Wynnewood Walkability Workshop

WYNNEWOOD Walkability Workshop City of Wynnewood Garvin County TSET Healthy Living Program Oklahoma Municipal League OU Institute for Quality Communities

Wynnewood Walkability Workshop On June 26, 2018, the City of Wynnewood invited the University of Oklahoma Institute for Quality Communities to visit their community. The project was funded in part by a grant from the Oklahoma Municipal League. Wynnewood is located between Pauls Valley and Davis, with a community of just over 2,000 people. The goal of the visit was to meet with community members to identify possible improvements to enhance walkability in Wynnewood.

The workshop had approximately 10 attendees, including town officials, TSET representatives, and citizens. IQC staff led the group in a walking tour to learn about Wynnewood’s walking destinations, walking routes, and obstacles to walking. The group also stopped to talk with local businesses and residents to gain additional insight on Wynnewood’s history and plans for the future. After lunch, the group discussed their experience and then used two maps to draw concepts for improving walking in the community.

This report provides an overview of ideas developed during the workshop, including assets and challenges for walking in Wynnewood, and a series of priorities to improve walking in Wynnewood:

• • • • •

Adjust traffic speed controls.

Prioritize a sidewalk network with a backbone on Robert S. Kerr Blvd.

Consider a pedestrian passage in key alleys.

Utilize programming and signs to promote walking.

Plan for recreational trails in the park or greenbelts.

Assets for Walking in Wynnewood

Wynnewood Public Schools: All three campuses are located within a 5-minute walk of each other.

Kerr Boulevard: Kerr Boulevard is lined with uniform lighting fixtures, brick pavers, and mature shade trees, which all provide a pleasant walking experience and tie into the character of downtown.

Downtown: Downtown is anchored by the library, a restaurant, a restored retail shop, and the Eskridge Hotel. A few buildings have been renovated into shops or residences. Downtown is a destination for Wynnewood residents and visitors.

City Park: The park is located on the north side of Wynnewood, approximately 0.2 miles (5-min walk) from downtown, 0.8 miles (15-min walk) from the High School, and 0.4 miles (8-min walk) from Kerr Boulevard.

Existing Assets & Challenges

Assets

City Park

Fast traffic Intersections that pose challenges to pedestrians Area frequented by pedestrians

Dark green elements on the map represent walkability assets.

N. Taylo

Senior Center

e Ave. le St.

E. Semino

ADA challenges downtown E. Robert

Major entry point to downtown

ve.

N. Carr A

r Ave.

Ave. Averyett

er Ave.

N. Gardn

A McGe

Utility corridor

ll Ave. N. Powe

N. Dean

Red elements on the map represent challenges to walkability.

d.

S. Kerr Blv

d Boulevar

HWY 77

wn Downto

hool

High Sc

Middle saw St.

E. Chicka

tary Elemen School

School

New Concepts Dark green elements on the map represent expanded walkability.

r Ave. le St.

E. Semino

Important crosswalk improvements Potential to enhance pedestrian path Gateway mural or sign

Along E. Chickasaw, consider 4-way stops to slow traffic

HWY 77

E. Robert

d.

S. Kerr Blv

saw St. E. Chicka

ve.

N. Carr A

N. Taylo

Ave. Averyett

e Ave.

A McGe

er Ave.

N. Gardn

N. Dean

ll Ave. N. Powe

Potential off-street trail along utility corridor

Key Recommendations RECOMMENDATION 1:

Adjust traffic speed controls.

RECOMMENDATION 2:

Prioritize a sidewalk network with a backbone on Robert S. Kerr.

RECOMMENDATION 3:

Consider a pedestrian passage in key alleys.

RECOMMENDATION 4:

Utilize programming and signs to promote walking.

RECOMMENDATION 5:

Plan for recreational trails in the park or greenbelts.

RECOMMENDATION 1:

Adjust traffic speed controls.

Wynnewood’s downtown has two highways managed by the Oklahoma Department of Transportation: US-77 and SH-29.

These two highways not only have a role in the regional transportation network, but they also are downtown streets that move through the heart of this community. The needs of traffic passing through town should be balanced with the safety and needs of people spending time in town.

• Both highways carry about 2,500 vehicles per day. The segment of road where the two highways combine for two miles west of town carries about 5,000 vehicles per day. Significant volumes of truck traffic pass through the community.

• Dean A. McGee (US-77): Approaching from the south, there is a 40-mph speed limit sign between Indianola and Kean

Streets, about 880 feet from the beginning of the downtown commercial district. The speed limit drops to 30 mph at the entrance to the commercial district after Juanita Street.

• Robert S. Kerr (SH-29): Approaching from the east, the speed limit steps down to 35 mph as it enters the community.

