The Karner Blue Greenway by Rebecca L. McKevitz

The Karner Blue Greenway Bridging the Ecological and Transportation Gaps

INDIANA

DUNES NATIONAL LAKESHORE

Ball State University Departmen of Landscape Architecture LA 401 Regional Planning and Design - FALL 2014 1

INTRODUCTION: The Lakeshore The Dunes National Lakeshore, located in northwestern Indiana, can be described as a dynamic combination of industry, ecology and art. Characteristics of the Lakeshore can be separated into two categories; physical landscape features and quantifiable Datascape features. In both aspects of the Dunes National Lakeshore, several factors were discovered that influenced future design considerations. Landscape features, or features relating to physical landscape habitats and designated functions of spaces both currently and historically, were observed through site visits and further research. The primary habitat of the Lakeshore consists of sandy-dunes with sparse yet hardy vegetation, such as lupine and other savannah style plants. The habitat acts as a support system for the Karner Blue Butterfly, a habitat that very few places can implement today. The habitat should be protected, embraced and magnified moving forward. Another physical landscape acting as a primary at the Dunes National Lakeshore is a large industrial site in the middle of the Lakeshore. The industrial legacy in the community can be seen as an opportunity and will be considered as an asset throughout the design process. The location of the industrial zone, which is adjacent to the gap in the National Lakeshore trail system, suggests the positioning of a trail connection along the southern boundary. Landscape features are also defined by the history of the Dunes National Lakeshore and the communities surrounding it. The history of the site and surrounding communities have been primarily categorized into music, industry, architecture and the Dunes habitat itself. Gary Indiana, the community directly west of the Dunes National Lakeshore was the birthplace of The Jackson Five, and the basis for the popular musical, Music Man. Industry has and still remains a working part of the community, acting as a major characteristic in the identity of its people. Architecture acts as a more recent historical contribution to the Lakeshore in residential homes along the immediate Lakeshore as well as installations such as community facilitating amenities. The beach-like habitat of the Dunes stands out as a historically illuminant landmark in themselves. The Dunes are located in the United States Midwest, resulting in a strikingly different environment then the rest of the surrounding region. The difference in habitat stems into a place that has received extensive attention in the way of land protection and the creation of a state park along with the overall Dunes National Lakeshore profile. The overarching ideal in the cultural aspects to the Dunes history is to pay homage to what is and has been defining the character of the people.

Datascape is defined as â&#x20AC;&#x153;a visual representation of all the measurable forces that may influence, steer or regulate the work of the architect. In this instance, a Datascape was constructed from census data that was then interpreted and applied to a graphic such as a map for analysis of trends over time. For the Dunes National Lakeshore, census data converted into four map categories including population, age, income and educational trends over time in Porter County. Through map evaluation it was evident that population is increasing and moving to the northeast. The shift will benefit the use of the Dunes National Lakeshore by directly granting accessibility to more users and community members to take part in investigating the site. Figures have shown that the majority age of Porter County are either old enough to qualify for retirement or are within a decade of doing so. The older age demographic calls for a focus on accessibility and safety while designing for the Dunes National Lakeshore greenway. When it came to income, trends showed a reduction as well as dispersal of those under the poverty line from specific tracts into surrounding tracts. The numbers would suggest that areas of severe concern along the Lakeshore have decreased but the level of income should still be considered as many coastal communities are experiencing deficits. Through the mapping of education trends, two primary ideas came to the forefront. The first being that an overall increase in those with high-school diplomas suggest a community more geared to take interest in an educational component throughout the trail systems in the Dunes National Lakeshore. The second mapped data would be proximity of schools to the Dunes which created an opportunity to tie the Dunes National Lakeshore into the fabric of the community at its foundation, through school systems. Overall, the Datascape features created a graphic that shows a series of areas with high potential for further connections between the Lakeshore and its surrounding communities. The Dunes National Lakeshore has developed from a dynamic combination of characteristics fueled by support from its community and state funding. Many areas have been highlighted as those in which the Lakeshore can begin to take its next step forward. Moving forward the Lakeshore will become a place for community involvement by providing a connective space in which people experience a rich ecological corridor.

