PRAIRIE DUNELAND TRAIL PORTAGE, IN

Transcription

1 PRAIRIE DUNELAND TRAIL PORTAGE, IN December, 200 Eppley Institute for Parks & Public Lands School of Health, Physical Education & Recreation HPER 33, Indiana University Bloomington, IN 4405

2

3 A c k n o w l e d g e m e n t s Prairie Duneland Trail Report A Study of the Prairie Duneland Trail in Portage, Indiana Funded by Indiana Department of Transportation Indiana Department of Natural Resources National Park Service Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program Completed by Indiana University Eppley Institute for Parks & Public Lands Indiana University Bloomington Center for Urban Policy & the Environment Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis Stephen A. Wolter Project Director Dr. Greg Lindsey Research Director Project Associates John Drew Scott Hurst Shayne Galloway November 30, 200

4 City of Portage Parks and Recreation The could not have been accomplished without the support and cooperation of leaders and staff from the local trail organizations that participated in the study. The following individuals served as the primary contacts and provided assistance to the Trail Study Team and played an important role in facilitating the completion of this study: Carl Fisher Superintendent Department of Parks and Recreation Paul Cherepko President Park Board Dennis Riplin Member Park Board John Harrison Member Park Board Pamela Buhman Member Park Board Glenda Owens Member Park Board Douglas Olson Mayor City of Portage Group The following individuals provided guidance and review on the Group as representatives of State and Federal agencies, including the Indiana Department of Transportation, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, National Park Service s Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program, Indiana Department of Commerce and Indiana Governor s Council on Physical Fitness Dale Brier Bob Bronson John Goss Sharon Kendall Casey McIntyre Steve Morris Eric Myers Joyce Newland Michael O Loughlin Rory Robinson Joe Tutterrow Mariana Weinzapfel

5 Table of Contents Prairie Duneland Trail, Background... Purpose of Study... 2 Characteristics of Portage Area... 3 History of the Prairie Duneland Trail... 3 Map of Prairie Duneland Trail... 4 Methodology... 5 Trail Counts... Daily Trail Traffic... Hourly Trail Traffic... 9 Weekend Traffic... 0 Weekday Hourly Traffic... Summary and Implications Trail Use Counts... 2 Intercept Survey Questions... 3 Summary and Implications Intercept Surveys Follow-Up Surveys Trail User Characteristics Summary and Implications Trail User Attitudes and Lifestyles Summary and Implications Trail User Satisfaction and Benefit Opinions Summary and Implications Trail User Problem/Safety Concerns Summary and Implications Trail User Economic Factors Summary and Implications Trail User Demographics Summary and Implications Trail Neighbor Survey Results Property Characteristics and Relation to Trail Summary and Implications Trail Neighbor Attitudes Toward Trail... 5 Summary and Implications Property Value and Resale Opinions... 6 Summary and Implications Trail Neighbor Attitudes and Reported Problems Summary and Implications Trail Neighbor Attributes and Demographics... 6 Summary and Implications... 0 Conclusions... i

6

7 Background Trail development has become a strong focus of quality of life proponents in regional and community development. Prompted by the rail trail trend of the 90 s and rooted in the bedrock planning ideas of Fredrick Law Olmsted, the connection of people to places through linear parks is an important part of urban development, transportation planning, historic preservation, open space preservation, and neighborhood development. The development of multi-purpose pedestrian, biking and multi-modal trails, in connection with development of greenways, has become an increasingly popular alternative for the use of public funds across the country. In many communities, trails serve as a stimulus to recreation, physical activity and alternative transportation, and enhance quality of life. Trail development has been emphasized at the federal and state level as a means of alternative transportation, commercial recreation, tourism and business development, community building and health promotion in local communities. Trends point to the use of trails as a growing and preferred recreation activity, and many successful trail developments can be identified across the country. However, the values of trail proponents sometimes conflict with adjacent landowners preferences, or others who oppose trail development. Trail opponents sometimes claim that trails promote criminal activity, devalue neighboring property, and are unneeded in the community. While research conducted in many places in the country, generally, has not confirmed opponents charges, some opponents continue to dismiss the results of national studies. Because of concerns expressed by trail critics in Indiana, the Eppley Institute for Parks and Public Lands at Indiana University proposed to conduct a comprehensive survey of trails in six (6) Indiana communities. Funding and support for the research study was received from the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT), Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), and the National Park Service (NPS) in late spring 2000 and research was initiated in June The research was designed to measure various impacts of trails in the six cities, including the Prairie Duneland Trail in Portage. Prairie Duneland Trail Page

8 Purpose of the Study The included analyses of trail use, effects of trails on neighboring property, and economic impacts to determine negative and positive factors arising from trail development and trail conversion in Indiana. The six trails eventually selected for the Indiana Trails Study included trails in urban, suburban and rural places: Monon Trail, Indianapolis, representing urban trail development Prairie Duneland Trail, Portage, representing suburban trail development Cardinal Greenway Trail, Muncie, representing rural trail development Penssy Rail Trail, Greenfield, representing rural trail development Maple City Greenway Trail, Goshen, representing suburban trail development Rivergreenway Trails, Fort Wayne representing urban trail development The objectives of this project were to determine: ) recreational trail use; 2) who is using the trails, how the trails are used, how the trails are accessed and most frequently used; 3) opinions regarding management--such issues as safety, security, maintenance, signage, responsiveness to complaints/questions, and problems; 4) the effects of a trail on neighboring property including property value, damage, vandalism, and the salability of the property; and 5) the underlying attitudes toward trail development. Page 2 Prairie Duneland Trail

