Resource Library:

Planning And Design

Subcategories • Accessible Trail DesignCase StudiesCost EstimatingFeasibility StudiesLivable/Active CommunitiesLand Acquisition and ConservationMaster PlansSignage and InterpretationTrailheadsTrail Networks DesignTrails as TransportationClosing Trail System GapsWildlife and Habitat



posted May 19, 2020

The Long Trails Project

by Portland State University, Oregon State Parks

This Long Trails Project has been conceived in partnership with the Oregon Parks Department to provide both a context and a definition for the Salmonberry Trail as part of a larger long trails network.


published Apr 2015

The Milwaukee Method of Creative Placemaking

The Milwaukee Method focuses on culturally-sensitive neighborhood development based on the interests of independent and institutional stakeholders. The method acknowledges that cultural workers such as artists, makers, and creative entrepreneurs are critical to influencing neighborhood development.


published Apr 2004

The Multi-Objective Values of Trails

by Steve Elkinton with National Park Service

Trails and greenways advocates need to think more broadly and to look at the larger values of trails in the context of "green infrastructure."


published Nov 2019

The Nature of Trail Aesthetics

by Taylor Goodrich with American Trails

Trailshaping is a system of understanding in which simple, everyday forces shape (generate) the big picture, details, and nuances of all trails and all trail types, as well as context-specific trail planning, design, construction, maintenance, and management.


posted Jul 1, 2019

The Nature of Trail Aesthetics

Four concepts generate all trail aesthetics for better or worse. Learn how to use them to shape any type of trail for the better.


published May 2019

The Oklawaha Greenway Extension Plan

by Equinox

The Oklawaha Greenway extensions will create connectivity between parks, municipalities, and destinations through an accessible, continuous greenway that serves as a walking and biking spine for future greenway growth and connections within Henderson County.


published Jan 2023

The Pop-Up Placemaking Tool Kit

by Team Better Block, AARP

Projects that inspire change — and improve communities for people of all ages


posted Feb 6, 2018

The Role of Trails in Healthy Community Design

This webinar offers a number of how-to solutions for creating walk, bike, and fitness-friendly communities with success story examples. He will share how it's not just about trails, but also land use decisions and site designs to create truly active environments.


published Sep 2005

The San Francisco Bay Trail Project Gap Analysis Study

The Bay Trail Project is a nonprofit organization administered by the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) that plans, promotes and advocates for the implementation of a continuous 500-mile bicycling and hiking path around San Francisco Bay. Two of the most commonly asked questions regarding the Bay Trail: “When will it be done?” and “How much will it cost?”


published Jan 2011

The Sioux Falls MPO Multi-Use Trail Study

by Alta Planning + Design

The Big Sioux trail loop was developed several decades ago to control flooding, but Sioux Falls continues to invest in the trail to connect inter-urban areas. This study includes planning and design processes, appropriate infrastructure, costs, timing, potential obstacles, design standards, implementation policies and funding. It is an aesthetically pleasing plan that presents several options for the trail with maps and graphics to complement it.