BYWAYS SuCCESS SToRY The Mohawk Towpath Scenic Byway Case Study Crescent Park Fishing Access, Halfmoon, NY Byway Description The Mohawk Towpath Scenic Byway is a National Scenic Byway in the Capital District region of New York. It extends from Schenectady to Waterford by way of a series of local, county, and State highways along the Mohawk River and the Erie Canal. The Byway tells the story of the waterway west and its many layers of history from Native American times, through Erie Canal era and the role our communities played in the industrial revolution and the westward expansion of the country. Built on local grass roots enthusiasm, the Byway was added to the network of New York State Scenic byways in July 2003. It gained the designation as one of America’s Byways in September 2005. The name is derived from the River and Native American™ people, and “Towpath” comes from that period of canal history when canal vessels moved principally by draft animals, mostly mules, that pulled craft from the path atop the side berm of the canal. Key Features • Accessible fishing platform with railings, benches and accessible fishing tables • Paved walkway to fishing platform • Accessible stalls in parking lot • Links to 2 mile accessible walk/bike trail • Interpretive signage • Accessible footbridge Type Renovation – Completed 2009 The Story Where once there was an informal fishing area with a highly eroded dirt path, the Town of Halfmoon now has a newly installed accessible fishing access on Terminal Road. An access ramp is provided to a platform located under the Route 9 Crescent Bridge and there is also access on Canal Road at the foot of Crescent Road and all along the waterfront to Crescent Park. This project was proposed by and is important to the Capital District Fly Fishers Association, who have many members with disabilities with previously no opportunity to fish. Why Is This A Success Story? Due to the renovations, this area has now become highly attractive to many people and has provided another visitor and resident attraction for the town and the byway. Although renovations were done for accessibility, they have resulted in a better place for all to experience. The result has been a benefit for the entire town and byway: a better way to get down to the river. Challenges • Meeting Federal highway funding requirements • Drainage modifications • Platform headwall design • Footbridge unique design • Meeting the needs of our growing population Funding • Metropolitan Planning organization (MPo) Spot Improvements grants • Preliminary design was done pro bono Benefits • Access for people with disabilities and older adults to fishing • Non profits working together with municipalities (byway, town, fly fishers) • one more feature that is now on the Byway and helps to make it a destination • Giving the community one more way to open the waterway to its citizens Lessons Learned • Partnerships are key! • Patience to get through funding hoops • There is strength in having many stakeholders • Accessibility is good for everyone Many Thanks To Nelson Ronsvalle, town of Halfmoon: Grant Coordinator: for providing this information Photo 1: Short wooden accessible bridge along an asphalt pathway Photo 2: Accessible fishing dock with lowered areas for those who are seated. Shown is a man standing and fishing. Photo 3: Accessible fishing area showing lowered rails for those who are seated Photo 4: Accessible asphalt pathway leading toward the water Photo 5: Headshot of Nelson Ronsvalle This case study is part of the universal Design for Byways Training Initiative of he America’s Byways Resource Center, Duluth, Minnesota. Case studies were developed through interviews conducted by DSL Design Consulting, Apex. NC. (2010). America’s Byways Resource Center is a division of the Arrowhead Regional Development Commission (ARDC) in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). This material is based on work supported by the Federal Highway Administration and Arrowhead Regional Development Commission under cooperative agreement No. DTFH61-08-H-00007. Any opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the Author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the Federal Highway Administration and/or Arrowhead Regional Development Commission. The Arrowhead Regional Development Commission is an equal opportunity employer. BywAyS SuCCESS STORy Peter Norbeck Byway Case Study Horse Thief Campground and Recreation Area, Keystone & Hill City, SD Byway Description The Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway combines the brilliance of man’s artistry and nature’s wonder to exemplify the beauty of wild South Dakota. The rugged beauty of the Black Hills has inspired artists, naturalists, prospectors, and patriots, and the sights along the byway exemplify the spirit of the area. One section of the byway, the Needles Highway, passes among towering stone spires, including one called the Needles Eye with a 3-foot opening near the top. Key Features • Accessible campsites • Accessible trails and boardwalks • Accessible fishing areas • Accessible pedestrian bridge • Accessible parking • Accessible restrooms Type Renovation began in 1999 The Story Horse Thief Lake Campground and Recreation Area: is the only place in the Black Hills where a person with a disability can get