9 Characteristics of Portage Area Portage is a thriving community with a population of 33,496, according to the 2000 census, which is only 40 years old, located along the southern shore of Lake Michigan in the general area of Gary, Indiana. The area s unique physical geography is the result of slow moving glaciers and its natural environments are characterized by remnant beaches, marshes, moraines, small ponds and slow moving rivers. Several rare natural communities can be found here as well as numerous rare species, such as the Black Crowned Night Heron and Blanding s Turtle. Portage is home to a wonderful combination of friendly neighbors, a national park, an international deepwater port, office and industrial parks, and retail and entertainment venues. Boaters enjoy mooring or launching from the Portage Public Marina or the many private marinas for a day or a week on Lake Michigan. In the winter, skiers take advantage of the extensive cross-country trail network within our city and national parks. Other Portage trails provide bikers, hikers, and skaters with miles of opportunity to get out and enjoy the natural environment. Portage is proud of the high level of educational services delivered to our young people through the Portage Community School District and by regional college campuses at Purdue North-Central and Indiana University Northwest, as well as, Valparaiso University. The recent opening of the Portage Community Hospital, adjacent to the North Porter County Government Complex, has advanced local healthcare. History of the Prairie Duneland Trail Completed in July 996, the Prairie Duneland Trail is part of the Northwest Indiana Regional Bikeways Plan. In the near future, the trail will be extended in both directions by adjoining communities creating the Lake Michigan Heritage Greenway. This trail forms the backbone of the Northwest Indiana Regional Bikeways Plan and will stretch forty (40) miles from Hammond to Michigan City, Indiana. The total distance of the trail is 5.8 miles, all paved with a twelve-foot wide asphalt surface. The trail is designed for all non-motorized traffic, such as walkers, cyclists, and skaters. It features interpretive and orientation signs, mile markers, picnic facilities, drinking fountains, benches, bike racks and restrooms. Prairie Duneland Trail Page 3

10 Map of Prairie Duneland trail Prairie Duneland Trail Page 4 Prairie Duneland Trail

11 Methodology A number of research methodologies were used to complete the research for the. The methods included: Counts of trail users Survey of trail users through intercepts at trail heads Survey of adjacent property owners, trail neighbors as they are called, through mail survey Trail counts were conducted using infrared trail counters placed at various locations on each trail throughout the months of September, and October. The infrared trail counters were installed on utility poles or trees in an alignment that allowed trail users of all types (walker, bicyclists, joggers, runners, in-line skaters, etc.) to break the infrared light beam projected from a transmission unit to a receiving unit. Every time a user crossed in front of the transmission unit, the infrared light beam was broken, thus causing the receiving unit to record the date and time of the event. One () infrared reflective counter was used in Indianapolis with downloadable data capacity of 8,000 events recorded by date and time. Staff downloaded data from the counter throughout the study months. Since the infrared trail counter technology was relatively new, the number of events recorded by the counters was validated in a study conducted by Dr. Greg Lindsey, Research Director for the Indiana Trails Study, on the Monon Trail in Indianapolis. By observing trail users at the trail counter location, recording date, time and number of trail users, Dr. Lindsey and his students were able to compare the actual number of trail users with those recorded by the infrared counter unit. This related study found that the infrared trail counter undercounted trail users by approximately 5%. Survey of trail users was completed through intercepts/stops of trail users during one week each in July and August; in four locations (L - L 4 in the following table) on each trail over 3 periods in a day. The intercept survey was designed as a two-stage survey where every nth adult user was asked if they would participate in a short interview followed up by a more extensive mail survey. Stop rotations on each trail were scheduled as below. Prairie Duneland Trail Page 5

12 Time Mon. Tues. Wed. Thur. Fri. Sat. Sun. - a.m. L L 4 L 3 L 2 L L L 2 L 3 L 4 L L 2 L 3 L 4 a.m. 3 p.m. L 2 L L 4 L 3 L 2 L L 2 L 3 L 4 L L 2 L 3 L 4 3- p.m. L 3 L 2 L L 4 L 3 L L 2 L 3 L 4 L L 2 L 3 L 4 The intercept protocol used in this method was to stop every nth adult and ask subject to participate in short 3-minute survey with follow-up mail survey. The follow-up survey was a 6-page booklet with a self addressed-business reply-mailing panel on the back panel that allowed participating trail users to return the survey to the Eppley Institute for Parks and Public Lands by U.S. mail. Reminder cards and a second mailing of the survey to non-respondents were undertaken to increase response rate to the follow-up survey. Trail neighbors were mailed a survey asking them to reflect on management issues and their experiences with the trails in their area. Trail neighbors were identified using an agency s pre-existing neighbor list updated as necessary. Reminder cards and a second mailing of the survey to nonrespondents were undertaken to increase response rate to the trail neighbor survey. Page 6 Prairie Duneland Trail

