Design Guidelines – Sections and Contents

OVERVIEW AND PRE-DESIGN

The process and purpose of creating the Design Guidelines is outlined in this section.

TRAIL DESIGN GUIDELINES

The trail design section of the Design Guidelines outline the critical built elements of the greenway system. The recommended elements make up the overall anatomy of the greenway system, and combine to create a cohesive, recognizable and functional network. Individual components of the design have been evaluated against past successes and challenges, with a strong emphasis placed on long-lasting, high-quality built elements.

  • Typical trail cross sections
  • Greenway nodesIntersection configurations
  • Trail and surfacing materials
  • Wall and column materials
  • Fences and handrails
  • Bridges and boardwalks
  • Site furnishings

ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN GUIDELINES

Throughout the District, the environmental conditions are what create an inviting and “green” greenway. Environmental design also has the potential to provide beneficial ecosystem services and create important habitat. While it is integral, the greenway landscape requires considerably more maintenance and long-term care than the other built greenway elements. It is critical that the greenway environment be designed with both its benefits and long-term upkeep in mind.

  • Goals and targets for greenway landscape
  • Soils
  • Turf and native grasslands
  • Planting beds and edge materials
  • Tree planting and best practices
  • Shrub and perennial planting
  • Matrix of plant and tree sizes, types and uses
  • Stormwater management structures
  • Best Management Practices (BMPs)
  • Erosion control measures
  • Streambank stabilization

PRE-CONSTRUCTION AND CONSTRUCTION

In order to set the standards for high-quality construction and long-lasting implementation, the design guidelines outline key elements of the construction process to be included in the design package. This section includes recommended steps and required drawing elements for a successful greenway project.

  • Erosion Control and SWPPP
  • Required front end documents
  • Required mock-ups
  • Testing and quality assurance during construction
  • Design team checkpoints during construction