Three Rivers Heritage Trail Network Analysis by Dominic Mack

Three Rivers Heritage Trail Network Dominic Mack | Summer 2017

Three Rivers Heritage Trail Network Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.

Friends of the Riverfront | 1994 (beginning construction) (See Appendix B.) Spiraling outward from downtown Pittsburgh, the 24-mile Three Rivers Heritage Trail traces the banks of three waterways—the Allegheny, Monongahela and Ohio—that lifted the city to prominence as America’s industrial powerhouse.1 The trail had been in development for more than 24 years in order to convert what was once a riparian brown-field after the fall of Pittsburgh’s main industry - steel. In what was thought of as “Steel City” is now in the works to become “Wheel City” through the usage of the trail networks that dot the surrounding context with parks, museums, sporting culture, and recreational activities that promote the engagement of the urban networking to provide for public health and accessibility. Built in phases over two decades, the trail was key to opening up the riverfront to residents who had been cut off from the water by industry for more than a century.2 The trail took advantage of an opportunity to re-purpose a series of under-utilized railroad passages and convert them to a hub of public health while still keeping an educational aspect to the heritage of the location by providing interpretative signs along the trail. The trail adds value as part of a growing web of interconnected trails spanning across parts of Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio and New York - revolutionizing the concept of public health and transportation in America.

0 mi City-Scale Aerial Image | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

2 mi

4 mi

0 mi Site-Scale Aerial Image | Three River’s Heritage

1 mi

2 mi

Table of Contents

CONTEXTUAL MORPHOLOGICAL ANALYSES

TOPIC-RELATED MORPHOLOGICAL ANALYSES

SWATs + OCs ANALYSES

APPENDICES APPENDIX A | End Notes APPENDIX B | Case Inventory APPENDIX C | References

view of the Three Riverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Heritage Trail in downtown Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania credit: Friends of the Riverfront

Contextual Morphological Analyses Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, U.S.A. population climate

cultural attributes

major events

landmarks

305,704 Pittsburgh lies within the humid continental climate zone. The area has four seasons: winters are cold, cloudy, and moderately snowy; springs and falls are generally mild with moderate levels of sunshine; summers are warm to hot and humid.3 history was a center for industry of steel and rich ethnic traditions / reclaimed itself as a center for education, business and finance, as well as art and recreation.4 Restaurant Week, Craft Beer Week, Pittsburgh Three River Marathon, DICK’s Sporting Goods Marathon, triathlons and other engaging activities for the community. Phipps Conservatory, Point State Park, Heinz Memorial Chapel, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh Water Steps, PNC Park, Heinz Field, Andy Warhol Bridge

view of the Three River’s Heritage Trail in downtown Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | credit: theodysseyonline.com

STASIS a reading of equilibrium vs. tension between built forms and open space

ARMATURE a reading of how space communicates the continuity of character and identity

NETWORK the interconnections of various systems at play

CIRCUITRY a reading of continuity and looping within and among collaborative systems

SPECTACLE a reading of where the urban patterning supports and invests in the public realm to create places of high “imageability”

PRESENCE analyzes the various degrees of habitation

INFERENCE analyzes impact of the scalability of circumstances

SOLVENCY analyzes the impacts of fragmentation and of disturbances

LEGIBILITY analyzes impacts of readings

DIMENSION analyzes impacts of surroundings

STASIS

PARKS

EXISTING TRAIL

PROPOSED TRAIL

3 RIVER HERITAGE

AG-Land Preservation

TENSILE AREAS

8 Miles

The network of trail systems created throughout Allegheny County formulate a language that ties in surrounding elements of the city. The tension between built form and the open spaces is developed through a hierarchy and dependence on the historical layout of the city. This enables a certain psycho-geographical value to the context, especially within the Downtown area - where mostly all the systems interrelate yet an equilibrium of built form and open space dominate.

ARMATURE

POPULATION - 0.5 MI RADIUS OF TRAIL

POPULATION DENSITY

TRAIL ACCESS

EXISTING TRAIL

PROPOSED TRAIL

3 RIVER HERITAGE

8 Miles

The “spine” of Pittsburgh is considered to be the junction of the three rivers that run throughout the county. The rivers (as well as the trails that hug them) systematically tie the city together by shaping the predominately open spaces in order to use them for the sustainable growth of the city. It provides the character and identity of the area, and within its boundaries, an influx of population density occurs because of the dependency of the area.

NETWORK

PARKS

EXISTING TRAIL

RAILWAY

3 RIVER HERITAGE

MAIN ROUTE

POPULATION DENSITY

AREAS WITH POOR NETWORK

8 Miles

Through the mapping of different networking patterns overlapped over the population density, a derivation of connection points surfaced. By reading the density of different networks at hand (parks, green spaces, highways, trains, etc.) and their interconnections, areas with poor networks became more evident and can become strategies for proposed trail routes in order to increase accessibility.

CIRCUITRY

PARKS

EXISTING TRAIL

PROPOSED TRAIL

3 RIVER HERITAGE

ALLEGHENY BELTWAY SYSTEM

8 Miles

The circuitry of the networks throughout the county provides an evident success of continuity and connection. The adjacencies of connections between waterways, trail networks and public transit provide for a continuous mean of travel throughout the context. Where these connections meet each other justify a great potential for an open space program in order to provide destination points throughout the city. The circuitry also provides for routes that avoids major arterials and congestion.

SPECTACLE

PARKS

EXISTING TRAIL

PROPOSED TRAIL

3 RIVER HERITAGE

TOURIST LANDMARKS

The urban patterning provides an balance between man-made and natural settings. A juxtaposition between the wooded areas and the urban fabric gives an opportunity to engage greenways to provide a systematic network of green spaces. Throughout these networks are areas of high â&#x20AC;&#x153;imageabilityâ&#x20AC;? with activities and connections to the urban environment. A web of tourist attractions lines the spine giving the heritage of the community a threaded connection to the environment.

Miles

PRESENCE

PARKS

TOURIST AREA

CULTURAL AREA

3 RIVER HERITAGE

AREA OF PRESENCE

8 Miles

Throughout the city, there are a plethora of degrees habitation. Varying from tourist areas, cultural locations, populated areas and wooded areas - Allegheny County shows a greater presence within and along the junction of the three rivers that dissect Pittsburgh. This nucleic appearance of Pittsburgh gives principle to the idea of a cultural hub and provides great opportunity for a greater presence of activity that responds to the context.

INFERENCE

PARKS

EXISTING TRAIL

PROPOSED TRAIL

3 RIVER HERITAGE

AREAS OF POLLUTION

8 Miles

The history of Pittsburgh is prominently known for coal-reliant steel production. Although the main industry had fallen, the redevelopment of most of the areas still classify the context to be known as business districts. The districts have transformed into hubs of healthcare, education, technology and financial services. The city still holds concentration of pollution from production of services and when shown with green space - there is clear evidence that the two need to overlap more.

SOLVENCY

FLOOD

EXISTING TRAIL

3 RIVER HERITAGE

TRAIL ACCESS

RIVER ACCESS

LANDSLIDE PRONE

8 Miles

Although there is a well-developed pattern of networks throughout the county-wide scale, there are series of fragmentations in the connectivity of areas as well as disturbances that can play a role in public safety issues within the context of the area. Since the area is exposed to heavy bodies of running water, there are instances of flooding and even more so, since there are varying degrees of topography, landslides are susceptible to the area as well.

