Hillsborough County Greenways and Trails Master Plan

ACTION PLAN

This section describes design factors and desirable characteristics to be considered for paved green- ways, unpaved greenways, and blueways. This de- sign guidance reflects best practices and the expec- tations gathered from Hillsborough County resi- dents during the Greenways and Trails Master Plan update ’ s outreach. Outreach participants communicated what they generally wanted to see and experience in an ideal greenway. The comments and feedback received from a Visual Preference Survey (documented in Ap- pendix F) directly inform the following design guidelines. Greenways attract people to explore Hillsborough County for a variety of reasons and uses that im- prove the quality of life for residents and visitors. Examining the expected types of trips taken on greenways helps identify the design elements and levels of investment needed. In many instances, greenway users are seeking a safe place to exercise. Some greenway users are getting from point A to point B, such as going to work or the store. Others use greenways to access natural areas and for fresh air. This emphasizes the importance of greenways as a broad community asset. Design that anticipates and accounts for typical concerns is the most effective way to encourage safe use of greenways. Greenways designers should consult the applicable standards and de-

sign guidance. The following factors guide the de- sign of all greenways in Hillsborough County:

• Serve all intended users and comply with appli- cable accessibility regulations • Reflect contextual elements such as the ecosys- tem and opportunities for shade ( Figure 21 ) • Select appropriate alignments, materials, and widths • Include amenities of the proper type and spac- ing

Figure 21. Paved greenway providing access to natural area and shade

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HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY GREENWAYS AND TRAILS MASTER PLAN

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