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.
The core of this plan is evaluating trail alternatives and identifying a most feasible concept for eventual implementation. Therefore, the factors selected to evaluate alternatives are extremely important and reflect the values and perspectives of the trail development program. Because these criteria reflect different objectives, they are not consistent with each other: an option that may rank high on one objective may have a low rating for another. For example, one alternative may offer a superior trail user experience, but might involve acquisition of private property over the objection of property owners. The result is that the trail project, while desirable from one perspective, would probably never be accomplished. In the case of trail development, the most feasible alternative often represents the best balance of different attributes.
Published January 2011
Alta is more than a planning and design firm – our 200 expert planners, engineers, designers and encouragement specialists are on hand for each and every aspect of the work needed to help you create your active community.
Envisioning a Statewide Connection Mass Central Rail Trail Benefits Study
posted Jun 14, 2023
Study shows completion of the Massachusetts Central Rail Trail System would bring significant health and economic benefits to the commonwealth.
posted May 15, 2023
Mountain Bike Trail Development: Guidelines for Successfully Managing the Process,” a 242-page “how to” manual covers modern trail development from trail types, to landscape analysis and design, to environmental and construction considerations, cost implications and more.
The Beerline Trail Equitable Implementation Plan – 2019
posted Sep 21, 2021
The Beerline Trail Neighborhood Development Project was created to ensure the next phases of trail development serve the needs of the community.
Planning and Managing Environmentally Friendly Mountain Bike Trails
posted Dec 22, 2020
This guidebook can be used to assist in successfully planning, designing, and constructing mountain bike trail systems, while keeping in mind that user issues must be addressed at every stage of development.