LEGIBILITY

PARKS

EXISTING TRAIL

PROPOSED TRAIL

3 RIVER HERITAGE

POPULATION - 0.5 MI RADIUS OF TRAIL

POPULATION DENSITY

8 Miles

Because of the extensive networking threads and juxtaposition of city and nature - there lies an interesting blend between the integration of both as well as the contrast. The proximity to the programming of the urban settlement in relation to the adjacencies of greenway networks displays a potential to expand the trail network throughout the county in hopes of making it a revolutionary main-means of travel.

DIMENSION

PARKS

EXISTING TRAIL

PROPOSED TRAIL

3 RIVER HERITAGE

8 Miles

The impacts the dense areas have on the city are increasingly resolving each other. Since there are green gaps in and around the denser inhabited areas, it provides an opportunity to increase public health. With the proposal of new trails, networks can be made in order to connect all other urban areas to each other.

view of the Three Riverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Heritage Trail in downtown Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania credit: Friends of the Riverfront

Topic-related Morphological Analyses Three Rivers Heritage Trail, Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.

How can a lack of connectivity of blue and green spaces affect the public health of dense cities?

credit: theodysseyonline.com

vantage point along the Three Rivers Heritage Trail

ADJACENCIES -

analyze the context to understand the interaction between different systems and their immediate surroundings

The Three Rivers Heritage Trail has been constructed in phases over two decades. A systematic approach to the connection of these trails has been operated in an organized method of revitalizing abandoned railways and brownfields. Since the production of the trail: the access to water has increased, the amount of biking and walking activity has increased, as well as an increase in accessibility to the central business district, neighborhoods, municipalities, shopping venues and local attractions. It is therefore incumbent upon a traveler, commuter, etc. to know the various connection points and adjacencies of spaces in order to traverse through the network efficiently and safely. CONDITIONS FOR ANALYSES: • •

Explicit measure of regional patterns Accessibility of adjacencies

• •

Dense urban groupings and open spaces Networks of contexts and interactions

MOSAIC -

analyze the context for patterns of patches and their dynamic integration

The Three Rivers Heritage Trail has given life to the riverfront throughout Pittsburgh’s boundaries and edges. The ability of living near green and blue open spaces has increasingly affected one’s mental and physical well-being. The eudaimonic phase of this comes from the psychiatric characteristics of feeling better in a green space near an open blue space, and the hedonistic aspect ranges from arriving at a sense of balance in your body by increasing your physical health. Studying the mosaic patterning of these open spaces can lead to locating the areas that lack these variables. CONDITIONS FOR ANALYSES: • •

Visual and non-visual congregations of habitats, systems, etc. Dense areas versus dispersed systems

• •

Language of layouts of spaces Logic of spatial hierarchy and edge conditions

Topic-related Morphological Analyses Three Rivers Heritage Trail, Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.

LOCI -

analyze the context for genetic pieces that develop the spirit of place

The Three Rivers Heritage Trail provides easy access to nature which has a positive outcome on public health as well as cross-cultural contacts. Throughout the trail, there are stop-off locations where parks and other activities that are culturally tied lie. Instigating a community involvement through these hubs can increase public health in order to engage activity throughout the city. The ‘spirit of place’ has a factor on this site especially because of the history of the context. Throughout the trail, there are a multitude of interpretative signs throughout the multi-use riverfront system that highlight the history of the area as well as explain the role of the trail as a riparian buffer for the aquatic and plant life along it. CONDITIONS FOR ANALYSES: • •

Distinctive characteristics Definitive atmosphere of the city

• •

Historical foundations and preservations Cultural hubs and linkages

ADHESION -

analyze the context to understand the interconnection of the components of various systems as a structure for experience

How systems of blue and green open spaces come together is important in the aspect of public health to a personal degree and as well as an urban degree. If a city is healthy, then it can provide more opportunities for the users of the community to be healthy. Greenways and blueways contribute substantially to the ecological, social and economic health of the city. Developing opportunities of every-day psycho-physical regeneration without the need of using car transport, and developing an attractive network of walking and cycle lanes becomes the main category of research when mapping out the context of study. CONDITIONS FOR ANALYSES: • •

Comprehensive hub locations and response to context Green space adjacencies

• •

Connection point usage Problematic areas within context

POROSITY -

analyze the context for measures of void spaces in the material of the site

The conservation of unique and valuable nature and landscape complexes can be the starting foundation of where to link the next possible park and/or greenway system. Showing the voids in the natural settlements can ease the planning of densification and enable planning to be more tied into the conservation of useful natural areas to retain a standard for public health of the city.

CONDITIONS FOR ANALYSES: • •

Open spaces / green and blue Trail systems, under-utilized passages, roadways etc.

• •

Networks of connections of dense urban settlements Historical landmarks, touristed areas, etc.

ADJACENCIES

PARKS

EXISTING TRAIL

PROPOSED TRAIL

3 RIVER HERITAGE

TRAIL ACCESS

RIVER ACCESS

8 Miles

After mapping the accessibility of neighboring networks, various connection points and adjacencies of spaces in order to traverse through the network efficiently and safely surfaced. How all of these systems connect around the urban settlements shows that Downtown was/is still known as a hub for cultural activity. What derives from this observation is the question: do the adjacent spaces around the ‘hub’ provide a connection for public health?

MOSAIC

PARKS

3 RIVER HERITAGE

8 Miles

The ability of living near green and blue open spaces has increasingly affected oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mental and physical well-being. By mapping out the patches of different variables such as: green spaces, greenway networks, and blueway networks - there is a more clear definition of what areas are lacking the healthy connection to these spaces (more often than not - a dense settlement).

LOCI

o t r e Ref

B x i d ppen

A PARKS

EXISTING TRAIL

PROPOSED TRAIL

3 RIVER HERITAGE

INTERPRETATIVE SIGNAGE

8 Miles

The interpretative signs throughout the multi-use riverfront system play a key factor in bringing the culture of the community to the trail. These points along the trail provide prime location for soft and hard goods to inhabit in order to bring a cultural identity to the trail and provide for an extensive network to lure more people to the trail for usage in order to increase activity.

ADHESION

PARKS

EXISTING TRAIL

PROPOSED TRAIL

3 RIVER HERITAGE

8 Miles

Hand-in-hand with adjacencies comes adhesion. The identity that develops out of the systematic role play of all the networks is important, but the location and function of those adhesive members can play a significant role in destination. More often than not, one will exercise more and enjoy the walk, bike, etc. more if the surrounding area is green, by water and/or safe - as well as provide a rewarding view or destination.

POROSITY

PARKS

EXISTING TRAIL

PROPOSED TRAIL

3 RIVER HERITAGE

Through the study of the contrast of dense areas of landscape, it can ease the planning of densification and enable planning to be more tied into the conservation of useful natural areas to retain a standard for public health of the city.

