Our
Land Use/Open Space Committee advocates a balance
between economic development and environmental quality
through smart growth strategies. Projects and issues
focus on open space and connectivity as part of a
regional trails system, desert preservation, infill
development and pedestrian-oriented design, all toward
the ultimate goal of building more livable communities.
Our recent telephone survey conducted
by WestGroup Research on land use issues indicates
a majority of Valley residents claim urban sprawl is a problem, yet most won't live in more compact communitiese. The survey also shows residents believe they have no voice in land planning.
View
the Land Use Survey Results, or download
the PDF(125 KB)
View
the Land Use Survey Press Release, or download
the PDF (138 KB)
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THE
VALLEY'S PEDESTRIAN FREEWAY
Valley
Forward's poster titled, The Valley's
Pedestrian Freeway: A Priceless Necklace of Trails and
Gems; showcases our vision for a regional trails system
in the Valley.
We invite you to join a growing list of partners in an effort to link our communities through multi-use and recreational corridors, providing opportunities for improved health and wellness, alternative modes of transportation and economic development.
Virtually every Valley mayor, as well as the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, has signed Valley Forward’s proclamation demonstrating their support of a regional trails system.
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The Valley's Pedestrian Freeway:
A Priceless Necklace of Trails and Gems depicts
existing and planned trails throughout the Valley,
as well as gaps in the system. Also shown are regional
destinations – gems – that are place-specific,
non-event oriented and open to the public. Our goal
is to connect the gems and close the gaps through
a pedestrian freeway that facilitates biking, hiking,
jogging, riding and other non-motorized transportation
options.
In addition to the poster, our Land Use/Open Space Committee has developed a set of trail design principles to promote regional trail use. |
Join us in our ongoing effort to bring this vision to reality.
REGIONAL TRAILS DESIGN PRINCIPLES
- Integrate transportation and land
use planning.
- Encourage multi-modal transportation
and connectivity between modes.
- Encourage accessibility to the greatest
potential number of users, wherever possible.
- Balance environmental sensitivity with
economic development and public access.
- Maximize the public's investment while
preserving and enhancing quality of life.
- Support public/private development
that encourages multi-modal transportation and accommodates
the diverse needs of users: walkers, joggers, hikers,
equestrian riders, mountain bikers, scooter riders and
wheelchair users.
- Design for ease of mobility of users.
- Design for comfort and safety of users.
- Provide opportunities for respite along
the trails.
- Provide opportunities, where appropriate,
along trails for economic development and housing.
- Connect all communities in the region.
- Provide opportunities for users to
learn about the Sonoran Desert, the cultural heritage
of the region, historic and natural resource conservation,
and environmental stewardship.
- Reflect the scale and character of
the different settings or contexts along the trail routes.
- Encourage regionally appropriate design.
- Provide continuity for the trail links
within the system while maintaining a sense of identity
within each community.
- Encourage participation of the public,
civic groups, adjacent properties and corporate interests
in trail planning, development and ongoing operations.
- Locate parks and cultural amenities
with access to regional trails where possible.
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