out of their car and enjoy all the features of the recreation area. Many people visit here because of this. It is the closest camping area to Mount Rushmore and offers six accessible campsites. Visitors find camping, trails, boardwalks and fishing areas in a very pedestrian oriented area. One of the main aspects of this site is that all new construction has been built beyond minimum accessibility codes/ standards. The site was so heavily used that the parking areas were recently renovated to be much more pedestrian friendly. Why Is This A Success Story? Accessible fishing platforms, trails, and bridges – larger than the minimum standard - have increased visitor satisfaction and comfort overall. Changes needed to the parking lot due to safety concerns resulted in increased accessible parking and overall visitor safety. These improvements benefit America’s Byways Resource Center is a division of the Arrowhead Regional Development Commission (ARDC) in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration (FHwA). This material is based on work supported by the Federal Highway Administration and Arrowhead Regional Development Commission under cooperative agreement No. DTFH61-08-H-00007. Any opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the Author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the Federal Highway Administration and/or Arrowhead Regional Development Commission. The Arrowhead Regional Development Commission is an equal opportunity employer. multiple users as well as multiple aspects of a larger picture. According to Steve Keegan, disability is just part of all of our human lives so it is only natural to ensure everything is accessible. One of the key successes was the innovative approach to funding by involving the local South Dakota Army National Guard who provided much of the needed deconstruction of the previous bridge and saved the project a great deal of money. Challenges • Increased use of fishing platform created parking issues thus the need for renovation • The byway needs to look at the whole picture: provide amenities such as hotels and restaurants to make accessibility complete • Providing matching dollars, but it all worked out in the end Funding • South Dakota Department of Transportation • Federal Scenic Byway Grants • uS Forest Service Challenge Grants • In-Kind donations Benefits • Increased accessible recreation opportunities • Less natural resource damage along the lake shore due to the raised boardwalk and fishing platforms • A more enjoyable experience for all Lessons Learned • Partnerships are Key – remember one positive success can be the path to a long, mutually beneficial relationship. • Think big | Look for multiple benefits: this will increase the number of potential partners and your support base. • Go beyond minimum requirements – make facilities “family friendly”. • Share your success. by publicly praising everyone involved. • Don’t be afraid to apply for grants and point out the benefits you have accomplished for your community. • Expect higher costs – prepare by doubling the cost estimates – so there are no surprises. • use quality materials to reduce long-term maintenance costs. MANY THANKS TO Stephen Keegan, Forest Landscape Architect and Byway Coordinator for providing this information. Photo 1: Mount Rushmore Photo 2: Metal pedestrian bridge spanning across a stream bed Photo 3: Accessible wooden platform extending into the lake. Two people are fishing from it. Photo 4: Accessible wooden walkway with explorers: two wheelchair users are being pushed by two assistants. This case study is part of the universal Design for Byways Training Initiative of he America’s Byways Resource Center, Duluth, Minnesota. Case studies were developed through interviews conducted by DSL Design Consulting, Apex. NC. (2010). BywAyS SuCCeSS SToRy Sandia Crest Byway Case Study Sandia Crest Overlook, Cibola National Forest, Albuquerque, New Mexico Byway Description Just east of Albuquerque are the most visited mountains in New Mexico. Millions of people journey into the Sandia Mountains each year. More than half of these visitors ride the Sandia Peak Tram or drive the Sandia Crest Byway to take in spectacular panoramic views of Central New Mexico and to enjoy many other recreational opportunities. The Four Seasons Visitor Center offers year round interpretive exhibits and seasonal programs at the upper Tram Building. The Scenic Byway has several newly remodeled picnic grounds with shelters and group areas for reservation. Key Features • Accessible drive up and overlook to amazing vistas • Accessible tram • Interpretive signs • Redesigned picnic areas and campgrounds • Accessible boardwalk and decking Type Developed 10 to 12 years ago. Tram added in mid 1960’s The Story At an elevation 10,678 feet, the Sandia Crest overlook is accessible by road, aerial tramway, and by trails. It has recently been renovated for full accessibility from the parking lot to the top for an amazing view of one of the most popular tourist sites in the Cibola National Forest. America’s Byways Resource Center is a division of the Arrowhead Regional Development Commission (ARDC) in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration (FHwA). This material is based on work supported by the Federal Highway Administration and Arrowhead Regional