8 Miles

view of Downtown Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania from Northshore segment credit: Friends of the Riverfront

Precedent Study

Root River Trail System, Fountain - Lanesboro - Whalan - Peterson - Rushford - Houston, Minnesota, U.S.A

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Division of Parks and Trails | 1985 (opening of last segment) The Root River State Trail meanders 42 miles alongside the Root River from Fountain to Houston. In what was an abandoned rail grade now lies a connective route that promotes public health to all its users while tieing in the cultural and historical image of the context. The Harmony-Preston Valley State Trail runs for approximately 18 miles, connecting the towns of Harmony and Preston, both settled in the 1850s. The trail rises and falls with the bluffs, winding through historic towns tucked into hillsides, past rolling farm fields, milling districts, and relics of the railroads, heyday. Lush and verdant stretches present the visitor with views of the areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s natural beauty. Both trails are designed for hiking, biking, in-line skating, and cross-country skiing. Because most of this trail segment was constructed on an abandoned rail grade, most of the inclines and curves are quite gradual. Historical buildings and rural communities along the trail provide sites of interest as well as many services. Campgrounds, bed-and-breakfasts, restaurants, museums, outfitters and unique stores can be found in many of the trail towns.5

FILMORE COUNTY

HOUSTON COUNTY

0 mi City-Scale Aerial Image | Houston-Filmore Counties

6 mi

12 mi

0 mi

4 mi

Site-Scale Aerial Image | Fountain - Lanesboro - Whalan - Peterson - Rushford - Houston, Minnesota, U.S.A

8 mi

Precedent Study

Root River Trail System, Fountain - Lanesboro - Whalan - Peterson - Rushford - Houston, Minnesota, U.S.A

Intersection of the Blueway Network and Greenway Network of Root River Trail

View towards Downtown segment of both greenway and blueway

credit: rootrivertrail.org

Bed and breakfast waypoint along the trail network

Greenway overpass crossing over blueway network

credit: rootrivertrail.org

Precedent Study

Root River Trail System, Fountain - Lanesboro - Whalan - Peterson - Rushford - Houston, Minnesota, U.S.A

Blasted pathway through forested area

Narrow segment of greenway network

credit: rootrivertrail.org

Campground waypoint

Wayfinding signage along paved pathways

credit: rootrivertrail.org

Precedent Study

Root River Trail System, Fountain - Lanesboro - Whalan - Peterson - Rushford - Houston, Minnesota, U.S.A

Forested segment towards Downtown

Wayfinding along greenway network

credit: rootrivertrail.org

Directed set of rules: stay to the right so others may pass

Beautiful scenery along blueway network

credit: rootrivertrail.org

Precedent Study

Root River Trail System, Fountain - Lanesboro - Whalan - Peterson - Rushford - Houston, Minnesota, U.S.A

credit: rootrivertrail.org credit: rootrivertrail.org

view of the Pittsburgh Water Steps credit: Friends of the Riverfront

SWATs and OCs Analysis Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.

STRENGTHS • Provides safe, healthy, and economical recreational as well as educational value to the entire region. • The project allowed for greater access to green areas for residents which ensures good living standard and increase of public health. • Constitutes a critical element of overall efforts to improve the attractiveness of the region. • An increase in foot-traffic through business districts along the network with amenity values. • Increased land value of properties overlooking the greenspaces/attractive waterways. • Provides a hindrance to the rapid increase of urbanization disconnecting humans and nature; reconnects humans to nature. • Preserves the historical aspect of the city’s previous industry with interpretative signage and way-points. • Connects green areas within the city and around it, which improves integration of ecological processes. • The local support of the community cuts maintenance costs because of the volunteering efforts throughout the trail. • The urban parks and greenways create environments that facilitate social contacts and community attachment. WEAKNESSES • Placement of functional trail amenities for trail users is lacking outside of Downtown and Northshore areas. • Better wayfinding signage along the path as well as courtesy signs (Shared Path - Multiuse Path). • Not all segments are compliant to the guidelines developed in the masterplan and some show poor lack of connectivity to other systems. • The access to open greenspace is limited within the dense urban areas. • There are limited access points for the blueway (river) and even fewer rental agencies for kayaks, paddle boards, etc. • Most segments of the trail are geared more towards bicycle improvements. • Little room for extra green spaces for gardens or art unless there is a call for redevelopment and coding. • There is a high demand and dependence for community involvement in terms of maintenance and funding. • There are few activities and docking stations for boats, kayaks, etc. which does not enable one to traverse properly. • The alignments provided in the masterplan do not focus on linkage to parks. ASSETS • There is a strong public interest in the project which provides the organization with feedback and volunteer services. • The trail network is part of two larger mega-greenways which gives momentum to keeping up with the maintenance of the trail. • The trail is viewed as part of the quality of life for the local communities, and more importantly seen as an economic driver. • Develops every-day psycho-physical regeneration without the need of using car transport, and developing network of walking and cycling. • Increased amenities in the urban and rural communities. • Increased greenspace and off-road cycleways promoting physical recreation and increasing a sense of wellbeing. • Increased connectivity between neighborhoods and parks. • Connecting destinations for commuters and visitors. • Maintaining and protecting the cultural and spiritual values of the context. • The phasing strategy of the project has allowed it to develop with no cost deficiencies.

SWATs and OCs Analysis

Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.

TH R EATS • The topography North of the Downtown segment is prone to landslides which can hinder expansion northbound. • Climate change (4 seasons) plays a significant role on the maintenance of the project and can provide unsafe conditions. • The water conditions are often polluted around the Downtown and Northshore areas. • There is a lack of connection to green areas in the urban settings which can unmotivate one to go to the trail. • Traditional flood protection methods are utilized in the site’s boundaries which destroys the natural form and ecological edges of the waterway. • Concerns about trails that are too narrow and may need to be shared with the road and with bicycle traffic. • Some of the trail networks run adjacent and through active railroad passage which can provide unsafe conditions. • By paving over or activating abandoned railways, we are taking over the habitats formed by the natural world. • After heavy rainfall there are potential landslide and flooding issues within the Northshore and Downtown segments. • When trail portions close, the alternate route directs travelers onto busy road segments that are not yet Complete Street compatible. OPPORTUNITIES • • • • • • • • • •

Several existing riverfront parks that can be connected as part of the larger trail system (Sharpsburg, O’Hara Trail, Springdale, etc.). Key riverfront acquisitions with vacant lots can be found to use as blueway access points. An increase in community connections can enable road and trail connections for further accessibility and linkage. The implementation of Complete Streets can further develop the pedestrian-friendly environment. Possible residential development along waterway. Revitalization methods can be used to increase tourism/migration. Can create more partnerships to improve the water quality of the river from pollution damage. Can create more partnerships to protect and restore wildlife habitats along riverfront properties. Future planting along river’s edge can protect from flood events and protect property. Promotion of existing network flows for continuity in order to facilitate urban networking and avoid barriers.

CONSTRAINTS • Not all communities have the same opportunities for the most practical alignment and connections. • There are various ROW conditions to be dissected in order to make the most ADA compliant trail. • Most of the riverfront properties are privately owned. • The railroad properties throughout the county are private property owners and create hazardous safety conditions. • There are various environmental patches along the trail such as urban, suburban, agriculture and natural with different conditions. • Due to private property, active railroads or other industrial property it is not always possible to provide a trail directly on the riverfront. • Most widths of the paths are more inclined to sustain bike travelers with lessened width for passing - not accompanying room for walkers. • Many conditions need re-pavement over cracked concrete surfaces but lack of funds may not cover upkeep costs. • Most of the trail traverse through noisy environments because of the cluster of population density in-and-around the trail. • There are not a lot of bike parking opportunities around the landmarks and destination points.

Critical Task Analysis

Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.