13 Trail Counts Estimates of total traffic on the Prairie Duneland Trail in Portage in September and October 2000 are 2,66 and 8,430 respectively. These estimates are adjusted counts of the total number of users that went past the counter, not estimates of the number of different uservisits or separate trips to the trail. The October estimate is an extrapolation based on approximately 3 days of data. Estimates of the number of different users-visits to the trail are not available, but a crude approximation is that the number of user visits is approximately equal to half of the total traffic. This approximation assumes that each user passed the counter twice. Although it is likely that some users passed the counter more than twice and that other users passed it only once, information for making a better estimate of the number of different visits is not available. The number of different users would be less than the number of user-visits because many users make multiple trips during a month or week. Daily Trail Traffic Figures P and P2 show trail use on 43 days in September and October. Estimated daily trail traffic varied by a factor of about 5 in September and 8.5 in October. Daily traffic in September ranged from a low of 55 on Wednesday, September 20 to a high of on Sunday, September. The range of daily traffic in October (among days for which full counts are available) was from a low of only 9 on Thursday, October 5 to a high of 826 on Sunday, October P. Daily Trail Traffic (Portage Trail, September 2000) Day of Month P.2 Daily Trail Traffic (Portage Trail, October 2000) Day of Month Prairie Duneland Trail Page

14 Although analyses of the causes of variability are beyond the scope of this study, the variability in daily traffic can be accounted for by user preferences, weather, and other factors. Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday P.3 Average Daily Trail Traffic: Day of Week (Portage Trail, September 2000) Traffic Count P.4 Average Daily Trail Traffic: Day of Week (Portage Trail, October 2000) Figures P3 and P4 present average daily traffic for the Prairie Duneland Trail for September and October In September, average daily traffic varied by a factor of approximately.9, ranging from a low of 305 on Fridays to a high on Sundays of 583. Average daily traffic in October varied by a factor of, ranging from a low of 96 on Thursdays to a high on Sundays of 48. Average daily trail traffic was highest on Sundays in both months, but it was second highest on Saturdays in September and on Tuesdays in October. Average weekday traffic was higher in the beginning of the week on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays than on Thursdays and Fridays during both months. Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Traffic Count Page 8 Prairie Duneland Trail

15 Hourly Trail Traffic Figures P5 and P6 reveal that average weekend hourly trail traffic in September and October increased from about 6:00 a.m. until late afternoons and then declined rapidly. However, there was an irregular rise of weekend hourly traffic in October between :00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Although the traffic dropped back to normal and increased until about 4:00 p.m., it did not reach the earlier peak. Peak hourly volume was 9.4 percent in September and.3 percent in October of average weekend use. On weekdays, average hourly trail traffic leveled off by about 9:00 a.m. in September and by :00 a.m. in October, and peaked in early evenings between 5:00 p.m. and :00 p.m., and then dropped off rapidly. Peak weekday hourly use accounted for 2.5 percent in September and 4 percent in October, respectively of average weekday use. Trail traffic varied consistently by hour of day as well as day of week (Figures P5-P0). This analysis examines first differences in weekend and weekday traffic, with traffic averaged by hour for weekends and weekdays separately. Next, differences among weekend days (i.e., Saturdays and Sundays) and the days of the workweek are examined Weekends P.5 Mean Hourly Trail Flow (PortageTrail, September 2000) Weekdays Weekends Hour of Day P.6 Mean Hourly Trail Flow (PortageTrail, October 2000) Weekdays Hour of Day The patterns shown in figures P5 and P6 reflect users work schedules: weekend hourly use is more evenly spread throughout the day because fewer users are at work. Prairie Duneland Trail Page 9

16 Weekend Traffic Next, hourly traffic on Saturdays and Sundays in September and October 2000 are examined (P and P8). Overall use was higher on Sundays. Hourly traffic on Saturday mornings stayed higher than on Sunday mornings until about 0:00 a.m. to :00 a.m. in September. Meanwhile, in October, hourly traffic volume on Saturdays was lower than hourly traffic volume on Sundays until between :00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. P. Mean Weekend Hourly Flow (Portage Trail, September 2000) Hour of Day Sundays Saturdays P.8 Mean Weekend Hourly Flow (Portage Trail, October 2000) Hour of Day Sunday Saturday Page 0 Prairie Duneland Trail

17 On weekdays, patterns of average hourly use were similar, although there was variation in peak hours (Figures P9 and P0). In general, hourly traffic was constant during the day, peaking in late afternoons or early evenings with two exceptions of Thursdays, and Fridays in October, on which peak average hourly traffic occurred between 0:00 a.m. and :00 a.m. On other weekdays of October, the peak traffic fell between 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. In September, peak average hourly traffic occurred between 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Mondays; from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Tuesdays in September and Mondays and Tuesdays in October; from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Thursdays and between 6:00 p.m. and :00 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesday, and Fridays. The highest traffic recorded for a single hour on weekends was 93 in September and 94 in October, or approximately 2 persons per minute. The highest traffic recorded for a single hour on weekdays was 09 in September and 69 in October, or approximately to 2 persons per minute. Weekday Hourly Traffic P.9 Mean Weekday Hourly Flow (PortageTrail, September 2000) Hour of Day P.0 Mean Weekday Hourly Flow (PortageTrail, October 2000) Hour of Day Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Prairie Duneland Trail Page

18 Summary and Implications Trail Use Counts In sum, counts show some consistent patterns of use, with use higher in September than in October and higher on weekends than on weekdays. Peak use on weekends and weekdays occurs at different times: in the mid to late afternoons on weekends and in the late afternoon or early evening on weekdays. Additional analyses would help to explain of the effects of weather on patterns of use and would help to explain variations that have been identified. Page 2 Prairie Duneland Trail

