648 views • posted 06/05/2019 • updated 07/25/2023


Lessons Learned from Creative Problem-Solving

A TRAILSNext™ presentation

In this presentation find out what worked and what didn't with San Jose, California's urban trail network.

by Yves Zsutty, Division Manager, City of San Jose - Parks, Recreation, and Neighborhood Services

Every trail project is different and provides opportunities for success and failures. San Jose has developed a 60-mile Trail Network with 40 more miles planned for development. This presentation showcases 25 completed San Jose Trail projects with focused and honest discussion about what worked, what didn't work, and the lessons learned.

The projects selected offer a broad range of findings gained from all phases of development, from initial scoping through studies, planning, design and construction. Tips will be offered on how to manage and message challenges in a straightforward and engaging manner to sustain community support.

Learning Objectives:

  • Understand that setting goals is worthwhile when tactically and intentionally aligned to projects.
  • Manage in a creative manner to address project challenges for positive outcomes.
  • Structure flow for large scale projects in a clear and phases manner to sustain multi-year stakeholder support.

About the Author

Yves Zsutty is a Division Manager for the City of San Jose - Department of Parks, Recreation, and Neighborhood Services, overseeing the Capital Improvement Program division. He oversees delivery of Parks, Trails and Projects. Formerly, the department’s Trail Manager, Yves has guided planning of a 100-mile inter-connected trail network that serves recreational and commuting objectives. He has overseen development of over 35 miles of Class I trails and secured over $40,000,000 in grant funding from Local, State and Federal sources. San Jose’s existing 62-mile urban trail network is already one of the nation’s largest, and recognized by the FHWA for Transportation Planning Excellence. Yves has a degree in Civil Engineering from San Jose State University, and enjoys gardening, photography and travel…and some hiking.

Contact: [email protected]

More articles by this author

More articles in this category

Sustaining Wildlife With Recreation on Public Lands

posted Nov 25, 2023

Humans and wildlife interact in multifaceted ways on public lands with both positive and negative outcomes for each group. When managed well, wildlife-based tourism and other forms of recreation can benefit conservation goals.

Environmental Impacts of Winter Recreation

posted Nov 25, 2023

Regardless of our intentions, many species perceive humans as a threat and respond accordingly. In general, animals respond to threats by first increasing vigilance (time spent looking around versus foraging), and running away if the threat is perceived to be imminent.

Vermont Town Forest Trail Standards Guide

posted Nov 24, 2023

The Vermont Town Forest Trail Design Guide was developed as part of the Vermont Town Forest Recreation Planning Toolkit, an initiative of the Vermont Urban and Community Forestry Program, to provide general guidance for designing and developing trails in town forests and beyond.

Modeling Large-Scale Winter Recreation Terrain Selection with Implications for Recreation Management and Wildlife

posted Nov 24, 2023

Winter recreation is a rapidly growing activity, and advances in technology make it possible for increasing numbers of people to access remote backcountry terrain. Increased winter recreation may lead to more frequent conflict between recreationists, as well as greater potential disturbance to wildlife.