CTs • A project regarding green and blue open spaces should develop a holistic approach to connect and manage the two elements in conjunction as a blue/green network - while recognizing their relationship to urban gray space - in order to have an interconnected urban system to achieve a sustainable development to increase public health. • Create opportunities for linkages of greenspaces for recreational activation of the spaces in order to improve social wellbeing and spiritual connections. • Provide opportunities for economic development by creating vibrant spaces for engagement along the waterways and in urban parks. Increased incentives will arise through enhanced connected spaces between areas of economic activity. • Provide a safe environment that enables healthy habits and economical transportation options for all ages, abilities and incomes to improve commutes and public health. • Be context-sensitive to the area in order to reflect a setting or desire by respecting the integrity of the natural, scenic, and historical environment. • Facilitate partnerships among communities and organizations to effectively market and promote trail systems by maximizing trail groups and continually identifying new trail projects and opportunities as they emerge. • Identify locations and address existing trail accessibility problems that inhibit use by disabled in order to create a network for all users. • Prioritize the development of off-street and on-street linkages to and from trails and in-between trails to close gaps in the network of systems. Through usage of complete streets, a continuous flow can be obtained at a regional scale. • Amenities shall be thoughtfully considered and strategically placed for the convenience of the users. A development of trail signage guidance shall be implemented to give the most convenient wayfinding methods for users. • Phasing strategies shall be conducted for precise implementation procedures.

CONCLUSION AND FINDINGS

WAS THE THREE RIVERS HERITAGE TRAIL SUCCESSFUL AT ADDRESSING THE THESIS QUESTION? The Three Rivers Heritage trail partially addresses the topic of a lack of connectivity of blue and green open spaces within a dense city affecting public health successfully. The trail traces the banks of three waterways—the Allegheny, Monongahela and Ohio—that lifted the city to prominence as America’s industrial powerhouse. By taking advantage of converting abandoned and under-utilized railroads within the context of these rivers opened a door to an opportunity of increasing public health by restoring these brownfields into a trail network of greenways and blueways. This, in-turn, will cohesively influence a better quality of life. Since the production of the trail: the access to water has increased, the amount of biking and walking activity has increased, as well as an increase in accessibility to the central business district, neighborhoods, municipalities, shopping venues and local attractions. Throughout the trail, there are various connection points and adjacencies of spaces in order to traverse through the network efficiently and safely. The trail also links to major greenspaces through greenways which provide great accessibility to parks. Improving access to public open spaces not only increases levels of physical activity, but can have other positive effects such as mental health benefits and reduced health care costs which can have a profound impact on people and on the larger community. Adults and children with access to parks, open spaces and playgrounds have better over-all general health than those who do not and tend to experience reduced levels of stress and lower rates of depression. The World Health Organization has declared physical inactivity to be a growing global public health risk.6 Having access to parks and open spaces has been shown to make people three times more likely to engage in recommended levels of daily physical activity, making them an essential component of any healthy urban space.

HOW COULD THE PROJECT BE IMPROVED? •

The trail could be improved by providing greater accessibility to the outskirts of the population density to facilitate connections to the dense areas of the city without means of travel through cars. Although there are successful linkages and greenway networks, the edge conditions of the project can allow for more activity and larger open spaces especially along the riverfront. A system to build more waterway access as well as recreational opportunity can enhance the users experience to want to engage in the water. Aside from the riparian edge condition developed around the Downtown area, there is not too many action steps taken in order to improve or retain the rivers edge. The Three Rivers Heritage Trail can become more than just a buffer between land and water. The edges and boundaries of the project can enable water to integrate within to supply the cities vegetative habitats more diversity.

CONCLUSION AND FINDINGS

HOW DID THE PRECEDENT STUDY FACILITATE FINDINGS AND IMPACT THESIS QUESTION? The Root River State Trail was chosen not only because of the similar conceptual strategies as the Three Rivers Heritage Trail, but also the success rate of public health from the trails influence. Since the precedent is essentially doubled in size and has been built for nearly 10 more years than Three Rivers Heritage - the experiential value and responsiveness that the trail has given has been an influential study for preceding trail networks. The network successfully connects several communities and what the Root River System has an upper hand in is the ability to supply proper amenities throughout the journey. The projects strengths towards the thesis question lie within its ability to provide a means of safer travel, greenway networking that connects threads of patches to provide a systematic approach to public health, as well as provide easy access to water while providing activities. The weakness of the project that make it fall short of the thesis asked lie within its extensive route. More opportunities can be taken in order to provide more way points at a community scale so that travelers can prioritize the trail network as a means of travel rather than roads.

ADDITIONAL RESEARCH SHOULD BE CONDUCTED... More research should be conducted on the positive aspects of restoring river edges in order to provide habitual practices of the ecology to promote a larger scale of biodiversity. In terms of a lack of connectivity, safer routes should be provided in areas where there is a disconnect from the trails main pathways. Research should also be continued on ways to expand the trails limits in order to reach out to more communities and provide more access points. The more accessibility there is for the communities, the higher increase in public health and safety there will be. Investigating the adjacent boundaries and edges of the context can allow one the explore the natural states of living as well as exposure to more activities. An outreach to find more parking units by access points would be a beneficial aspect to the project in order to allow and entertain tourists to explore the network of trail systems.

Appendix A

End Notes

Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, “Three Rivers Heritage Trail 2014 User Survey and Economic Impact Analysis,” Friends of the Riverfront, 2014, https://friendsoftheriverfront.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Three-Rivers-Heritage-Trail-Users-SurveyLORES.pdf.

2. Laura Stark, “Pennsylvania Three Rivers Heritage Trail,” Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, 2014, https://www.railstotrails.org/trailblog/2017/april/07/pennsylvania-s-three-rivers-heritage-trail/. 3. US Climate Data, “Climate Pittsburgh - Pennsylvania,” US climate data, 2017, http://www.usclimatedata.com/climate/pittsburgh/pennsylvania/united-states/uspa3601. 4. University of Pittsburgh, “Pittsburgh Culture | Cool Pittsburgh,” University of Pittsburgh, 2015, http://www.coolpgh.pitt.edu/eating/pittsburgh-culture.php. 5. Department of Natural Resources, “Root River State Trail,” Department of Natural Resources, 2017, http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_trails/root_river/index.html. 6. Christopher Black, “Urban Green Spaces,” World Health Organization, 2017, http://www.who.int/sustainable-development/cities/health-risks/urban-green-space/en/.