There is a 25-mph school zone enforced during certain times of the day. The speed limit steps down to 30 mph as it enters the downtown commercial district.

• Approaching from the west, US-77 and SH-29 are a combined road along Robert S. Kerr Boulevard. The speed limit is 45 mph about 800 feet from entering the downtown commercial district, and steps down to 35 mph just before entering the commercial district.

Recommendations: Wynnewood should make a formal request to ODOT to reduce the speed limit within downtown and along the divided section of Kerr Boulevard to 25 mph. Considering the number of businesses, crosswalks, and school crossings, the speed limits of 35 mph and 30 mph are too high for downtown Wynnewood’s commercial district, and too high for the residential boulevard. Additionally, simple speed limit signs are not always enough to change driver behaviors.

Wynnewood should request pavement markings, freshly painted crosswalks, and possibly crosswalk signage with flashing beacons. Finally, the use of the four-way stop control at Kerr Boulevard and Dean A. McGee is an excellent feature for both pedestrians and drivers.

N. Dean

Ave. St.

Ave.

Ave.

E. Creek

Reduce speed limit to 25 mph.

e.

N. Carr Av

N. Taylor

Ave. Averyeďż˝

er N. Gardn

e Ave.

l N. Powel

A. McGe

Reduce speed limit entering downtown & on Robert S. Kerr Blvd.

ole St.

E. Semin

E. Robert

d.

S. Kerr Blv

Legend

HWY 77

City Park Robberso

aw St.

E. Chickas

Assets

n Ave.

Downtown

Conceptual Render

Utilize pavement markings and painted crosswalks.

Conceptual Render

RECOMMENDATION 2:

Prioritize a sidewalk network with a backbone on Robert S. Kerr Boulevard.

Robert S. Kerr Boulevard is a signature street for Wynnewood.

The street is divided by a median with attractive lighting and landscaping. On each side, there are remnants of sidewalks and some blocks are in good condition. The walk is generally shaded by tall trees and protected by nice homes. Additionally, Robert S. Kerr Boulevard is very centrally located in Wynnewood. Downtown and all three schools are located on or within a block or two.

5-Minute Walking Radius Legend Park/Blvd

These characteristics make Robert S. Kerr the ideal street to serve as the backbone of Wynnewood’s priority pedestrian network, shown as Priority 1 on the facing page. After a complete upgrade of sidewalks and crosswalks along Robert S. Kerr, most Wynnewood residents would be able to walk along a quiet residential street to reach the sidewalks on Robert S. Kerr.

e.

Ave.

N. Carr Av

N. Taylor

Ave. Averyeďż˝

N. Gardn

l Ave.

er Ave.

N. Powel

e Ave. A. McGe

St.

E. Creek

ole St.

E. Semin

E. Robert HWY 77

aw St.

E. Chickas

d.

S. Kerr Blv

alk te W inu Robberson Ave. 5-M

Finally, downtown Wynnewood is an excellent place for walkability with restaurants, shops, businesses, and a library. Priority 3 on the facing page shows targeted ADA upgrades combined with new sidewalk improvements that would connect downtown with City Park, and create a walkable loop.

Downtown N. Dean

After improving Robert S. Kerr and the connections between the Middle School and High School, Wynnewood should select a perpendicular street to enhance with sidewalks. In Priority 2 in the diagram on the facing page, Gardner Avenue is recommended as the second sidewalk enhancement, extending the recent ADA and sidewalk enhancements south of Robert S. Kerr northward and reaching City Park.

Assets

Sidewalk Priorities

Legend City Park Assets

1

Downtown

E. Robert S. Kerr Boulevard & S. Howell Ave.

Phase 1 (Priority) Sidewalk Improvements

Provide a walkable boulevard through the heart of Wynnewood and between the middle school and high school.

Phase 2 & 3 Sidewalk Improvements

e.

Ave.

v N. Carr A

r N. Taylo

ve.

E. Robert

d.

S. Kerr Blv

HWY 77

saw St.

E. Chicka

Robbers on Ave.

* Estimates based on $20-40 per linear foot of sidewalk. Downtown high estimate based on $120/linear foot. Cost varies based on site conditions.

St.

E. Creek

ole St.

N. Dean A. McGee Ave.

Provide a route through downtown to the park. More intensive streetscape enhancements to improve the main street environment in downtown may be desired and would impact project cost.

Approximate Linear Feet: 2,500 Estimated cost: $50,000-$300,000

Prioritize ADA accessible sidewalk ramps & crosswalks

E. Semin

Approximate linear feet: 2,600 Estimated cost: $50,000-100,000

3

A Averyeďż˝

r Ave.