INDIANA

DUNES NATIONAL LAKESHORE

Portage Riverwalk: -Opportunities: -Pavilion/Teaching Center -Fishing -Trails -Boardwalk -Lakefront -Connections to Calumut River via channel -Limitations -Confusing and awkward entrance -Must use restricted roads to access park -Cannot be accessed by walking along lakeshore -Isolated from the rest of DNL

Long Lake -Site starts at Indiana Dunes, West Beach -Multiple â&#x20AC;&#x153;look-outsâ&#x20AC;? into wetlands -Residential areas nearby

Steel Mill -No public access -Stoplight as an asset/ connecting peice? -Willing to work with lakeshore

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Gary Ogden Dunes Marina Shores: Private Portage !

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Gary !

Gary

Porter

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-S-249-0-01

Dunes Acres -Private, BUT easy to access -Not much of community asset -Work to improve connections Trailhead -Easy to access -Clearly labeled -Use as inspiration for future trails

Dune Acres

Gary -Great music history -Is currently an economically depressed area -Industry and nature are juxtaposed !

Dunes State Park -Signage could be improved -Use architecture style as inspiration -Great amenity and trail to use as connections -Route into Dunes State Park is accessible for pedestrians,bikes, and cars -Unique hiking and trails experiences that need to be taken advantage of -Key landmark site

6 Pedestrian Bridge: -Parking area needs to be expanded -Implement better signage -Use as case study

Port of Indiana -Confusing entrance -No/poor entrance -Security gates area an obstacle -Bad roads -Restroom facilities poorly managed -Fishing areas unclear -No/poor signage -People fishing off rocks -Waterfront is hard to get to -Microclimate: BAD and uncomfortable -Bad views: Into steel mill and other industrial sites -High noise levels because of the mills -Constantly being followed by security personnel

The Gap: -Industrial -US Steel -Precoat Metals -Mid-Continent Coke -Leeco Steel LLC-Warehouse -Feralloy Corporation -Arcelor/Mittal -Residential -Ogden Dunes: Private Community Opportunities -Multiple entrances to lake front -Public entrances clearly labeled -Views to Chicago -Parks show potential nodes Limitations -Public lake paths poorly upkept -No parking/all private -Residents are not helpful with connecting West Beach to Portage Riverwalk

Portage Marina: Public

Burns Harbor

Learning Center: -Connected to trail -Abundant facilities -Works in conjuction with DNL

Chesterton

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REGION

INVENTORY + ANALYSIS

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(DNL)

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Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore

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Calumet Trail -Great connector trail -Bike accessible -Already well integrated in 46-U-020-0-01 DNL

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Trail Creek

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updated to better serve the community and future trail -Community is willing and able to help DNL and integrate new trail system

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-Could become educational opportunity?

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Michigan City Michigan Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;sCity Prison Beverly Shores -Landmark

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Town of Pines

Train Station -I -Clean 64and efficient -Public restroooms -Use as model for our design -Parking highly utilized

Town of Pines

Pottawattamie Park

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Renovated Nature Center -Former National Park Service Building -Node opportunity 01 connection -A must 0

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-0 U -

-0

-01Beverly Shores U -Existing recreation could be 4-

Pink House -Landmark -Could be used as educational node

Beverly Shores

Outlet Mall -Huge attraction/landmark -Needs to be better to trail system 01 -connected

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Mount Baldy -Famous landmark -Closed for security concerns

Wetland Core -Vegetation provides habitat for many species -Amenity for trail-goers -Unique views and ecosystem -Some areas may be inaccessible

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Long Beach !

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A Brief Introduction to datascapes

ANALYSIS

The Purpose Datascape; “A visual representation of all the measurable forces that may influence, steer or regulate the work of an architect.” In order to further analyze the surroundings of the site and make appropriate design decisions, GIS mapping was utilized to gather data about Porter County, Indiana. With census data, GIS has the capability to inform designers of local situations and trends that can enhance the design and improve decisions about program elements. The purpose of this phase of the project is to gather hard data in an effort to analyze the current condition of the site and become more knowledgeable about how this area can be upgraded through a redesign

Michigan City Town of Pines Beverly Shores

Dune Acres Ogden Dunes Gary

Porter Burns Harbor Chesterton

Portage Chesterton Lake Station Hobart South Haven Hobart

Our Process After defining four focus areas, United States Census and IndianaMAP Data was compiled and organized into GIS maps. Multiple maps were generated for each focus question in order to analyze trends of data over the course of a few years. The comparison of these maps led to an understanding of trends and transitions in this community. Overall, the Datascape is an intuitive and measurable report that uses specific data to answer questions and inform designers of relevant information about a specific site.