19 Intercept Surveys The following tables represent responses from those individuals who were intercepted on the Prairie Duneland Trail. Subjects were randomly selected at various locations during a 5-hour day, over a -day week for 2 weeks in July and August trail users were intercepted on the Prairie Duneland Trail and agreed to be surveyed. Survey Question: What did you do on the trail today? Table : Trail Activity The vast majority of Portage trail users who were intercepted were either bicycling or walking. Nearly 40% of people intercepted on the trail were bicycling while almost 39% of the trail users were walking. Activity Bicycle 39.9 Walk 38.6 Run/Jog.3 Skate 9.9 Other 0.3 Survey Question: How did you get to the trail today? Table 2: Travel to Trail Over % of people intercepted drove to the trail. Just over 5% of the users rode their bicycle to the trail, and 0% of the trail users walked to the trail. Travel Method Drive.3 Bicycle 5.3 Walk 0. Run.6 Skate.6 Prairie Duneland Trail Page 3

20 Survey Question: How long did it take you to get to the trail? Table 3: Time to Trail Time to Trail (minutes) The majority (82.%) of trail users were within ten minutes of the trail. The mean time for travel was 8.38 minutes with the maximum time being 5 minutes and the minimum time being less than minute, which indicates the respondent was a trail neighbor. Survey Question: How many miles do you estimate it is from your home to where you entered the trail today? Table 4: Distance from Home to Trail Distance to Trail (miles) Over 93 % of trail users are within 0 miles of the trail. The mean mileage for users was 3.88 miles, indicating that the vast majority of users are trail neighbors. The maximum number of miles traveled was 50, and the minimum was less than. Page 4 Prairie Duneland Trail

21 Survey Question: How much time did/will you spend on the trail today? Table 5: Time spent on Trail Time on Trail (minutes) Over 5% spent between 30 and 90 minutes on the trail. The mean time on the trail is about 69 minutes. The minimum time on the trail was minute, and the maximum time was 480 minutes over Survey Question: Approximately how many miles will/did you cover on the trail today? Table 6: Miles Covered on the Trail Over 50% of the users covered five miles or less on the trail. The mean distance was.05 miles. The minimum distance was mile and the maximum was 32 miles. Miles Covered Prairie Duneland Trail Page 5

22 Statistical Question: Did the respondent enter and exit the trail at the same location? Table : Were the Entrance and Exit at the Same Location Entrance/ Exit Same Location Yes 9.6 The large majority, over 9%, of all trail users entered and exited the trail at the same access point. NO 2.4 Survey Question: Did or will you combine your visit to the trail with trips to other places? Table 8: Combined Visit With Other Places Combined Visits No 4.4 Yes 25.6 Dining 0. Personal 5.3 Shopping 5. Other 3.8 Business.3 Users of the trail typically don t combine the use of the trail with other places as indicated by the 4.4% of no responses. Those who do combine their visit with other places are most likely to combine use of the trail with dining. Page 6 Prairie Duneland Trail

23 Survey Question: How many people in your group on the trail today are from each of the following age categories? Table 9: Group Age Categories There was a fairly even distribution of trail users reported between the ages of 6 and 65. With relatively higher numbers occurring in the year old age groups. Age Less to to # of People Reported 36 to to to 65 0 over Survey Question: Is today the first time you used the trail? Over 94% of the users had used the trail before the day of the intercepts. Table 0: First Time Use First Time No 94.5 Yes 5.5 Prairie Duneland Trail Page

24 Survey Question: What was the main purpose of your visit to the trail? Table : Main Purpose of Visit Visit Purpose Health/Exercise 3.6 Recreation 25.8 Most users (3.6%) indicated that health/exercise was the main purpose for visiting the trail. Commute 0.5 Other 0. Survey Question: What was the other purpose of your visit to the trail? Table 2: Other Purpose of Visit Visit Other Purpose Health/Exercise 56. Recreation 43.9 Commute 0.0 The majority of users (56. %) who indicated multiple reasons for visiting the trail cited health/exercise as the other reason for visiting the trail. Survey Question: Do you (walk/run/cycle/skate) more now because this trail exists? Table 3: Walk/Run/Cycle/Skate More Walk/Run/Cycle/Skate More Yes 82.3 People walk/run/cycle/skate more because the trail exists. No. Page 8 Prairie Duneland Trail

25 Survey Question: If you (walk/run/cycle/skate) more now because the trail exists, about how many minutes per week do you (walk/run/cycle/skate) because this trail exists? Table 4: Additional Minutes Spent (walk/run/cycle/skate) Each Week Because of Trail More than half (55.2 %) the actual users are typically on the trail between 0 minutes to 80 minutes. Minutes Spent over Prairie Duneland Trail Page 9

26 Survey Question: If you (walk/run/cycle/skate) more now because the trail exists, did you (walk/run/cycle/skate) at all before the trail was created? Table 5: Active Before Trail Creation Active Before Trail Yes 64.6 No 35.4 Survey Question: What is your age? Most users who were surveyed (64.6%) were active in walk/run/cycle/skate before the trail was created. However, a good number of people have become more active since the trail was created. Table 6: Grouped age of Intercept Respondents Grouped Age Less The average age for users on the trail is about 44 years with a fairly equal distribution of users between 6-65 years of age. over Survey Question: Gender of Respondent? Table : Respondent Gender Gender Male 5.2 Female 48.8 Males accounted for more than half of the respondents to the survey. Page 20 Prairie Duneland Trail