Development Commission under cooperative agreement No. DTFH61-08-H-00007. Any opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the Author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the Federal Highway Administration and/or Arrowhead Regional Development Commission. The Arrowhead Regional Development Commission is an equal opportunity employer. Why Is This A Success Story? After the renovations were completed, more people, including older people, people with disabilities and families with young children have visited and have been able to enjoy the endless vistas. Challenges • Keeping up with the pathway maintenance due to pine needle accumulation • Merchandise and restroom areas at restaurant are not yet fully accessible. Funding Federally funded Benefits • More families in attendance • Increased attendance by older people • one of the few places where everyone can get to the top of a mountain and enjoy the view Lessons Learned • Provide choices for visitor experience: provide a variety of locations for accessible campsites, not just all around the restroom facilities. • Accessibility is more than paths: must think about visual, tactile, audio, and multilingual. • Accessibility improves the quality of the site for everyone. • Let others know what you have done. Many Thanks To Nancy Brunswick, Recreational Program Manger and Forest Landscape Architect for the Cibola National Forest and Federal Land Accessibility Specialist for providing this information. Photo 1: View of distant mountains and a valley below Photo 2: Sandia Peak cable car heading up the mountain Photo 3: Overlook area showing benches and viewer Photo 4: View of mountains and a valley in the distance below Photos Courtesy of uS Forest Service This case study is part of the universal Design for Byways Training Initiative of he America’s Byways Resource Center, Duluth, Minnesota. Case studies were developed through interviews conducted by DSL Design Consulting, Apex. NC. (2010). ByWAyS SuCCeSS STORy San Juan Islands Scenic Byway Case Study Lime Kiln Point State Park Orca Interpretive Center, Friday Harbor, Washington Byway Description The San Juan Islands Scenic Byway is Washington’s first marine route. The byway consists of a 30-mile marine route and an 85-mile land route. It begins at the ferry dock in Anacortes and travels through the San Juan Islands to Friday Harbor on San Juan Island and Orcas Village on Orcas Island. Lime Kiln State Park is a 36-acre day-use park set on the west side of San Juan Island. The park is considered one of the best places in the world to view whales from a land based facility. The name of the park comes from the kilns that were built in 1860. The kilns were used for almost 70 years to produce lime used in the production of steel, plaster, cement and paper. Key Features • Interpretive center with a replica of a life-size Orca fin to touch. • Interpretive center: tidal pool replica for tactile experience • Replicated critters and real shells – on interpretive panels for tactile experience • Computer stations with sounds and images • Safer accessible parking • Accessible composting unisex restrooms Type Renovation: The interpretive center was opened in 2004 while the parking and restroom facilities have been in existence for 12 years. The Story In 1984 the park was acquired from the Coast Guard by the State Parks. At that time there was no interpretive center. In the past 5 years the State Parks has created an accessible interpretive center including many creative interactive displays that allow all visitors to experience the flora and fauna of the area. Why Is This A Success Story? The interpretive center features a model tidal pool that provides a tactile experience created to replicate the local tidal pools that are inaccessible to many. People can touch replicated critters and real shells and get the feel that they are down in the pools through the atmosphere of an attractive mural. Someone with limited mobility can enjoy the experience without crawling over rocks. A touchable life-size Orca tail fin provides an idea of a whale’s actual size to many visitors including those with visual disabilities. The interpretive center also has computer stations with sounds and images of the area. Funding: A creative partnership: • State Parks built the interpretive center in-house • Peach Foundation along with other sources developed the interpretation information for the park • In-kind donations Benefits • Increased attendance • An enhanced learning experience for all Lessons Learned • Accessibility Improvements are worthwhile and make for a better experience for everyone • Provide choices including accessibility choices • Partnerships are key! • Consult with user groups Many Thanks To William Hoppe, Park Ranger and Interim Manager, for providing this information. Pictures courtesy of Washington State Parks Photo 1: Small one storey building with an orca whale statue and landscape display in front of it Photo 2: Indoor interpretive area showing an artificial rocky area with seashells, starfish and rocks that can be touched Photo 3: Orca whale display with life sized orca fin that can be touched Photo 4: Video interpretive area showing maneuvering space, bench to sit on This Case Study is part of the universal Accessibility and Byways Training Initiative of