Appendix B Case Inventory

Role of Key Participants: • • • • • • •

Friends of the Riverfront is responsible for development and maintenance of the 24-mile trail network Community/municipal volunteers assist in stewardship efforts (2014 - 1,702 Volunteers contributed 5,326 hours to 50 events) Allegheny and Armstrong County GIS and Mapping Departments provided GIS Data Southwest Pennsylvania Commission allied for a Conservation Partnership Rails-to-Trails Conservancy analyzed data configuration based off user-input surveys Paying members of the trail organization provide contributions for upkeep and management Management services were offered by the Pennsylvania Environmental Council

Financial Issues: • •

Partially funded by a grant from the Community Conservation Partnership Program administered by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), Bureau of Recreation and Conservation (Bureau), and Keystone Recreation Park and Conservation Fund Donations were received from Allegheny River Towns Enterprise Zone (ARTEZ), Allegheny County, Aspinwall Borough, Blawnox Borough, Borough of Etna, Fox Chapel Borough, Fox Chapel District Association, Friends of the Riverfront, and Pennsylvania Environmental Council COST: • Right-of-way (20 foot tract of land): $20,000-$100,000 / acre • ROW Total Estimate Range: Practical Alignment: $540,000 - $2,700,000 Preferred Alignment: $1,180,000 - $5,900,000 Engineering Cost: $50,000 - $150,000 • Design and Environment: $150,000 - $300,000 Existing Roadways: $20,000 - $50,000 / mile • Construction: New Asphalt Pavement: $250,00 - $300,000 / mile •

TOTAL CONSTRUCTION:

•

Maintenance: $1,500 / mile

Proposed Practical Alignment: $2,880,000 - $3,950,000 Proposed Preferred Alignment: $6,330,000 - $7,700,000

Appendix B Case Inventory

PROCESS: •

PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT • List of Stakeholders

Members of the Allegheny Valley Trails Community Trail Initiative include: Allegheny County, Friends of the Riverfront, Pennsylvania Environmental Council, Department of Conservation & Natural Resources, Allegheny River Towns Enterprise Zone, Township of O’Hara Parks and Recreation Committee, Fox Chapel District Association, Natrona Comes Together, Springdale Team of Active Residents(ST AR), Alli-Kiski Historical Society, Boyd Center, Audubon Society of Western PA, Allegheny Ridge Corporation, Pittsburgh to Harrisburg to Mainline Canal Greenway, Rachel Carson Trail and the City of Pittsburgh, Millvale Borough, Shaler Township, Borough of Etna, Sharpsburg Borough, Aspinwall Borough, Fox Chapel Borough, Township of O’Hara, Blawnox Borough, Harmar Township, Cheswick Borough, Springdale Borough, Springdale Township, Frazer Township, Tarentum Borough, Brackenridge Borough, Harrison Township, Freeport Borough, and Allegheny Township.

•

Public and Project Stakeholder Meeting

•

Property Owners

An extensive public involvement program was maintained throughout the feasibility study process that included stakeholder, municipality, and general public meetings. The involvement extended to meetings and regular correspondence with community leaders. In all, twelve (12) informational presentations were made before various municipalities and community leaders as well as (3) advertised public meetings during the study process. At each meeting the public was given the opportunity to discuss sections of the proposed trail that would pass through their municipalities and indicate an alignment. These alignments were analyzed for right-of-way impacts, physical restraints, flood plain and environmental impacts and accessibility. As recreational use of the riverfronts grow, working with private property owners has become more critical.

•

POTENTIAL USE OF TRAIL • Market Analysis • Trail linkages/Connections to Existing Trails • Trail Survey and Results

•

CONCEPTUAL DESIGN • Trail Corridor Typical Sections • Trail Corridor Description • Trial Corridor Definitions

•

TRAIL OPERATION, MAINTENANCE, AND SECURITY

•

FINANCIAL FEASIBILITY • Cost Estimates • Phase Implementation Plan

•

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS

•

CONSTRUCTION

CHRONOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT: • North Shore - 1994, 1997, 1998 • Lawrenceville - 1996 • Eliza Furnace - 1998 • Southside - 1991, 1998, 1999, 2005 • Chateau - 1998, 2000 • Panther Hollow - 1999 • Duck Hollow - 2001 • Washington’s Landing - 1999 • Station Square - 2002

• • • • • • • • •

Strip District - 2002 Baldwin Borough - 2002 Millvale - 2002 Hot Metal Bridge - 2007 Casino - 2009 Mon Warf - 2010 Route 28 - 2010 Convention Center - 2012 Hazlewood & Keystone/GAP - 2012

Appendix B

Case Inventory

PROBLEM DEFINITION: •

An industrial wasteland consisting of an under-utilized riparian brownfield provides an opportunity to convert a unused railroad into a multi-use regional trail connecting to an existing trail network while retaining its historical context of the city. Before the trail network, the city had little to no public access to the riverfront because of the coal-inclined industry of the production of steel from factories that lined the rivers edge. After the decline of the main industry, there was a shift in the economic base of Pittsburgh to tourism, education, health care, high technology and finance.

GOALS: • • • • •

Develop the trail along the Allegheny River with strong connections from the river into communities at key trailheads Connect people to communities, work places, schools, transit sites, attractions and residences Provide a safe, clean and green way to get around through a linkage of urban trails Provides municipalities’ opportunities to develop safe walking routes to schools, on road biking opportunities and ideas to develop safe and sustainable active transportation Maintain the historical integrity of the trails pastime and historical city references

PROGRAM: NORTH SHORE SEGMENT • The North Shore segment of the Three Rivers Heritage Trail is located on the 7-mile stretch of continuous trail from Westhall Street on the Chateau segment through Millvale Riverfront Park on the Millvale segment. The North Shore segment typifies the urban trail system experience, touching areas of historic significance, the popular and expansive entertainment district, and natural areas with green space right within the city. • Culture & Entertainment • Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild • National Aviary • Rivers Casino • Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh • Carnegie Science Center • PNC Park • Heinz Field • Andy Warhol Museum • Bikes & Kayaks • Amenities / Parks / Open Spaces • Bicycle Heaven • Connected throughout the trail system • Iron City Bikes-Lawrenceville • Love Bikes • Kayak Pittsburgh-North Shore • Transportation • Allegheny T Station • 14 North Shore T Station

Appendix B

Case Inventory

PROGRAM (cont.): SOUTH SECTION / ELIZA FURNACE • The South Side/Eliza Furnace loop between the Hot Metal and Smithfield St. Bridges is a popular 5-mile trip. The Eliza Furnace segment links to Downtown Pittsburgh while the South Side segment offers convenient access to the popular Carson Street business district. The Panther Hollow segment allows easy access to Oakland’s universities, parks and cultural attractions • Culture & Entertainment • Amenities / Parks / Open Spaces • Gateway Clipper Fleet • Connected throughout the trail system • Just Ducky Tours • Carnegie Museums of Art & Natural History • Phipps Conservatory • Bikes & Kayaks • Golden Triangle Bike Rental • REI • Thick Bikes • 9 Iron City Bikes-Oakland • Ted’s Excellent Bike Repair •

•

Transportation • Duquesne Incline • Monongahela Incline • Station Square T Station

The Three Rivers Heritage Trail offers a nearly complete public route on both sides of all three rivers in Pittsburgh and Allegheny County. Over 30 miles of additional trail are in planning or development phases. The Three Rivers Heritage Trail also connects to many regional trails and trail networks like the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP), the developing Erie-to-Pittsburgh Trail, and the Pittsburgh to Harrisburg Main Line Canal Greenway.