27 Survey Question: Race/Ethnicity? Table 8: Respondent Race/Ethnicity Ethnicity The majority of users are Caucasian. Caucasian 9. Hispanic 4.6 Black 2.2 Asian 0.8 Not Sure 0.8 Other 0.0 Survey Question: What type of use did the surveyor observe from the user? Table 9: Observed User Activity A majority of users are walkers (39.4 %); there were no users who indicated that they used the trail for horseback riding. Observed Activity Bicycle 39.9 Walk 39.4 Running.8 Skate 8.8 Prairie Duneland Trail Page 2

28 Survey Question: Time of Day survey administered? Table 20: Time of Day Survey Administered Grouped Time 6-9 AM AM PM 2.3 The survey was administered to a fairly consistent number of trail users between the hours of 6am and 3pm. 3-6 PM PM 2.4 Summary and Implications Intercept Surveys The trail user activities observed and indicated as type of activity engaged in by respondents are almost identical in. A significant finding in the trail intercept survey for the Prairie Duneland Trail, is the large percentages of trail users who are active now because of the trail s creation (over 35%), and who utilize the trail for combined purposes (over 25%) such as exercise and other personal uses, or recreation and dining. Based on intercept responses, proximity to the trail was a decisive factor in trail use with roughly 80% of Prairie Duneland trail users being within 0 minutes or 5 miles of the trail. More than 9% of trail users surveyed entered and exited the trail at the same location. A large number of trail users who were surveyed utilized the trail for health/exercise (3.6%) and recreation (25.8%) purposes. Those trail users who did start to participate in their chosen activity because of trail construction (35.4%) and are more active in their chosen activity after trail construction (82.3%), added approximately 3 hours more activity time to their schedule per week. Page 22 Prairie Duneland Trail

29 Follow Up Survey Trail User Characteristics The following tables indicate the responses from those trail users who were intercepted and indicated they would complete a more detailed survey. If a trail user responded favorably to the request to complete additional survey questions during their intercept interview, they were provided with a longer, more detailed survey and asked to return it to the Eppley Institute via business reply mail. Survey Question: What were you doing on the trail the day you were interviewed? Again, trail users who responded indicated their activity preferences were walking or bicycling on the day of the interview. The percentage of activities participated in closely approximates the percentages of all trail users who were intercepted. Table 2: Activity On Day of Interview Activity Walking 42.3 Bicycle 3. Run/Jog 0.8 Skating 9.2 Prairie Duneland Trail Page 23

30 Survey Question: How did you find out about this trail? Table 22: How did you find out about this trail? How Found Radio 23.4 Magazine 20.3 Friends 9.5 Relatives 2.5 Word of Mouth 0.9 Don't Remember 3.9 Brochures 3. Happened On It % of respondents learned of the trail through friends, family, neighbors, or some other nonspecific word of mouth source. Radio and Magazine coverage also accounted for 43.% of the responses to this survey question. Group.6 Internet 0.8 Newspaper 0.8 Neighbor 0.8 Page 24 Prairie Duneland Trail

31 Survey Question: If the trail had not been available the day you were interviewed, what would you have done? Responses to this question overwhelmingly indicate that trail users were committed to some level of activity with or without the Prairie Duneland Trail. Table 23: Activity Participated in if No Trail Available No Trail Available Participated in Same Activity 6.9 Done Something Different 22.3 Survey Question: Participated in the same activity somewhere else, If so where? Table 24: Participated in the Same Activity Elsewhere The majority of users would have continued participating in an activity on streets and sidewalks if the trail had not been available Other Location Street/Sidewalks.2 Another Trail 4.9 Other.9 Survey Question: Was your visit to this trail part of an overnight trip? None of the users surveyed used the trail as part of an overnight visit. Table 25: Stayed Overnight Stayed Overnight No 00 Yes 0.0 Prairie Duneland Trail Page 25

32 Survey Question: Was visiting this trail one of the reasons for visiting this city? Table 26: Trail Reason For Visiting City Trail Reason No 00 Survey Question: On about how many different days did you visit this trail during the past 2 months? None of the users who stayed overnight indicated that the trail was the reason for the visit. Table 2: Trail Visitor Days Visitor Days The largest percentage of responding trail users (8.2%) visited the trail less than 0 times in the past 2 months. The average number of times the trail was used was reported as 88 times per person in the past year >300.6 Page 26 Prairie Duneland Trail

33 Survey Question: Rate your skill level as a participant in the trail activity that you prefer? Table 28: Skill Level of Primary Activity A majority (60.2%) of trail users consider their activity skill level to be intermediate, while 32.8% considered their skill level to be expert. Skill Level Novice.0 Intermediate 60.2 Expert 32.8 Survey Question: How important is this activity to you? Table 29: Importance of Activity Importance 90% of respondents indicate their activity has some level of importance to them, while 3.% indicate the activity is extremely important. Not at all Important 0.8 Less Important.5 Somewhat Important.5 Neither Less or More Important 6.2 Somewhat More Important 4.6 More Important 3. Important 3. Prairie Duneland Trail Page 2