Valparaiso Merrillville

Winfield Lakes of the Four Seasons

Hebron

Kouts

Legend Porter County City Boundries Highways

Porter County, Indiana 0 1 2

Miles 8

Our Site Location

Michigan City

The Focus

With the vast array of data available through the United States Census and GIS mapping, it was necessary to focus in on a few specific research questions that would lead to relevant information related to design decisions. The four main areas of focus in this Datascape are: • • • •

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" " Dune Acres

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Town of Pines

Beverly Shores

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The remainder of the Datascape report will show findings related to these conditions in Porter County, Indiana and analyze the effect of this information on a future design.

Town of Pines

Beverly Shores "

Town o

" " Town of Pines "

Beverly Shores

Transitioning Population Density Transitioning Age Population Transitioning Income Stability Transitioning Education Levels

Michigan " "City Beverly Shores Michigan City

I -0 4-

01 0-

" ! " 01 0" " " ! 0 1 0 " U-" 02 " 04" 9 4 " "" " 4-I-0 " "" 01 6 0Dune Acres 6 0 1 Porter -0 " 02 "" " 0 " " " 1 U Burns Harbor 4 0 ! 9 4 0 0 6 Ogden Dunes " I1 Gary " "" 20 464Dune -U-0 12Acres -0 0 6 -0 -0 1 " -0 Portage U " ! 4 " " 09 "!" "64 " " " " Acres " " ! " " -I" ! " 4 Dune " 6 " Chesterton Porter " " "" " ! " " Gary Burns Harbor " " " " " " "" " Ogden " Dunes "" " " Gary "! "" 64-U-0 12-0 " -0 Porter 1 Portage ! " "" " "!" " " " " " Burns Harbor " " " "" " ! " " " ! " Ogden Dunes "" " " " Porter "" " " 64-U-0 12-0 ! Chesterton " " -0 " 1 Portage " " Burns Harbor ! " " " GaryOgden Dunes " " "!" " "" Legend "" " " " ! ! " "" " " 64-U-0 12-0 " " -0 " Chesterton 1 " Portage " "!" " " " " ! "! " " ! Scho " " ! " " " " "" " ! "" Chesterton " " " " "" " Recre ! " " " " " ! Road "!" " " Legend " " " " ! Trailw ! Schools "! " Legend " ! " Recreational Facilities Railw Miles Schools ! City B Legend 0 0.5 1 2 3 4 Roadways Facilities "! Recreational Mana Schools Trailways Our General Site Location Recreational Facilities Railways " Roadways "

S -0 64-

49-

Managed Lands

City Boundries Railways Managed Lands City Boundries !

Railways Trailways !

64-S-149-0-01

Miles 4 Miles 4

± ±±

Managed Lands

Trailways Roadways City Boundries !

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Miles 4

64-S-149-0-01 64-S-149-0-01

64-S-149-0-01

0-0

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0-0

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49-

Gary

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-01

Gary

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Gary

Mission Statement:

To unify the community and provide educational opportunities through a dynamic east-west greenway corridor that thoughtfully improves and demonstrates regional ecological systems.

GOAL 1 Plan and design an ecological greenway corridor that will unite the dunes national lakeshore region. Rationale: Uniting communities along the national lakeshore region through the lens of ecology will improve biodiversity while strengthening alternative transportation methods.

Objective: Design a greenway system that connects properties already owned by the Dunes National Lake Shore

Plan and Design Elements: • The greenway will use easements and publically owned land and ROW’s to connect existing properties • Using these, our trail greenway will design strategic access and connection points that link the DNL to local active trails • Design our greenway connections in a way that reflects the existing natural features and encourages a strong sense of regional identity

Objective: Plan a greenway system that connects the land gaps between existing Dunes National Lake Shore properties.