M ile 1

Appendix B 279

Case Inventory Mile 11

PROGRAM (cont.): Fox Cha

ARCH ST

pel Rd

Etna

illv ale

Mile

el Rd

delafield ave

r av e

Cente

ave

rn av

brilliant

easte

delafield

ave

Ave Stanton

R dB

Baldwin Rd

ood ew om NH

885 19

Allegheny Aqueduct 130

Riverfronts Naturally

H.J. Heinz

Saint Nicholas Church & Mala Jaska

Canal Lift Lock No. 4

Herr’s Island

Thomas Carlin’s Sons Foundry

31st Street Bridge

Rowing in Pittsburgh

Washington in PA

East Ohio Street Corridor

Allegheny Arsenal

Smithfield St. Bridge

Lewis & Clark

Steamboats

23 24

Trees and Our Riverfront 380 Black Diamonds

Ormsby Farms

Coal Transportation

Panhandle Railroad

PA Canal

Glass Manufacturing

Oliver Iron & Steel

Immigrant Steel Workers

Ferry Landing

Mon Lock & Dam

Prehistoric Rivers

B&O Railroad

Hot Metal Bridge

Ling-Temco-Vought (LTV)

Jones & Laughlin

Eliza Furnace

376 Iron and Steel Workers

Panther Hollow

Frank Lenz

130

Hub of Activity

Shaping Steel

Open Hearth Steel

Materials Handling

Mon Con Railroad

J&L Steel

Making Steel

The Stacks

World War II Expansion

Homestead Steel Works

The Ward

The Monongahela

Ethnic & Religious Organizations

The 12,000 Ton Press

The Battle of Homestead

Carrie Furnaces

The Pump House

Spirit of Homestead

The Ingot Buggy

R LB

ay lW

ze Ha

ile

837

HO at

All

e to

Gre

e Av

TM ETA

erl

This project was completed in partnership with the Rivers of Steel Heritage Corporation. Funding was provided in part by a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources, Bureau of Recreation and Conservation, Educational Stewardship Fund, administered by the Rivers of Steel Heritage Corporation.

Homestead 837

Map and guide designed by Bally Exhibit www.ballyexhibit.com

West Homestead Mile

Baldwin Borough

Three Sisters

St th 29 er h

Glass Run Rd

Allegheny City

RIV

kA ve

a re

roa

ail

GLENWOOD BR

XR Mile

Baseball in Pittsburgh

llo w Ho ck Du CS

h eg

Verona

2nd Ave

AR 42

Call us at: 855-93-SPORT

y en

ss Pa

Mil e

r St

Respect others.

Gloste

No littering.

front

ater EW

e ag

Native Americans

Braddock

Bra

8th AVE 51

Hazelwood

Carrie Furnace

Trail is open from dawn to dusk.

AD TE . ES R M SB HO RAY G

Ave

Clean up after your dog.

Bro

Mile

Dogs must be on a leash.

Follow all traffic rules.

Ave oo lw Ha

ll Rd ns Hi

ers

ial

Brow

Old

Flow

erc

Mile 8

837

15mph speed limit.

R ill

Trail Rules

Stay right, pass on left.

Greenfield dA ve

ood elw Haz

Ave

ollo

2nd

nth

Irvi

Dog Park

885

gh orou

Great Allegheny Passage Overlay

40.4143,-79.9165

Run Becks

ld Av

ALMONO construction affects Hazelwood trail usage. Please visit the Trail Status page for condition updates.

in B

Trail System Map

nfie

CAUTION!

Baldw

Great Allegheny Passage

Ave

Trail Parking

fie

gre

Public Restrooms

Share the Road

Gree

irvi

Chemical Toilets

Trail Connector

duck hollow @ old browns hill rd. Paved lot. 30 spaces available.

St ier

ave

Business Districts

40.4112,-79.9452

Mile 4

lin e St

40.4259,-79.9532

hazelwood ave. @ gloster St Gravel lot. 10 spaces available.

xis

ard

ale

ier Fraz

ood Blvd

Beechw

Forw

is St

RIV

urn

b win

ace

Panther hollow trailhead 22 279 (boundary St. @ Four Mile run rd.) Paved lot. 25 spaces available.

Mount Oliver

River Mileage from the Point

rn Fu

Trail: Planned

376

FRICK PARK

Greenfield Ave

Water Access

Trail Dead End

Trail: Walking

za eli

40.4259,-79.9532

eliza Furnace/ Panther hollow Connection

Trail Access Point

Trail: Crushed Stone Surface

Beechview

eliza Furnace trailhead @ Swinburne St. Paved lot. 25 spaces available.

Saline 38 39 40

40.4315,-79.9727

nd Av

376

The Point

Fraz

ary St bound

Trail: Paved Surface

Bo u

Alex

South Side

Firsts in the World

48 49

Hobart St

Ru n

L TA ME

SCHENLEY PARK

ile

Panther Hollow

Nin eM

Squirrel Hill Murray Ave

ile

nd ary

GHAM BR BIRMIN

MAP KEY & LEGEND

South Side riverfront Park @ 18th St. Paved lot. 50 spaces available.

Pen

MF OO BL

2 ile M

ide

Hollow

FORBES AVE

S 22nd St

S 9th St

log

Panther

Life onISLAND the River

Rivers of Steel Signage:

FORBES AVE

Eli za Fu rn Te ac ch e no

S 23rd St

10TH ST

FIE ITH SM

h St

South S

blvd

nley

fie

S 6th St

Sche

Blvd of the Allies

33 34

E AV

Allentown

40.4401,-80.0171

Chapel Harbor

Point Breeze

E CARSON ST

SOUTHSIDE RIVERFRONT PARK

Ave

Gre

Bingham St

S 18th St

LIB

McKean St

Station Square trailhead @ duquesne incline Gravel lot. 20 spaces available.

rn inbu Sw

S 4t

376 Mile 2

28 29

GRANDVIEW PARK

Mt. Washington

ircl

DB IEL

St St field

Gra nt S t Ros sS t

ix S t

Woo d

Sm ith

ST LD

UPMC Lighthouse Pointe

Shady Ave

E AV

E AV ES RB FO

25 26

Shady Ave

Oakland

son St

olds

Wilk

Daw

NA VE

Sta

aig

N Cr

ority (PWS

Ave

Rdw

Mile

Sewer Auth

AVE

PEN

FIFTH AVE

R FO 24

Water &

CAUTION!

Freeport rd

MELLON PARK

Shadyside

ve eA

FORBES AVE

Blvd of the Allies 2nd Ave

Pittsburgh

eny river

Reyn

FIFTH AVE

Waterworks Mall

ri v

This segment of trail is under development. Please visit the Trail Status page of friendsoftheriverfront.org for complete details and opening dates.

FIF

t rd

UPMC St. Margaret Hopital

allegh

Hill District

East Liberty

ins

KSTO

ron

BLV

Downtown Pittsburgh

579

6th Oliv Ave er

CAUTION!

Her

END

380

ntr

BAUM

epor

Aspinwall Marina

FRAN

. BLVD

E AV

BIG

380 AV E

Fre

Future site of ASPINWALL RIVERFRONT PARK

oop

Av ntre

LIB

E AV

Bro

LIB

2nd

ley exp

Aspinwall Riverfront Park is under development. Please be alert for changing conditions.

NA VE

WES T

11th

40.4717,-79.9664

nd st E

Blvd

PEN

Bloomfield

ty Av

Liber

Equals one mile

4th

ny Val

TLER

Y AVE

Polish Hill ilro

berty

O'Hara Township

alleghe

vd.

n Bl

le Neg

E. Li

Friendship

PENN AVE

LIBERT

lawrenceville trailhead @ 40th St. Gravel lot. 10 spaces available.

N Hi ghla

Highland Park

Ave

y Ru

WASHINGTON

e y Av

ille

ev nc

Mile

nton

RID

Riv

Sta

Lawrenceville

BU 31ST

Strip District

Dis

rdle

rip

McA

tric

T’S

279

tio

E GH

BLVD

ill St

N Ne gle

Sta

E LL

ion

Ave Blv 3rd d of Ave the 1st Allies Ave

e Av

ix St

Ave

4th

ne Bl

es Duqu

Penn

Millvale riverfront Park @ river Front dr. Paved lot. 80 spaces available.

