Date: August 8-11, 2022

Location: Meridian, ID

Sponsor: City of Meridian, Idaho; Meridian Parks & Recreation

Panel Chair: Christine C. Richman

Key recommendations from the panel include:

Equity and Purpose

• Focus on the purpose and equity of the pathway system to drive future planning and implementation efforts
• Identify and refine the hierarchy of uses for the pathways system. Not all sections of the system need to serve every use
• Define equitable access and identify underserved neighborhoods and populations
• Celebrate successes to date on a regular basis, including communicating continuous improvement and telling the story of the pathway system

User Experience

• Complete a Pathways Master Plan update and implementation that further refines system plan and prioritizes connecting key destinations, highlighting connection points, and adding breakways and hubways as places to to rest or connect to other parts of the system
• Maximize placemaking at destinations and interim places along the path, focusing on the needs of the users of that segment of path
• Enhance the pathways with amenities (art, memory pieces, fencing, information signage, etc.) and engagement as well as implement clear wayfinding and identification

Implementation

• Use TRACs (Temporary Routing Alternative Connections) to bridge gaps in the current system, particularly in places where a permanent pathway has yet to be constructed. Maximize existing infrastructure utilizing all bicycle and pedestrian routes to make connections
• Develop and coordinate a neighborhood empowerment process
• Coordinate with partner agencies and adjacent jurisdictions
• Leverage resources to reach goals including the local vision and commitment, funding opportunities and people

Next Steps (First Six Months)

• Determine a standard for equitable access
• Identify underserved neighborhoods and populations and assure access to the system
• Start the process of updating the Pathways Master Plan to incorporate intentional user experience and storytelling elements
  • Identify locations and priorities for breakways
  • Identify community partners for artways
  • Use the art selection for the Trailhub as a first step in renaming pathways to reflect their identifiable character and purpose
  • Design first breakway in study area segment
  • Add grading and assess other safety measures to recently completed pathways alongside irrigation waterways
  • Develop and coordinate neighborhood empowerment program
• Coordinate across all entities engaged in connectivity