walk Campaign , Lime Bikes, and Greensboro Transit Authority networks enhances synergies and smart planning. Action 8a. Establish safe walking routes from neighborhoods to parks, by participating in National Recreation and Park (NRPA) Safe Routes to Parks Program . Build off The Safe Routes to Parks Program - This is the NRPA’s program to “implement environmental, policy, and program strategies that create safe and equitable access to parks for all people”.

Action 8b. Create opportunities for bike rentals (like Lime Bike stations) and facilities at strategic trailhead and park locations. Expand the bike facility network - Bike- share programs, like Lime Bike, offer a free-flow dockless that allow the public to rent the bikes for a small fee and ride them to any location within the city. Parks and trailheads should be strategically reviewed as possible locations for bike share and other bike rental or storage facilities. Bike station location priority should be given to locations that are sited: • At strategic points along extended trails networks such as the A&Y or Bicentennial Greenway • At parks located in neighborhoods with higher density and higher reliance on public transportation for mobility needs • At park and trail locations where users could easily connect from a walkable neighborhood park to other city assets such as downtown, libraries, universities, or public services. • At trailhead locations that may offer bike rentals kiosks from local bike

Safe Routes to Parks is part of the broader 10-Minute Walk Campaign that aims to ensure there is an accessible park within a 10-minute walk of every person in every city across America. The Safe Route to Parks Program is supported by a resource guide to provide parks and recreation professionals with resources to implement the Safe Routes to Parks Action Framework. The process involves a stepped approach that includes engagement, assessment, plan development, implementation, and sustained outcomes. The resulting analysis and plan highlight gaps in safe pedestrian park access routes and help prioritize a method of creating and maintaining safe pedestrian park routes. The Department should consider participating in the program to develop a long range plan on safe pedestrian routes to city parks.