Stanw

40.4638,-79.9780

washington’s landing under 31st St. bridge Paved lot. 50 spaces available.

6TH ST

tio

POINT STATE PARK 6 WS ta

7TH ST

Mile 0

40.4536,-79.9905

PARK

Ave

Mile

SHORE NORTH 5

ST 8

279

9TH ST

n St

Robinso

FT DUQUESNE BR & WALKWAY

r ive

l St

R IV

gre

St er ss Riv

Pro

Federa

Ave

inz

Duquesne Heights

W Gen. 2

Ohio St

West End

Casino Dr

river ave. @ heinz St. 60 Gravel lot. 8 spaces available. Additional parking available at River Ave. and Veterans Bridge (downriver) and River Ave. and Washington’s Landing Bridge (upriver).

monsS

837

westhall St. On street parking. 10 spaces available. 40.4720,-80.0433

Ave

e St

monsS

Reed

W Com

Kroll Dr

Recommended Trail Access and Parking

W Ohi

Ridge

E Com

n Ave

Wester

sdal

14 Pro Bikes

Ave

WEST PARK

o St

ny Ave

Elliott

W North

Alleghe

(additional shops on opposite side)

th or

Cedar

u St

Manchester

CA ile

East Allegheny

l St

N Frankl

e or

S 16th St

in St

Chatae

ver Ave

Ave

North Side

Federa

Preble

New Bea

Mile 9

130

M 43

La wre er A ve

Bike Shop

LAN HIGH il P l W e

py ex

WASHINGTON’S LANDING

Liverp

Fox Chapel

HIGHLAND PARK

l St

Mile

13 Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh South Side

Va lle y

Fineview 279

ool St

12 Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Hazelwood

Federa

ton

18 17

Ave

11 Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Sheraden Downtown

ale illv

Av e lure

East

ve aA

orni

ILR

10 Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Main

Freeport

Mile 8

Bun

Calif

Ave

ver

Bea

New

35th

Libraries

IO OH

Perry South

9 Monongahela Incline

MILLVALE RIVERFRONT PARK

Marshall - Shadeland

Island

Mile 7

Stanton Heights

r td

riv

Bri

Brunot Island

River Ave

Y RIVER BLVD

erf

D OA

8 Duquesne Incline

Friends ofSYCAMORE the Riverfront Signage:

Squaw Valley Riverfront Trail

ALLEGHEN

Stanton Ave

M cc

Lake Dr

Ave

7 Allegheny T Station

ile

Run

1 Doerr St

40.4710,-79.9731

ler

But

Millvale

Future site of ASPINWALL RIVERFRONT PARK

kerh

6 North Shore T Station

alle yV

alle

Vehicle access to Millvale riverfront Park

5 Gateway T Station

ave

hto

WESTHALL ST

4 Wood Street T Station

av e

Stanton

g Bri

Tracy St

2 First Avenue T Station

p ex

lle g

lvd ts B eigh ghto

Woods Run Ave

ds Woo

1 Station Square T Station

St ohio y

RIVERVIEW PARK

Brighton Heights

Transportation

3 Steel Plaza T Station

n Ave

Termo

r St

The Three Rivers Heritage Trail is an expansive 24-mile urban riverfront trail system along both sides of all three rivers in Pittsburgh and Allegheny County. The trail provides opportunities for recreation and commuting for both residents and visitors to the region, and allows access to dense urban areas, popular shopping and entertainment districts, and green space.

HIGHLAND PARK LOCK & DAM #2

Butle

av e

Chap

Fox

Interpretive Signage

O'Hara Township

Aspinwall SIX MILE ISLAND

Delafield

lin

Mile 6

all

5 Mile

av e

RK BR

D PA

62ND ST

ile

Shaler

erg

h e r i ta g e t r a i l M

Sharpsburg Main St

three rivers

Bri

Mile

Appendix B

Case Inventory

MAINTENANCE AND MANAGEMENT: •

• •

Typically Friends of the Riverfront aids in the development of new sections of the Three Rivers Heritage Trail. As part of this process there is a high probability that the municipality will own and maintain the trail and adjacent amenities. If however the municipality is unable or unwilling to do so Friends of the Riverfront is set up as a land trust to hold properties or in some cases Allegheny County may assume the role of ownership. In all instances Friends of the Riverfront will offer aid in maintaining the trail corridor through a license and maintenance agreement. Easement or lease agreements do not necessarily need to be described in the metes and bounds, but can simply identify logical termini and reserve corridor improved to set specifications necessary for the defined use and maintenance of the trail. An excellent overview of operation and maintenance cost is provided by the Rails to Trails Conservancy Northeast Regional Office in their July 2005 publication Rail-Trail Maintenance & Operation. This publication compares the maintenance and operation costs of 100 rail-trails in the Northeast and Mid-west. The maintenance & operation costs reported ranged from a low of $500 to a high of $800,000 per year; with an average M & 0 cost of $50,000. The average trail surveyed was 23 miles long, and reported maintenance & operation· costs of just under $1,500 per mile, regardless of whether it had a paved or unpaved surface. Much of this cost can be covered by volunteers and trailtender groups. The more the community takes ownership and is involved in maintenance and operation of the trail, the less there is likely to be vandalism and incidents of illegal activity along the trail corridor. Support from the host municipalities is very important, because it is the local communities that will most likely be responsible for maintenance and operation of the trail once it has been constructed.

SITE PHOTOGRAPHS:

Appendix B Case Inventory

USE/USER ANALYSIS: • • • •

The primary use of the trail is walking or biking. The target group for the trail was focused on communities who would use the trail and also adjacent property owners/ businesses that provide products and services for trail users. Economic development in communities that are along the alignment. Benefits come both from visitors to communities who spent money while they are using the trail. An increase in property values as a result of the trail development and creation of new businesses that cater specifically to trail users. In 2014, Rails-toTrails Conservancy conducted a study of the users of the Three Rivers Heritage Trail (image below of generalized content study of users)

FRIENDS OF THE RIVERFRONT THE

Highlights from the Three Rivers Heritage Trail 2014 User Survey and Economic Impact Report

TRAIL

PEOPLE

Friends of the Riverfront is responsible for development and maintenance of the 24-mile Three Rivers Heritage Trail. Volunteers assist Friends of the Riverfront in its stewardship efforts. In 2014, 1,702 volunteers contributed 5,326 hours of service to Friends of the Riverfront at 50 Three Rivers Heritage Trail events. For more information, visit friendsoftheriverfront.org.

$8.3million estimated total annual economic impact

82.5%

65%

use the trail year-round

65%

bird watch study wildflowers observe wildlife

Influence 83.9%

83.9% said the trail has influenced their frequency and type of activities

822,873

rate the safety & security of the trail good or excellent

85.2%

Three Rivers Heritage Trail Visits Annually

Primary Activity

rate the cleanliness of the trail good or excellent

User Profile

44.1% Biking

32.7% Walking

20.8% Running

2.4% Rollerblading

0.4% 15 & younger 4.9% 16 –25

59.7% male 40.3% female

22.4% 26–35 16.6% 36–45

20.2% 46–55 24.4% 56–65 11.2% 66 & older

Rails-to-Trails Conservancy conducted the User Survey and Economic Impact Analysis.The report was developed with assistance from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Recreation and Conservation, Community and Conservation Partnership Program. The report was released March 27, 2015.