34 Survey Question: How important is this trail to your participation in this activity? Table 30: Importance of Trail to Activity Importance of Trail Not at all important 2.3 Less important 0.8 Somewhat important 3. Neither less or more important 0.9 Somewhat more important 20.9 More important 24.0 More than 82% of respondents indicated the trail was important to their chosen activity, with 38% of the responding trail users indicating the trail was extremely important to their participation in their preferred activity. important 38.0 Page 28 Prairie Duneland Trail

35 Summary and Implications Follow Up Surveys Follow up mail surveys of trail users on the Portage Prairie Duneland Trail closely reflect the activity and user characteristics found in the intercept surveys, including activity preferences. More than 6% of all respondents indicated they would participate in the same activity whether or not a trail was provided to them with the streets/sidewalks of the community serving as a secondary site for this activity. Trail users in Portage indicated a fairly advanced skill level with 93% of the respondents considering themselves to posses either intermediate or expert skill levels. This skill level is apparently reflected in the number of trail visitor days, 88 days annually on average, for respondents. Over 28% of users reporting they used the trail in excess of at least 20 days in the past year. None of the trail users surveyed were using the trail as part of an overnight or tourism experience to Portage. None of the trail users indicated they stayed overnight or were visiting Portage primarily to use the trail. This is reflective of the fact that 43.% of the respondents learned of the trail through some form of word of mouth publicity such as friends, family or neighbors. Finally, it is important to note that the trail was seen by trail users as a very important part of an active lifestyle. Over 80% of all respondents indicated the activity was of significant importance to them, and that the trail was as important to their continued participation. In conclusion, trail users are very committed to use of the Prairie Duneland trail, and see it as an important part of their participation in their chosen activity. All trail users surveyed were apparently local residents who felt the trail was very important to their activity level and continued participation. Prairie Duneland Trail Page 29

36 Trail User Attitudes and Lifestyles Survey Question: Overall, how satisfied are you with this trail? Table 3: Satisfaction With Trail Level of Satisfaction Very Unsatisfied 0.0 Somewhat Unsatisfied 0.8 Neither Less or More Satisfied 2.3 Somewhat Satisfied 20.2 Very Satisfied 56.6 It's Perfect 20.2 The responses to this question indicated considerable satisfaction with the Portage trail. Almost % of the respondents indicated they were very or extremely satisfied with the trail. It is interesting to note that only 0.8% of trail users expressed any level of dissatisfaction with the trail. Survey Question: Has using this trail affected your view of the area or city? Table 32: View of City Affected By Trail View of City Yes 65.2 No 34.8 Over 65% of respondents indicated the Prairie Duneland trail has improved their view of the city of Portage. More favorable 55.8 Much more favorable 44.2 Much less favorable 0.0 Less favorable 0.0 Page 30 Prairie Duneland Trail

37 Survey Question: I would prefer to spend more time on the trail if I could. Almost 85% of all trail users responding to the follow up survey indicated some degree of desire to spend more time on the trail with more than one-fourth of respondents strongly agreeing with a desire to spend more time on the trail. Table 33: Desire to Spend More Time More Time Strongly disagree 0.0 Disagree less.5 Somewhat disagree.5 Neither disagree or agree 2. Somewhat agree 2.3 Agree more 3.8 Strongly Agree 25.8 Survey Question: The time I spend here could just as easily be spent somewhere else. More than 56% of respondents indicated that the time they spent on the trail could not be easily spent somewhere else. Table 34: Respondent Opinion Toward Utilizing Time Spent on Trail Elsewhere Time Could Be Spent Elsewhere Strongly disagree 5.2 Disagree less 22.0 Somewhat disagree 9. Neither disagree or agree 8.2 Somewhat agree 8.2 Agree more 3.0 Strongly Agree 3.8 Prairie Duneland Trail Page 3

38 Survey Question: A major reason I now live where I do is that this trail is nearby. Table 35: Trail User Opinion on the Trail As a Major Reason for Location of Domicile Live Here for Trail Strongly disagree 28.2 Disagree Less 6.8 Somewhat Disagree 5.3 Neither Disagree or Agree 9.8 A majority of trail users (60.3%) indicated that the trail is not a major reason for their current choice of residential location. Somewhat Agree 9.9 Agree More 3.8 Strongly Agree 6. Survey Question: I am very attached to this trail. Table 36: Trail Users Indicating Their Attachment to the Prairie Duneland Trail Attached to Trail Strongly Disagree.5 Disagree Less 3.8 Somewhat Disagree 3.0 Neither Disagree or Agree 23.3 Somewhat Agree 23.3 Trail users indicated some degree of attachment to the Prairie Duneland trail with over 68% of respondents stating they are attached to the trail at some level. Agree More 9.5 Strongly Agree 25.6 Page 32 Prairie Duneland Trail

39 Survey Question: I find that a lot of my life is organized around this trail. Approximately 25% of trail users indicated that their lives were organized around the trail, with about onefourth of respondents indicating a neutral response. A large percentage of trail users responding (49.6%) disagreed in some form with the statement that their life was organized around the trail. Table 3: Trail Users Indicating That Their Life is Organized Around the Trail Organized Around Trail Strongly Disagree 9.5 Disagree Less 5.8 Somewhat Disagree 4.3 Neither Disagree or Agree 24. Somewhat Agree 6.5 Agree More 4.5 Strongly Agree 5.3 Survey Question: No other trail can compare with this one. Trail users seem to indicate that other trails either compare favorably to the Prairie Duneland trail or are neutral in their comparisons. Table 38: Trail Users Opinion Toward Prairie Duneland Trail in Comparison to Other Trails No Trail Compares Strongly Disagree 3.0 Disagree Less 8.9 Somewhat Disagree.9 Neither Disagree or Agree 30.9 Somewhat Agree 5.4 Agree More 5. Strongly Agree 8. Prairie Duneland Trail Page 33