3

e N. Gardn

Provide a route from the walkable boulevard to the park. Gardner selected for presence of existing sidewalk upgrades south of Kerr.

ll Ave.

e Ave.

N. Gardner Ave. & E. Crump St.

2 N. Powe

A. McGe

2

Existing pedestrian path

N. Dean

Approximate linear feet: 1,600 Estimated cost: $30,000-60,000

1

1

RECOMMENDATION 3:

Consider a pedestrian passage in key alleys.

Utility corridors and alleys create unique formal or informal passageways for communities to use as nature trails, exercise routes, or pedestrian connections.

Legend City Park Assets

Off-street pedestrian paths provide a safe, comfortable, and interesting walking or biking experience. The examples on the next page show a variety of ways the pedestrian pathway can be designated for users as well as physical attributes that can indicate to drivers to slow down. ADA-certified ground cover materials (ex: concrete or decomposed granite), landscaping, signage, lighting, or art can be used to enhance the visibility of these passages.

Potential Passages

N. Dean ve.

Ave.

Ave.

N. Carr A

N. Taylor

Averyeďż˝

N. Gardn

l Ave.

er Ave.

N. Powel

e Ave.

A. McGe

St.

E. Creek

ole St.

E. Semin

E. Robert

d.

S. Kerr Blv

HWY 77

saw St.

E. Chicka

on Ave.

Robbers

Wynnewood’s alleyway between the middle school and high school is one block long and is currently being used by students as a connection between schools, even though it is not sanctioned by school officials for students to use it. The utility corridor between the park and downtown is 4 blocks long and may be an additional opportunity for a trail to connect the two assets.

Downtown

Pedestrian Passage Examples

Concept render for Midwest City, Oklahoma IQC project

Bentonville, Arkansas

Fort Worth, Texas

Iowa City, Iowa

Pedestrian Passage Painted curb extensions

Painted crosswalk

l

High Schoo

18’

This aerial view of the pedestrian path from the middle school to the high school shows an opportunity to enhance the connection between the two schools using painted curb extensions and a painted crosswalk, both to improve pedestrian safety. Additionally, using a more permanent surfacing to define the off-street path creates an accessible route for students. Landscaping, signage, and seating can also be added to further improve the experience along the path.

ADA Accessible Gravel or Decomposed Granite, or concrete

60’ 12’

ool

Middle Sch

d.

E. Kerr Blv (HWY 29)

RECOMMENDATION 4:

Utilize programming and signs to promote walking.

Signs and programming can help promote walking for transportation and healthy living.

A temporary promotional campaign could consist of corrugated yard signs placed along walkable routes displaying messages like “It’s a 10-minute walk to downtown.” A more permanent sign and wayfinding system could include a navigation kiosk or map board in the heart of downtown, showing good walking paths and points of interest in the community.

Signage and other wayfinding materials can be designed to reflect the culture and history of Wynnewood, while promoting a healthy, walkable community.

Temporary Signage

Permanent Signage

This example from a Midwest City project by IQC shows temporary signage that can be made at a low cost. These can be placed along a walking trail or at important intersections and trail heads.

This example from a Tahlequah project by IQC shows permanent signage for a cultural district that combines cultural heritage with wayfinding through the use of the Cherokee language.

Walking Routes

Legend City Park Assets

This diagram identifies two walking loops of different distances that are formed by streets that are already walkable or are recommended for improvement.

Downtown Walking Route (1.8 mi total) Starting Point

N. Dean

e.

ve.

Ave.

v N. Carr A

r N. Taylo

A Averyeďż˝

e N. Gardn

1.1 mile loop

r Ave.

ll Ave.

N. Powe

e Ave.

A. McGe

Signs could be placed at key locations along these paths, like City Park, Downtown, Robert S. Kerr and Gardner, and schools, to show how people could get their exercise by walking through the community.

Priority Intersection

St.

E. Creek

ole St.

E. Semin

E. Robert

d.

S. Kerr Blv

0.7 mile loop

HWY 77

Robbers

saw St.

E. Chicka

on Ave.

Historic Markers Along Walking Route

Legend City Park Assets Downtown

The identified walking routes also serve to highlight a number of Wynnewood’s historic and cultural assets, making it a trail with interest for tourists and locals. The priority sidewalks identified in this report pass by landmarks like the Eskridge Hotel, the Wynnewood Library, and the brick streets that make up parts of Robert S. Kerr Boulevard.

Walking Route (1.8 mi)

Ave.

v N. Carr A

r N. Taylo

e.

Ave.

r Ave.

ve.

A Averyeďż˝

e N. Gardn

Ave.

ole St.

1

2

3

4

E. Robert

d.