Appendix B Case Inventory

PERCEPTION AND MEANING: • •

The area maintains great justice for the historical impact of the industry before the redevelopment of Pittsburgh. The place provides an outstanding sense of connectivity to its context and increases the ability for an increase in public health.

SCALE:

TIME:

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

•

24 miles City of Pittsburgh/Township of O’Hara Sec. 2/Blawnox = 0.8 miles Shaler / Etna Segment = 1.7 miles Sharpsburg Segment = 1.8 miles Township of O’Hara Section No. 1 Segment = 0.4 miles Aspinwall Segment ~ varies from 0.4 miles City of Pittsburgh Segment~ 0.7 miles Township of O’Hara Section No. 2 Segment~ 1.4 miles Blawnox Segment~ varies from 0.8 miles to 1.0 miles Township of O’Hara Section No. 3 Segment~ varies from 1.8 miles Harmar Segment ~ varies from 3.0 mile Cheswick Segment ~ varies from 0. 7 miles to 0.8 miles Springdale Borough Segment ~ varies from 1.5 miles to 1.9 miles Springdale Township Segment~ 1.3 miles East Deer Segment ~ varies from 2.2 miles to 3.1 miles Tarentum Segment ~ 1.5 miles Brackenridge Segment ~ 0.6 miles Harrison Township Segment ~ varies from 4.6 miles to 5.6 miles Freeport Borough/ Allegheny Township Segment ~ 2.5 miles

Throughout the years the project has steadily phased, opening up a new section within a couple of years from each other. There is constant analysis done by the organizations involved to map out the next possible segment that can open in order to link to existing trails in order to create a new wave of movement throughout the city.

UNIQUE CONSTRAINTS/INFRASTRUCTURE: • •

Since the trail is built either on top or adjacent to existing railways, there arises certain concerns pertaining to safety hazards, cost efficiency, practicality, as well as engineering. There were two methods of conceptualization that were drafted in order to be applied to areas which favor one over the other: • The practical alignment is defined as the alignment that may be most feasible in the immediate future. This route may be on road more often and away from the river. The preferred alignment provides close proximately to the riverfront. Both alignments overlap in areas.

ENVIRONMENTAL SENSITIVITY: • • •

Environmental Hazards - Based on preliminary assessments, determine the need for environmental assessment studies relative to toxic waste disposal or other environmental hazards. The cost for engineering and environmental services to design and obtain environmental clearance for construction of the proposed trail will vary greatly due to the diverse land types along the riverfront. However, it is conceivable that all design and environmental clearance for the proposed trail could be attained for between $150,000 and $300,000. The once brownfield is now a riparian buffer zone to increase and restore vegetation habitats along water’s edge as well.

Appendix B

Case Inventory

COMMUNITY: • • •

The Pittsburgh region has a rich heritage dating back to the 1700s, before the area was an industrial center. The three rivers have served as the backdrop to Native American settlements, Fort Pitt, the sendoff of Lewis and Clark’s exploration, and important developments in the coal, railroad, and steel industries. Other cultural heritages such as neighboring trail networks, sporting hubs, etc. become loci throughout the trail. In order to reflect the transformations our city has undergone over the decades, Friends of the Riverfront developed an Interpretive Sign system along the Three Rivers Heritage Trail. These colorful signs, created by a team of graphic designers, writers, and archeologists, provide trail-goers with a range of interesting information about the area, highlighting notable historical events, areas of cultural significance, and facts about native wildlife. As you travel along the trails, keep an eye out to learn something you may not have known about that trail segment, and stay posted—as Friends expands our trails, we are hard at work developing new signs to reflect the unique past lives of each new segment.

Appendix B Case Inventory

COMMUNITY (cont.):

Appendix B Case Inventory

COMMUNITY (cont.):

Appendix B Case Inventory

COMMUNITY (cont.):

Appendix B Case Inventory

COMMUNITY (cont.):

Appendix B

Case Inventory

IMPACT ON PROFESSION: • •

Ability to create connected system of greenways and trails that promote economic development, facilitate public access to a context’s natural environment, and advance health, recreation, transportation, and tourism. Advancements in health, recreation, transportation, and tourism can derive from the implications of these systems as well.

LESSONS LEARNED: • • • •

Due to private property, active railroads or other industrial property it is not always possible to provide a trail directly on the riverfront and frequently riverfront trails need to veer away from the riverfront and utilize either roads or property that may be available for trail development. Thus projects take on a more practical alignment due to specific circumstances. This solidifies that private partnerships and community involvement are very important to the site’s success and ease of construction. As recreational use of the riverfronts grow, working with private property owners has become more critical. This study area presents some challenges and opportunities with the significant number of private property owners. The study area has identified several miles of railroad property that would be necessary to traverse in order to develop a trail near the riverfront. This is a challenging proposition due to safety concerns identified by the railroad. Property owned by the railroad is used by railroad personnel to monitor and repair track activity and is part of the track infrastructure. Safety is of paramount concern to the railroad and a distance of eighty (80) feet from the tracks is necessary for any type of trail development.

Appendix C

References

A guide to the Three Rivers Heritage Trail interpretive signs. Pittsburgh, PA: Friends of the Riverfront, 2010. (Administrator), VincentTroia. “Three Rivers Heritage Trail Map Guide.” Ohio River Trail Council Membership. Accessed July 15, 2017. http://www.membership.ohiorivertrail.org/. Barton, Hugh, and Catherine Tsourou. Healthy urban planning: a WHO guide to planning for people. London: Spon Press, 2006. “Benefits of Greenways.” Greenways, Inc. - Planning and design for open space, parks, trails and alternative transportation. 2017. http://www.greenways.com/benefits-of-greenways. Corburn, Jason. Toward the healthy city people, places, and the politics of urban planning. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press, 2009. Coutts, Christopher. Green infrastructure and public health. London; New York: Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group, 2016. Duhl, L. “Health and greening the city; relation of urban planning and health.” Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health 56, no. 12 (2002): 897. doi:10.1136/jech.56.12.897. Forman, Richard T. T. Land mosaics: the ecology of landscapes and regions. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2008. Francis, Mark. “Case Study Method for Landscape Architecture.” Landscape Architecture Foundation. Accessed July 16, 2017. https://lafoundation.org/research/case-study-method/. Frank, Lawrence D., Peter O. Engelke, and Thomas L. Schmid. Health and community design: the impact of the built environment on physical activity. Washington, D.C.: Island Press, 2003. Gauper, Beth. “Bicycling in bluff country.” Bicycling the Root River from Lanesboro to Houston, Preston to Harmony. https://midwestweekends.com/plan_a_trip/outdoors_recreation/bicycling/bicycling_root_river_trail.html. Golany, Gideon, and Toshio Ojima. Geo-space Urban Design. New York: John Wiley. 1996. Greenway neighborhood study: a staff working paper prepared for the Pittsburgh City Council, Urban Redevelopment Authority and potential housing developers. Pittsburgh: Publisher not identified, 1962. Harnik, Peter. Urban Green: Innovative Parks for Resurgent Cities. Washington, DC: Island Press. 2010. Landry, Sheryl. “Health Cities: Public Health through Urban Planning.” International Social Science Review 91, no. 2 (2015): 1-2.

Appendix C

References

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