40 Summary and Implications Follow Up Surveys Trail User Attitudes and Lifestyles Prairie Duneland trail users overwhelmingly indicated they were satisfied with the trail and that their view of Portage, as a community, was positively affected by the trail. 65% of trail users indicated this high level of satisfaction and positive view of the area making their overall attitude toward the community more favorable. Trail users were enthusiastic about their desire to spend more time on the trail. Nearly 85% of responding trail users indicating some degree of desire to spend more time on the trail with over 55% of the respondents indicating the time spent on the trail as important. Reflecting this enthusiasm, over 68% of the trail users responding to the follow-up survey indicated they are attached, to some degree, to the Prairie Duneland trail. The Prairie Duneland trail was a factor in organizing about 25% of trail users lives, although the majority of trail users responding disagreed with this concept. In addition, over 60% of the trail users indicated that trail location did not affect their current choice for residential location. In conclusion, Prairie Duneland trail users are overwhelmingly satisfied with the trail and it positively effects trail users attitudes toward the community and their lifestyles. Page 34 Prairie Duneland Trail

41 Trail User Satisfaction and Benefit Opinions Survey Question: Indicate how important the following issues are to you with a being not at all important and being extremely important. Not At All Important Important Table 39: Trail User Rating of Issues By Importance Issue Mean Importance Rating By and large trail users responding to the survey indicated that all of the factors at the right were important. They considered historic points of interest and congestion to be less important. A mean rating of 4 would be neutral, with higher mean ratings being more important, and lower mean ratings being less important. Personal safety Trail Maintenance Safe road/stream intersections Trail vandalism Natural surroundings Drinking water and toilet facilities Adequate access points Reckless behavior of trail users Quiet settings Adequate ranger/safety patrols Not At All 6.38 Not At All 6.28 Not At All 6.2 Not At All 6.9 Not At All 6.08 Not At All 5.95 Not At All 5.8 Not At All 5.5 Not At All 5.64 Not At All 5.35 Parking facilities Not At All 5.30 Rough trail surface Not At All 5.23 Maps, signs, and trail information Not At All 5.08 Proximity to home/office Not At All 5.0 Narrow trail width Not At All 4.98 Crowded conditions, congestion Not At All 4.49 Historic points of interest Not At All 4.38 Prairie Duneland Trail Page 35

42 Survey Question: Indicate how satisfied you are with the trail and its management. Indicate how satisfied you are with the following issues with a being no at all satisfied and being extremely satisfied. Not At All Satisfied Satisfied Table 40: Trail User Ratings of Issues By Satisfaction Issue Natural surroundings Quiet settings Adequate access points Personal safety Proximity to home/office Rough trail surface Narrow trail width Crowded conditions, congestion Trail Maintenance Parking facilities Reckless behavior of trail users Safe road/stream intersections Maps, signs, and trail information Historic points of interest Trail vandalism Adequate ranger/safety patrols Drinking water and toilet facilities Mean Satisfaction Rating Not At All Not At All Not At All Not At All Not At All Not At All Not At All Not At All Not At All Not At All Not At All Not At All Not At All Not At All Not At All Not At All Not At All By and large trail users responding to the survey indicated that all of the factors at the left were satisfactory on the Portage trail. The lowest rated factors were drinking water and toilet facilities, and adequacy of ranger/safety patrols. A mean rating of 4 would be neutral, with higher mean ratings being more satisfactory, and lower mean ratings being less satisfactory. Page 36 Prairie Duneland Trail

43 Chart : A Comparison of Importance and Satisfaction Factors on the Prairie Duneland Trail Importance-Satisfaction Comparison for Prairie Duneland Trail The chart at the right displays the combined mean scores for trail importance and satisfaction factors on a 2-axis grid. IMPORTANCE 5 Concentrate Here Maintenance Personal Safety Natural Vandalism Water Surroundings Reckless Adequate Access Quiet Parking Safety Surface Maps Proximity Width Crowded Historic Safe Intersections Keep up the Good Work 3 Low Priority Possible Overkill 3 5 ADJUST SATISFACTION Analysis Notes Importance/Performance (I/P) analysis provides organizations with a "snapshot" of how important various factors are to clients or customers, and how well the organization is performing. In this case, the I/P analysis modified terms slightly to measure trail user ratings of importance and satisfaction with various factors along the Prairie Duneland Trail. Significant findings of concern would be identified in this I/P analysis if any of the plotted mean values of importance and satisfaction from Tables 39 and 40 were located in the upper left hand quadrant of this chart; the Concentrate Here labeled quadrant. Mean values plotted in this quadrant would basically be defined as important to trail users, and rated as a less than satisfying aspect of the trail. Prairie Duneland Trail Page 3

44 Survey Question: Please rank the importance of the following great public benefits with being not important and being extremely important. Table 4: Trail Users Mean Rating of The Importance of Public Benefits of the Prairie Duneland Trail Public Benefits Rating Preserving Open Space Not Important Important Aesthetic Beauty Not Important Important Community Pride Not Important Important Tourism & Business Not Development Important Important Alternative Transportation Not Important Important Health and Fitness Not Important Important Access for Disabled Not Persons Important Important Public Recreation Not Important Important Nature Education Not Important Important Page 38 Prairie Duneland Trail