Plan and Design Elements: • The greenway will use or purchase privately owned ROW’s and easements, such as rail, gas, and electrical, to connect properties adjacent to the proposed design, as well as purchasing properties from willing sellers • Using these, our design will then link the DNL to local active trails and amenities around the area Objective: Design a greenway system that connects to neighborhoods south of the DNL property. Plan and Design Elements: • Many of the users of this greenway corridor will be coming from the south, therefore creating North/South green connections will allow for these users to access the greenway. This will also expand the area of the ecological restoration and ecosystem development. Plan and Design Elements: • The greenway will mimic specific aspects of wetlands, prairies, marshes, dunes, and forested wetlands that improve and relate to the region • Planting Materials: Our planting plan will reflect the natural ecology of the region, including native grasses, trees, shrubs, and other vegetation. Objective: Design and develop additional habitats for specific native endangered species along the dunes national lakeshore Plan and Design Elements: • There will be untouched or improved areas along our greenway space that are connected, either physically or metaphorically, to the pathway itself • Areas of Interest: Bird watching platform, fish observing deck, native flaura and fauna viewing areas

GOAL 2 Utilize the ecological greenway as an opportunity to connect existing and proposed educational centers. Rationale: Continue the upward trend of enhanced education in the areas surrounding the Dunes National Lake Shore.

Objective: Plan and design a greenway system that fosters the development of future educational opportunities

Plan and Design Elements: • Our site will provide signage that demonstrates our regenerative landscape • Features: Intermittently spaced sign pods that describe why the ecological system of that area operates the way it does and why it is important to improve failing systems, as well as maintaining the ones that currently exist

Objective: Plan a greenway system that provides opportunities to create an influx of multi-generational trail use

Plan and Design Elements: • Provide services that cater to an older population (65 and up) Elements: Trails that are at least 15’ wide to allow bikers to pass by slower walkers, slopes that are no more that 8%, frequent restrooms stations • Provide services for a middle-aged population (30-50) Elements: Viewing platforms that help engage the visitor with the surrounding natural environment, frequent benches, trails that are at least 15’ wide to allow strollers to roll comfortably down the greenway • Provide services for a younger population (2-18) Elements: Spurs that jut off of the greenway and lead to more interesting experiences, such as a staircase up to a viewing platform or a nature and play center for children. Also allow paths to be at least 15’ wide to allow comfortable passage of joggers along the greenway. Objective: Design a greenway system that demonstrates to trail patrons about the various ecological systems along the Dunes National Lake Shore. Plan and Design Elements: • Our greenway will include “learning nodes” periodically on the trail that pull visitors in by providing informational panels along the edges of pathways and viewing platforms. • The greenway will be oriented to pass through different ecological systems such as wetlands and forested marshes to provide a diverse learning experience about the DNL

GOAL 3: Implement biological processes that improve and expand on the existing natural systems through the development of an ecological greenway corridor. Rationale: An ecological greenway corridor within the DNL will serve as a catalyst to improve the functionality of the existing regional ecological systems.

Objective: Plan and design a greenway system that performs as a regenerative landscape Plan and Design Elements: • The greenway will promote ecological stewardship through materials and site design Materials: The building materials will be harvested from the surrounding area and the site grading will also be engineered as close to existing conditions as possible. • The greenway will mimic regional ecological conditions to improve the existing site conditions • Natural Systems: We will include instances of phytoremediation where needed, as well as improving systems such as native wetlands to help clean water and encourage a healthy ecosystem. Objective: Design a resilient ecosystem based on ideas related to biomimicry Plan and Design Elements: • The greenway will mimic specific aspects of wetlands, prairies, marshes, dunes, and forested wetlands that improve and relate to the region Planting Materials: Our planting plan will reflect the natural ecology of the region, including native grasses, trees, shrubs, and other vegetation. Objective: Design and develop additional habitats for specific native endangered species along the dunes national lakeshore Plan and Design Elements: • There will be untouched or improved areas along our greenway space that are connected, either physically or metaphorically, to the pathway itself Areas of Interest: Bird watching platform, fish observing deck, native flaura and fauna viewing areas

Objective: Connect the greenway system to existing schools and educational facilities in order to encourage transportation and participation from local students. Plan and Design Elements: • Connecting the trail to schools will allow students to utilize the trail as a way to get to school, whether on bike or on foot. This will also encourage students to enjoy and learn from the ecological greenway as well. • This objective will also work towards improving the health and physical fitness of those needing access to schools and educational facilities by providing a trail that will encourage walking or biking instead of driving to these facilities.

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METAPOPULATION: Time-Lapse Overview According to the Department of Natural Resources, Indiana is responsible for facilitating a minimum of three Karner blue butterfly metapopulations based on the rehabilitation program, developed by the DNR as their part in removing the Karner from the endangered species list. The circles on the map each represent the range of one meta-poplulation. Thus, the Dunes National Lake Shore is capable of holding far more than the minimum population, housing all needed Karner blues to fulfill Indianaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s requirements.

