(Press release)

TEMPLE, TX, - June 12, 2009 – The City of Temple has initiated a Master Planning process for a Trail Master Plan, and is seeking input from residents on bike lanes, trails, greenways, and pedestrian linkages throughout the city limits.

A planning workshop is scheduled for June 16 at 5:30 p.m. in the Temple College Pavilion located on the main campus of Temple College. Residents are asked to attend and share ideas on potential trail locations throughout the city. A brief overview and educational session regarding trail types and standards will be provided. Workshop participants will have the opportunity to provide their input by drawing their recommendations for trail locations on maps of different segments of the City. “This is an excellent opportunity for citizens to tell us what they know and identify needs regarding potential trail locations in their neighborhoods and provide feedback for the overall citywide trail system plan,” Assistant City Manager Kim Foutz said.

Residents are also encouraged to access the City of Temple Parks Department website, www.templeparks.net, and click on the link for Temple Trails to obtain information regarding the master planning process as well as educational information regarding trails. The website also offers citizens the opportunity to provide their comments regarding the Master Plan.

In addition to the planning workshop, residents are also asked to participate in a master plan survey. The survey will be available on the Trail Master Plan website.

The master planning process has been initiated in response to the City of Temple’s Comprehensive Plan “Choices ‘08”, adopted last October, which established the development of a comprehensive bike and pedestrian plan as a key goal. The development of a master plan also provides for a connected system where trail corridors and alignments are designed to enhance linkages between parks, neighborhoods, schools, neighborhood services and key civic and community destinations. “When the development of individual segments of trails, bike lanes, and sidewalks occurs as part of a comprehensive plan, community-wide connectivity of the system as a whole can occur,” Foutz said.

A master plan also provides a framework through which the city and the private sector can work together to jointly create trail corridors, and to establish trail standards and specifications. A trail master plan also guides decisions regarding funding mechanisms and priorities and provides the City the ability to competitively seek grant funding for the development of the system.

There are multiple benefits of a citywide trail, bike, and sidewalk system. Trails provide recreational opportunities that promote a healthy lifestyle. Trails can provide transportation benefits by providing alternative ways to get to work, retail areas, and other key city destinations such as libraries, parks, recreation centers, and pools. A connected citywide network of trails demonstrates Temple’s commitment to a high quality of life for residents which promotes economic development and encourages people to choose Temple as a great place to live and do business.