S. Kerr Blv

5

HWY 77

6

t.

kee S E. Chero

8 7

saw St.

E. Chicka

on Ave.

Robbers

8.

ll N. Powe

e A. McGe N. Dean

5.

6.

7.

Wynnewood Library Eskridge Hotel Walner House Hargus-Mitchell-Cochran House Brick Streets Moore-Settle House First National Bank of Wynnewood Wynnewood City Hall

St.

E. Semin

Eight Wynnewood places are on the National Register and shown on the map:

1.

2.

3.

4.

E. Creek

City seal or year 1889 Name of landmark

Historic significance

This example shows a historic marker for the Eskridge Hotel. In this sign, the decorative shape on top of the sign is based on the cornice of the Eskridge Hotel.

The sign features an information layout with the city name and title of the location, and interesting text about the location.

1 Wynnewood Library

• 105 N. Dean A. McGee Ave. • Built in 1910 as a commercial building

2

Eskridge Hotel • 114 E. Robert S. Kerr Blvd.

• Built in 1907 by Pinckney Eskridge • Famous for being best hotel between Dallas and Kansas City along Santa Fe Railroad route

3

Walner House • 202 E Robert S. Kerr Blvd.

• Oldest home in Wynnewood, built in 1896

4 Hargus-Mitchell-Cochran House

• 204 E. Robert S Kerr Blvd.

• Built in 1901 • Two-story bungalow with excellent craftsmanship

Hargus-Mitchell-Cochran House

5 Brick Streets

• Robert S. Kerr Boulevard • The road was laid in 1911 • Represents a time before concrete and asphalt 6

Moore-Settle House • 508 E. Cherokee St. • Built in 1899 • Best example of Queen Anne style architecture in Wynnewood

7 First National Bank of Wynnewood

• 202 S. Dean A. McGee Ave • 2-story Romanesque and Gothic architecture building, built in 1896 • Served as community bank for 74 years and home of fraternal order for 66 years 8 Wynnewood City Hall

• 207 W. Robert S. Kerr Blvd.

• Built in 1920 as an electrical generation facility • Turned into city hall First National Bank of Wynnewood

RECOMMENDATION 5:

Plan for recreational trails in the park or greenbelts.

Some people may prefer to not walk along primary streets, especially when walking for recreation. In the near future, Wynnewood can seek funding for a short walking trail in City Park. A loop through City Park would create an approximately 1/3 of a mile trail.

In the long term, Wynnewood could look at improvements in greenbelts and creek corridors. Wynnewood is blessed with two attractive creek corridors that converge near the school campuses and intersect with Wynnewood’s walkable spine on Robert S. Kerr. The creek corridors are a combination of privately owned land and public right-of-way. However, these corridors make excellent places for natural trails.

Trails can be paved with concrete or asphalt. Depending on local suppliers and availability of trade professionals, decomposed granite can be a low-cost alternative that is also an accessible surface material that meets ADA standards.

Trail around city park

N. Dean A. McGe e Ave.

vard err Boule K .

S t r e E. Rob

Greenway trails along creek corridor

Next Steps Some items in this report are construction projects like sidewalks or trails that may take some time to plan. For these projects, it is worth taking the time to identify existing city resources and matching grant opportunities.

Other items in the report could be started quickly with small amount of resources. For example, creating temporary walkability signage to create interest in walking could begin very quickly with a small budget.

Funding Opportunities TSET Incentive Grants: Wynnewood is eligible for approximately $22,000 from TSET Healthy Living Program Incentive Grants. These funds would be ideal matching funds for key sidewalk construction or a signage program.

AARP Community Challenge Grants: This annual grant program funds ‘quick-action’ projects that are ready to go. In 2017, the grant program helped city officials in Shawnee construct a traffic mini-circle. In 2018, Vinita won a $25,000 grant to construct a public space in a downtown alley. Wynnewood may consider competing for funds from this program.

Collaborators Project Partners City of Wynnewood Garvin County TSET Healthy Living Program Oklahoma Municipal League OU Institute for Quality Communities Workshop Participants Tabitha Hayes, City of Wynnewood Brittany Pittman, WWRefining Mark Lewis, Gazette (Wynnewood) Glendol Garrett, Garrett Real Estate, Inc. Erin Creach, TSET Alan Ware, TSET OU Institute for Quality Communities Shane Hampton, Director Hope Mander, Associate Director Ron Frantz, Environmental Design Coordinator Rachel Ware, OU Division of Landscape Architecture Amy Hostetter, OU Division of Architecture

Report Prepared By: The University of Oklahoma Institute for Quality Communities Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture 830 Van Vleet Oval, Gould Hall Norman, OK 73019 iqc.ou.edu