Meta-Population 2.5 miles 6,000 Karner Butterflies

Numbers Each proposed meta-population has a diameter of 2.5 miles and can hold up to 6,000 Karner blue butterflies if the necessary habitat is implemented.

Upper left: This map represents a Dunes National Lake Shore with enough individual meta-populations to overlap, creating a continuous corridor for genetic movement among separate colonies; a necessity for the future strength of the species.

Our Focus Areas

Initial Focus Areas

5 year expansion

10 year expansion

Rather than establish new populations across the entire Lake Shore, Five Key Areas were chosen to establish populations. The locations were based on areas of focus and proximity from one another so that they may efficiently connect the entire site over time. The Time Lapse demonstrates how colonization of neighboring areas will take place from migration throughout the Lake Shore. The expansion at this level will be seen at a larger scale in the future when the Lake Shore helps to connect populations from stateto-state exactly as it has within itself. The numbers were derived directly from the Karner Blue butterflies Habitat Requirements. Each larvae must have a stem of Wild Lupine lupinus perennials to feed upon before pupation. The relationship creates a clear number for planting design throughout focus areas to create these population numbers. 3,000 stems of Wild Lupine will sustain 3,000 Karner Blue butterfly larvae. Inter-planting of nectar perennials is also key in sustaining a healthy adult butterfly population.

Moving into Design Once requirements were met and numbers were quantified, scale and proportions were made visually available. The next step describes in detail the relationship between problem areas and surrounding productive areas, how to overcome those less than ideal situations and finally how a trail design can work with the new ecological corridor.

20 year expansion

MAPPING GHANGE: Concept Diagram Initial Site

Ecological Connectivity Restored

Restore Gap

500 1,000 1,500

Ecological Gap Karner Butterfly Reborn

Immerse Trail in Ecology

Metapopulations Form Genetic Corridor

Karner Butterfly Dispersal

MASTER PLAN: Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore

MASTER PLAN

ECOLOGY: Vegetation Time-Lapse

This master plan shows the design proposal for the entire Dunes National Lakeshore. The red line shows the proposed trail location that would bridge the existing gap. This thoroughfare functions as a connecting piece that will transport users across the southern end of the industrial site safely and efficiently. The dashed arrows highlight the major north and south connecting corridors that could connect to southern neighborhoods and draw more users to the site. Also on this map are the proposed Karner Blue metapopulations. The large grey circles show where existing DNL properties could implement butterfly habitats while the blue circles show where property is yet to be acquired. If these areas were to be acquired and butterfly populations implemented, this site could be a very successful ecological greenway focused on the Karner Blue Butterfly.

Map Key: Wetlands

Existing

5 years

This map highlights the existing green space owned by the National Lakeshore across the site and pocket green areas to the south of the Lakeshore properties. There is a clear gap in the East-West corridor associated with the steel industry located in the area.

The 5-year proposed plan focuses on bridging the gap by improving the area along the southern end of the industrial site. This would be the most important improvement that could be made in the area as it would complete the ecological corridor and allow residents and visitors to the area to travel continuously from Gary to Michigan City.

10 years

20 years

The 10-year plan begins to improve the North/ South connections by implementing complete streets as well as adding additional green areas along important North/South connecting streets. This will begin to create a more complete greenway as well as attract residents from further south in Porter County.

The 20-year plan expands upon the North/ South connecting greenways, but also focuses on a strong connection to Michigan City. Implementing additional green space to the North and East will encourage a strong physical and ecological connection between these two cities and more importantly, along the Lakeshore.

DNL Properties Existing Habitat

Proposed Habitat Railway Stations Existing Trails Thouroughfare Greenway North / South Trail Connections

GAP PLAN:

Greenway Connections Taking a closer look at the gap in the trail, more detailed design decisions were made about particular areas along the proposed trail. This map shows a much more precise placement of the proposed trail and also exposed potential problem areas. The highlighted areas on the map were further explored as they presented unique safety challenges where the trail was crossing existing infrastructure like roadways, railroads, and overpasses. Besides the thoroughfare greenway, designing at this scale also allowed for placement of an ecological greenway system that would act less as a transportation or commuter route and would provide more of a leisurely greenway experience. This trail system would create a space for recreational and educational activities.