45 Summary and Implications ---- Follow Up Surveys Trail User Satisfaction and Benefit Opinions Respondents to the Prairie Duneland trail user follow up survey indicated an overall satisfaction with the trail. Importance/Performance (I/P) analysis of various factors indicated that trail users were overwhelmingly pleased with the trail. The highest-ranking satisfaction factors for the Prairie Duneland Trail included its natural surroundings, quiet setting, proximity to home or office, adequate access points, perceived personal safety, safe road and stream intersections, quality of trail maintenance, and the trail surface. The most important factors for the Prairie Duneland trail and its management included the natural surroundings, drinking water and toilet facilities, perceived personal safety, safe road and stream intersections, adequate access points, and lack of trail vandalism. Parking facilities and crowded conditions were the least important factors to trail users falling well below the average expressed interest of respondents. The lack of importance in the former factor, parking facilities, may be reflective of Portage s size and the ease with which the community may be navigated using the Prairie Duneland trail. Finally, trail users indicated an understanding of the greater public benefits of greenways and trail development. Those greater public benefits of significant importance as expressed by trail users included positive impacts to health and fitness, preservation of open space, public recreation and community pride. In conclusion, Prairie Duneland trail users expressed a high level of satisfaction with the important factors they found in trails and greenways, including those expressed factors that are of greater public benefit. Prairie Duneland Trail Page 39

46 Trail User Problem/Safety Concerns Survey Question: Which one item listed above do you feel is the most important problem on the trail? Table 42: of Users Indicating the Most Important Problem on The Prairie Duneland Trail Problem Ranger patrols 25.3 Width 2. Historic points of interest 4. Rough trail surface 9.5 Reckless behavior.4 Congestion 6.3 Natural surroundings 5.3 Parking Facilities 4.2 Safe road intersection 3.2 It would appear that the largest percentage of respondents feel that lack of ranger patrols is the biggest problem. Maintenance 2. Vandalism. Water fountains/toilets 0.0 Access/Proximity 0.0 Signage 0.0 Quiet Setting 0.0 Shelter for weather 0.0 Page 40 Prairie Duneland Trail

47 Survey Question: Have you ever experienced any problems with other people on the trail? Table 43: of Trail Users Experiencing Problems with Other People on the Trail Users generally are not experiencing problems with other users on the trail. User Problems No 5.4 Yes 24.6 Survey Question: What types of trail users have you observed causing problems? 0.5 % of the respondents indicated that they had observed trail users who were on bikes causing problems for other users. Table 44: of User Types Causing Problems Problem Activity Bikes 0.5 Skaters 9.8 Dog Walkers 6.8 Other: Golfers, Kids, People 6.8 Runners 3.8 Walkers 3.0 Prairie Duneland Trail Page 4

48 Survey Question: Type of problems caused by trail user? Table 45: of Trail Users Observing Specific Types of Problems Problem Type Not Courteous 2.0 Blocking the Trail.3 Too Fast 4.5 Interfering 0.8 About 23% of users felt like the problems they experienced involved blocking or not courteous trail users. Too Slow 0.0 Survey Question: Were there other types of problems with trail users? Table 46: Other Problems Other Problem Occurring Yes, Other Problems Exist 0.0 No users indicated that they were having other problems. Page 42 Prairie Duneland Trail

49 Survey Question: How serious is the problem? Table 4: Seriousness of Problems 45.2% of those respondents reporting a problem indicated the problems were serious or very serious. Seriousness Not too serious 32.3 Serious 32.3 Minor/Not serious 9.4 Very Serious 2.9 Not sure 3.2 Survey Question: Have you considered not using the trail anymore because of these problems? Only 2.5% of respondents indicated they have considered not using the trail as a result of these problems. Table 48: of Trail Users Who Considered Stopping Use Because of Problems Stop Use No 8.5 Yes 2.5 Not sure 0.0 Survey Question: What is your opinion on trail congestion and crowding? 8% of trail users indicated the trail is not congested at all. Table 49: Trail User Opinion on Trail Congestion and Crowding Opinion Not congested at all 8.0 Congested.0 Not sure 0.2 Very congested 0.8 Prairie Duneland Trail Page 43

50 Survey Question: Are there enough restrooms on the trail? Table 50: Trail User Opinion on the Number of Restrooms on Trail Adequate Restrooms A majority of trail users (58%) indicated the number of restrooms on the trail is inadequate. No 58.0 Yes 42.0 Survey Question: How safe do you feel while on the trail? Table 5: Trail User Opinion on Safety of Trail Safe Safe 59.4 Very safe 29.3 Unsafe 6.0 Not sure 3.0 Very unsafe 2.3 Nearly 90% of trail users indicate a feeling of safety, to some degree, while on the trail. Only about 8.3% of trail users expressed an opinion that the trail was unsafe or very unsafe. Survey Question: Do you have any suggestions on what could be done to make you feel safer? Table 52: Suggestions To Improve Trail Safety Safety Suggestions Patrols.8 Keep high weeds/brush clear from trail paths 22.2 Although trail users indicated they feel safe on the Prairie Duneland trail (90%), a large percentage of users indicated that patrols and clearing of high weeds and brush would increase their feelings of safety on the trail. Page 44 Prairie Duneland Trail