This award recognizes a trail project that demonstrates innovative planning and design techniques while making a positive contribution to the community it serves. (Level One category – less than $500,000).
Proposed aerial trail through Downtown San Jose
The City of San Jose and Callander Associates SKY Lane Vision Study considers an aerial trail through southeast Downtown San Jose.
San Jose, California has one of the nation’s largest urban trail networks. Over 57 miles of trails are developed and open to the public. The proposed eastern alignment of the Three Creeks Trail poses many constraints due to the lack of right-of-way, street crossings, intersections, a major highway, active rail, and heavy industry.
The City of San Jose’s Department of Parks and Recreation & Neighborhood Services SKY Lane Vision Study offers one possible solution for urban trail development along a highly constrained corridor by evaluating the possibility of a 1.7-mile aerial trail through southeast Downtown San Jose.
The elevated nature of the trail provides an opportunity to create a destination trail with travel opportunities to several special event venues and connectivity to Downtown San Jose. The trail structure itself will incorporate natural light and green roof elements along with creative use of solar and kinetic energy to serve as a cultural and artistic beacon.
SKY Lane resolves significant barriers that limit options for traditional “on the ground” trail development.
2019: Western Piedmont Trail