Map Key: Recreation Facilities Wetlands DNL Properties Existing Trails Ecological Greenway Thouroughfare Greenway North / South Trail Connections

Vegetation

Scale 1” = 20’

0’

10’

20’

Swale/ Median

Roadway

Trail Followin Multi-Lane Roadway Scale 1” = 20’

0’

10’

20’

Roadway

Buffer

Trail

Vegetation

12’ Trail

General Multi-Use Trail Design Scale 1” = 20’

0’

10’

20’

Green Strip

Vegetation

Gravel

Trail

Trail Following Railroad Track

Vegetation

Fencing/ Vegetation

Railroad

Gravel

Vegetation

Green Strip

TRAIL TYPOLOGIES

Vegetation

Vegetated Slope

Buffer

Trail

Vegetated Slope

Vegetation

Trail Following Railroad Track Beneath Overpass Scale 1” = 20’

0’

10’

20’

Vegetated Slope

Railroad Tracks

Wetland / Waterway

Vegetated Slope

Trail

Vegetated Slope

Trail Through Wetland / Woodland Area Scale 1” = 20’

0’

10’

20’

TRAIL TYPOLOGIES

Trail

Roadway

Trail Median

Trail Crossing Roadway / Wetland / Railroad Scale 1” = 20’

0’

10’

20’

Roadway

Trail

Wetland

Railroad

Roadway

Trail Raised to Road Grade

Trail Median

Trail Raised to Road Grade

Trail Crossing Multi-Lane Roadway Scale 1” = 20’

0’

10’

20’

Vegetation

Railraod

Trail Raised to Railroad Grade

Vegetation

Trail Crossing Multi-Railroad Track Scale 1” = 20’

0’

10’

20’

Trail joins with Marquette Trail

uat

tin Con

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oG ion t

site plan 1

trail crosses roadway at grade

Issue 1 22

G scale 1” = 200’ 0’

200’

400’ 600’

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Site Plan 1

Trailhead and Info Center The trailhead that connects with Marquette Trail will guide curious visitors to the ecological thouroghfare while also providing a scenic wetland overlook and bike/restroom amenities. 23

N/S Connection to Riverwalk

Trail crosses waterway

hfare

site plan 2

Trail crosses roadway and trail tracks at grade

g Thorou

way Green

enway

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Tho

E N/S Connection to Ecological Greenway 24

Issue 2

scale 1” = 200’ 0’

200’

400’ 600’

Site Plan 2

Riverwalk and Boardwalk Connection This area is meant to connect existing and proposed trail conditions in a cohesive manner that responds to specific site conditions, as well as taking advatage of existing natural amenities for a scenic boardwalk and overlook. 25

Trail travels above railroad track

Issue 3

scale 1” = 200’ 0’

200’

400’ 600’

Thoroughfare G

reenway

Case Studies + Precedents

Frisco Trail Fayetteville, Arkansas

Anacostia Riverwalk Maryland

When deciding how to best address the intersection of trail and rail line, we looked at previous case studies that are a part of the “Rails-With-Trails” movement. The first specific example called “Frisco Trail” took an old bridge that already went above a rail line and created a trail from it, proving that it is possible to cross over a rail without have to cross as grade. The other case study is an instance where a city in Maryland is opening another bridge to complement a n existing bridge over a set of CSX Railroad tracks so pedestrians and bicyclists have better access to a riverwalk.

Precedent

Trail Crossing Over Highway

There is already an instance where the Dunes National Lakeshore has solved the problem of getting pedestrians across a high traffic area by means of a bridge. By implementing these same principles in this focus area, the trail will be able to safely traverse the existing railroad. 27

Trail travels alongside railroad tracks and crosses underneath highway Trail travels alongside railroad tracks and crosses underneath highway

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Trail crosses railroad track at grade

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Issue 4

Gree

scale 1” = 200’ 0’

200’

400’ 600’

Trail travels alongside railroad tracks and crosses underneath highway

site plan 4

Trail crosses railroad track at grade

Site Plan 4 Trail Intersection and Wetland Overlook This node of activity where the ecological greenway and the ecological thouroghfare meet will provide trail amenities as well as scenic wetland overlooks, educational signage, and cohesive site design through the use of similar and complimentary material choices. 29

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site plan 5

Trail crosses railroad track at grade

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Trail crosses roadway at grade