the America’s Byways Resource Center, Duluth, Minnesota. Case Studies were developed through interviews conducted by DSL Design Consulting, Apex, NC. America’s Byways Resource Center is a division of the Arrowhead Regional Development Commission (ARDC) in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). This material is based on work supported by the Federal Highway Administration and Arrowhead Regional Development Commission under cooperative agreement No. DTFH61-08-H-00007. Any opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the Author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the Federal Highway Administration and/or Arrowhead Regional Development Commission. The Arrowhead Regional Development Commission is an equal opportunity employer. ByWAyS SuCCeSS STORy San Juan Islands Scenic Byway Case Study Lime Kiln Point State Park Orca Whale Viewing Overlook, Friday Harbor, Washington Byway Description The San Juan Islands Scenic Byway is Washington’s first marine route. The byway consists of a 30-mile marine route and an 85-mile land route. It begins at the ferry dock in Anacortes and travels through the San Juan Islands to Friday Harbor on San Juan Island and Orcas Village on Orcas Island. Lime Kiln State Park is a 36-acre day-use park set on the west side of San Juan Island. The park is considered one of the best places in the world to view whales from a land based facility. The name of the park comes from the kilns that were built in 1860. The kilns were used for almost 70 years to produce lime used in the production of steel, plaster, cement and paper. Key Features • 5% grade accessible trails (with one small area of 8%) leading from the improved parking area to the Orca Whale Overlook and Lime Kiln Overlook. • Accessible overlook within 100 feet of breaching Orcas, seals, salmon and tidal pools. • A microphone placed in the water to hear the sounds of the whales as they pass on the local 89.1 FM radio station. • Safer accessible parking. • Accessible composting unisex restrooms. Type Renovation – The renovated overlook parking and restroom facilities have been available for 12 years. The Story In 1984 the park was acquired from the Coast Guard by the State Parks. Sixteen years ago Lime Kiln State Park had only room to park ten cars. There were many badly eroded paths down to the Orca Whale viewing area. The State Parks has improved conditions to make this accessible to all. The accessibility renovations to the two overlooks have been an in-house labor of love of the staff who constructed the trail with a minimum of equipment. America’s Byways Resource Center is a division of the Arrowhead Regional Development Commission (ARDC) in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). This material is based on work supported by the Federal Highway Administration and Arrowhead Regional Development Commission under cooperative agreement No. DTFH61-08-H-00007. Any opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the Author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the Federal Highway Administration and/or Arrowhead Regional Development Commission. The Arrowhead Regional Development Commission is an equal opportunity employer. Why Is This A Success Story? The overlook allows a wide range of access including wheel chair users, mothers with strollers and individuals with other mobility disabilities. At the overlook an individual with a visual disability can tune to 89.1 on the FM radio and hear the sounds of the passing Orca from a microphone that is placed in the water near where the Orca pass. The two accessible trails— one leading to the Whale Overlook and one to the Lime Kiln Overlook— allow choice to the users and have reduced the number of self-made unsafe trails. unisex outdoor restrooms are larger and more accessible for all users. Challenges • The time and effort to develop this project in house • Weather prohibiting tactile displays at overlook • Creating an accessible outdoor toilet without plumbing Funding: A creative partnership: • Land Bank Public Trust, supplied gravel • The National Park Service supplied sand • In-kind donations Benefits • Increased attendance • Accessibility improvements have solved many previous safety hazards • The relationship between vehicle and pedestrian has improved • Improved conditions and experience for all people Lessons Learned • Accessibility Improvements are worthwhile and make a better experience for everyone • Projects take twice as long as you originally think and cost twice as much • Provide choices including accessibility choices • Partnerships are key! • Consult with user groups Many Thanks To William Hoppe, Park Ranger and Interim Manager, for providing this information Pictures courtesy of Washington State Parks Photo 1: View of a pod of 12 orca whales just off shore Photo 2: Cantilevered accessible drinking fountain near an accessible pathway Photo 3: Accessible restroom showing wide door, signage, and level entrance Photo 4: Interpretive overlook over the ocean showing lowered height panels, firm ground surface and a picnic table This case study is part of the universal Design for Byways Training Initiative of he America’s Byways Resource Center, Duluth, Minnesota. Case studies were developed through interviews conducted by DSL Design Consulting, Apex. NC. (2010).