Geophysical Institute Meeting

Attendees:

Deborah Coxon

Known Trail/Route Conflicts

·        User conflicts between dog walkers and skiers is apparent on the trails

·        Lack of lights along Tanana Loop up the slope makes it more dangerous for bikers/walkers

·        Lack of N-S connection between IARC and Butrovich

·        Intersection of Tanana Loop, Yukon Drive at Lookout Point is confusing.  Dangerous in spring when melt water from snow storage berm runs into intersection

·        Ski Hut is too close to road access to back of IARC.  Buses drop of lots of kids, youth groups in this area which has lots of pedestrian/vehicle conflicts and poor visibility due to steep slope – areas are poorly defined

·        Front parking lot at IARC is very icy during spring thaw

Opportunities

·        Could put together survey for trail users within Geophysical Institute to see how they use the trails, commute to work, etc.

·        More lighting, better trail delineation along roads could make current routes safer

Ski Team / Roller Ski Initiative Meeting

Attendees:

Scott Jerome

John Estle

Known Trail/Route Conflicts

·        There are numerous locations of use conflict on the trails, between walkers/skiers/bikers

·        Existing walking trails are not is best locations, too close to ski trails makes ski trails an easy spur path

·        Pedestrian/skier/vehicle conflict is apparent at Tanana Loop and Yukon Drive intersection.  Four points of access for vehicles (Tanana, Yukon, Lookout Point, and IARC access) with poorly marked crossings

·        Soils are a known issue for the roller ski alternative loop proposals.  The loop cannot have heaves or cracks, all proposed alternatives are in locations of relatively poor soils. 

·        There is a need for a better E-W multiuse trail from Sheep Creek Road across campus to Wood Center and Engineering Building.

·        Unsafe crossing of N Tanana near Cutler area

·        Visitors often park at SRC, then walk to Bookstore via path behind Stevens

Opportunities

·        Gate at Sheep Creek location could possibly keep commuters off of skiing trails

·        Roller ski option would be major amenity for the campus and the ski team. 

·        Possible partnership between Roller Ski loop and Terrain Park – Terrain Park snowmaking equipment could cover trail as soon as freeze up, and protect surface.

·        Lola Tilly as new bookstore location would be more visible to visitors

·        Possible partnership between Nordic Ski Club of Fairbanks and UAF ski team/roller ski loop

Side Notes

·        Would be good to review what other campuses with ski trails do to minimize user conflict

·        Minimize trail crossings

·        Ski team – 20 people, meets 4-5 afternoons/week, 2.5 hours/day

·        Roller ski area - loop requires 12’ width asphalt surface, needs to be visible to minimize vandalism, no motorized traffic without snow cover, need grade change for training (along Tanana Loop is good), one way route, would be great to have direct route with SRC.  Three alternatives have been proposed, any of which would benefit the ski team.  American system of design examples for Roller Skiing would be preferred over existing European, no known official design standards exist

Sustainable Village / CCHRC / Solar Array Meeting

Attendees:

Jenny Campbell

Michele Hebert

Kira Leonard

Known Trail/Route Conflicts

·        Route from Village to campus – Stairs to bridge were put in for safe access, residents continue to follow shortest route and cross railroad tracks after the fence

·        Bike theft is an issue on campus

·        More light is desired for Himalaya Trail area, uneven surfaces, wildlife, general safety

·        Current diagonal short cut through conex area

·        Sledding hill – icy, too many different user groups in this area, dangerous

 Opportunities

·        See Concept Plan for proposed Sustainable Village expansion (next Phase)

·        CCHRC should be better connected with main campus, stairs to bridge on Thompson is most direct route, ADA access could ramp south to sidewalk along Thompson.

·        CCHRC is a visitor amenity on campus, not as big of a draw as Museum or Botanic Gardens

·        Trails behind CCHRC and Sustainable Village would be good lunch break loop

·        Harper building should be better connected with main campus

Side Notes

·        Design team should talk with Green Bikes group

·        Sustainable Village is planned to expand, with elevated walkways and hanging utilities

·        Would like to see design team’s recommendations for best bike racks/storage options for campus

·        Suggestion to use bridge from University Avenue renovations as possible bridge over tracks near Sustainable Village?

·        Biking may be popular for a select few during winter months, but not necessarily as high a priority as walking and/or skiing   

We discussed the future Solar Array during this meeting as well. It should be noted that a large area, south of Butrovich, is planned in the development of a solar array area, construction planned for 2015.

Master Planning Committee Meeting

The design team met with the Campus Master Planning Committee to provide a brief summary of the project and what they've heard so far as well as to listen to additional comments they may have regarding Trails and Greenways on campus.

Known Trail/Route Conflicts

·        E-W strong connection behind Museum, to Hess

·        Sheep Creek Road, visibility is poor, snow bank shoulders don’t leave enough room for all users

·        Tanana Loop hill shoulders aren’t defined well, dangerous grade

·        Popular short cut from U Park, through no-trespass zone

·        Common misunderstandings about parking rules for university affiliates and visitors, discourages use of trails

·        West side of campus lacks ‘Gateway’

·        Summer issue at Lookout Point, used as informal gathering spot, hangout

Opportunities

·        Keep character of Himalaya Trail (area north of Patty Center and SRC), treasured green space on campus.  Would be nice to connect area with Copper Lane all the way to Wood Center.

·        Make sure lighting levels reflect the desired level of service, not more

·        Put trails where existing short cuts are

·        Some routes need better definition (striping) when shared with vehicles

·        Show the academic routes vs recreational routes

·        Heated walks are mentioned in the Master Plan

·        Desire for more connectivity, make a continuous loop on campus

·        Trail along northern boundary of N Tanana Drive is a nice, quiet space with close proximity to main campus areas that should be maintained.

·        100^th year anniversary approaching

·        University visitors – trails can better connect amenities like Museum and Botanic Gardens

Side Notes

·        Harder surfaces (in winter) are better for multiuse

·        Three main ski trail access points include Sheep Creek parking area, Lookout Point, and Ballaine Lake

·        Might make sense to provide a row of metered parking spots at ski hut for short term parking (Back of IARC)

·        Troth Yeddha' plan should be reviewed to ensure interconnectedness

·        Plan will reflect academic, recreational, and visitor routes on campus

·        Fence power plant area for security?