Trail crosses railroad track at grade Trail crosses wetland area (boardwalk) Trail crosses railroad track at grade

Issue 5 Issue 5

Trail crosses roadway at grade scale 1” = 200’ 0’

0’

Trail crosses railroad track at grade 400’

200’

scale 1” = 200’ 200’

Trail crosses wetland area (boardwalk)

600’ 400’ 600’

Site Plan 5 Boardwalk/Rail Overpass In order to solve the problem of crossing the rail line at grade, we have proposed elevating a boardwalk over the entire area, thereby providing safe passage and a scenic, naturallooking trail that overlooks the picturesque wetland. 31

TRAIL AMENITIES

Roadway / Trail Welcome Sign Scale 1” = 20’

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5’

10’

Roadway / Trail Wayfinding Sign Scale 1” = 20’

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5’

10’

Reginon Themed Trail Sign (Gary / Music) Scale 1” = 10’

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5’

10’

Michigan City Region Scale 1” = 10’

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5’

10’

Dunes State Park Region Scale 1” = 10’

0’

5’

10’

Industry Region Scale 1” = 10’

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5’

10’

TRAIL AMENITIES

Greenway Overhead Welcome Sign Scale 1” = 10’

0’

5’

10’

Greenway Trail Informational / Wayfinding Sign Scale 1” = 10’

0’

5’

10’

Trail Lighting Example Scale 1” = 10’

0’

5’

10’

Signage to guide and inform visitors Pleasant wetland outlooks

Habitat provided for the Karner Blue butte

erfly

Unique placemaking through trailheads, signs, and material choices

Restrooms and public services available

Perspective 1

The perspective below is a representation of what a typical trail head would look like on our greenway. We have placed informational signs about the Karner Blue butterfly strategically along the greenway to educate and entertain visitors who use the path, as well as raising awareness about this endangered species. We would like the rail to also interact with the greenway, so locating a walking path adjacent to the rail line is a way to garner interest from curious passerbys. We have also located an informational center at the trail head, including restrooms and bike facilities. 37

Perspective 2 The perspective to the right is showing a typical bridge that crosses over a set of rail tracks and a wetland. We wanted to make sure the pedestrian felt safe at all times, so the boardwalk meets the rail tracks at grade before it crosses. We also wanted to keep a more natural looking setting to the wetland, so we felt that the use of wooden materials for construction would adequately reflect this mood.

Perspective 3 Trail is separated from heavy traffic Scenic overlook

The perspective to the left is an example of what our pedestrian and bike bridge would look like as it crosses over the river. We located it next to the entry drive to , offering a nice lookout on the south facing side and plenty of room for pedestrians and bikes to navigate safely around each other. The bridge is also comfortably separated from the car thoroughfare.

Project Outcomes + Conclusion Following our proposed design guidelines and keeping our original goals and objectives in mind, the following is an outline of the projected outcomes of the implementation of this design. This project was focused on the completion of the existing trail system with the addition of new trails that bridge the existing gap in the trail. This implementation would physically unify the community through improving infrastructure and ecological systems and habitats. This improvement will not only ensure that the residents and visitors of this community have access across the whole site, but will unite and strengthen the communities culturally and allow for a new level of connectedness between community members. The implementation of the greenway corridor will create a substantial asset to this community in more ways than one. Community members between Gary and Michigan City will now have a continuous ecological greenway that can act as both a transportation route and a connection to the natural world. Whether they are using the greenway to commute to work and school, or for recreational activities, the increased access to nature will benefit the health and wellbeing of the residents in this region, regardless of their age.

INDIANA 40

The ecological greenway focused in on the native Karner Blue Butterfly, and because of this, many design decisions revolved around the needs of this species. Creating a butterfly sanctuary will add to the culture and identity of this region of Indiana, but more importantly it has the potential to take this species off of the Endangered Species List for the state of Indiana. With the proposed addition of greenway space, this design close to triples the amount of green space in the area. This incredible increase of natural areas will benefit the Karner Blue Butterfly and residents of the area simultaneously. According to the Datascape data, there is a clear interest in educational opportunities in this region of Indiana. With this knowledge, we made a point to design our trail to run as close to as many schools and existing education centers as possible. This way, the trail can be utilized as a commuter route to school as well as a study space for classes at local schools. The designed educational opportunities along the trail will add to the richness of this educational corridor as well.

DUNES NATIONAL LAKESHORE

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