TTAT 2020 Conference Agenda

CEUs for this session: 0.75

 

Waterloo Greenway is a 1.5-mile park system with the power to bring the entire Austin community together. Once complete, the 35 acres of connected green space – meandering from 15th St. along downtown’s eastern edge to Lady Bird Lake – will be home to a wild array of natural and cultural destinations. Amid epic gardens and rolling pathways, and a twinkling Waller Creek that links them, the environment, arts, health, and adventure will converge — and nourish authentic and uplifting experiences that reflect our city’s diversity.

CEUs for this session: 0.75

 

Fort Worth’s goal was to develop a plan for a transportation system that provides multiple choices for travel. The Active Transportation Plan (ATP) focused on walking and cycling, including connectivity between other modes such as transit. This plan integrated efforts such as the Walk Fort Worth and Bike Fort Worth plans, the Task Force on Race and Culture, Blue Zones Project, and coordination with the regional Transit Master Plan and Transit Moves Fort Worth Plan. The plan incorporated data driven analysis on comfort for people walking and biking and included special emphasis on the consequences of inequity in transportation such as pedestrian safety and included systematic transportation prioritization effort that aims to reduce infrastructure disparities.

 

Included in the plan are design guides for building a comfort based biking and walking network, community guide for temporary transformative street designs, and a manual specifically for the planning and design of trail facilities. The result is a unified citywide transportation network plan for people who walk, bike and use transit. The Plan was adopted on April 9, 2019 and won a Texas Chapter APA and Midwest Texas Chapter APA award in 2019.

 

Learning Objectives:

– Recognize how planning and engineering documents including the Master Thoroughfare Plan, Traffic Engineering Design Guide, Transit Plan, and Complete Streets Policy and Implementation Plan must seamlessly work together.

– Understand how to plan and implement transportation equity and safety goals with specific and actionable targets.

– Identify how to implement a low stress all ages and abilities bicycle network is more inclusive and will increase bicycling as a mode of transportation by reducing barriers.

 

1. Evaluate existing conditions based on the Bicycle Level of Traffic Stress and Pedestrian Experience Index analysis and use data-driven planning to identify where new facilities suitable for all ages and abilities can increase short trips.

2. Seamless integration with the City’s Complete Streets based Master Thoroughfare Plan, engineering

design guide, and the Complete Streets Policy and Implementation Plan.

3. Establishing performance measures and funding targets, especially to increase equity and improve

access in Minority-Majority Areas (MMAs) identified by the City’s Race and Culture Task Force.

4. Developing high priority projects for implementation.

5. Working with the Metropolitan Planning Organization to ensure connectivity to regional trails and transit services.

CEUs for this session: 0.5

 

This discussion will highlight current efforts by the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) to provide data and resources to advance bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure across Texas.

 

Learning Objectives:

– Identify available resources for collecting, using, and managing bicycle and pedestrian count data

– Learn about TxDOT’s efforts to address the needs of bicyclists and pedestrians in project development

– Learn about TxDOT’s efforts to modernize its bikeway design guidance

CEUs for this session: 0.75

 

Bicycling in cities is booming, for many reasons: health and environmental benefits, time and cost savings, more and better bike lanes and paths, innovative bike sharing programs, and the sheer fun of riding. This presentation offers a guide to this urban cycling renaissance, with the goal of promoting cycling as sustainable urban transportation available to everyone. It reports on cycling trends and policies in cities in North America, Europe, and Australia, and offers information on such topics as cycling safety, cycling infrastructure provisions including bikeways and bike parking, the wide range of bike designs and bike equipment, integration of cycling with public transportation, and promoting cycling for women and children. It describes ways to make cycling feasible, convenient, and safe for commutes to work and school, shopping trips, visits, and other daily transportation needs. The talk also offers a closer look at how cities both with and without historical cycling cultures have developed cycling programs over time. The presentation makes clear that successful promotion of cycling depends on coordinating infrastructure, programs, and government policies.

 

Learning Objectives:

-Clearly summarize the benefits of bicycling.

-Identify policies and programs that help promote cycling for all groups.

-Recognize the hallmarks of successful bicycling promotion.

CEUs for this session: 0.5

 

In Wellness: Are We Well?, we’ll explore the emerging Wellness Real Estate Lifestyle trend and how incorporating opportunities for regular outdoor activity – also known as Mother Nature’s Gym – can help reduce the impact of four of the major health epidemics facing American’s today.

 

The goal of this session is to get you thinking outside of the box and to catch the vision of putting people’s health at the center of planning and development. The ultimate objective is to help you create more connections within your own communities, because, ultimately, we all know that while business and industry may operate in a silo, we as humans-don’t.

 

Individuals across various industries are working to strengthen the connection between our health and the outdoors, and by working with them we can expand our influence for good. You will leave this session not only knowing what the wellness trends are, but with a few concrete examples and ideas that you can put into action right away.

 

Melanie Webb, a former wildlife biologist and personal trainer-turned outdoor wellness guide, will lead this session. Working at the intersections where health and wellness meet the outdoors for the last 20 years, Melanie will guide you as you describe the health and wellbeing of your community, examine your organizational approach and identify potential partners in various industries, and outline an outdoor fitness retreat for your neighborhood or community.

 

Learning Objectives:

– Describe the current health epidemics facing your community and the hurdles to overcoming them.

– Name potential individuals and business partners in the health and wellness and outdoor recreation industries who you can collaborate with to host an outdoor fitness retreat in your city.

– Outline a 3 – 4 hour outdoor fitness retreat in your community or neighborhood. Start by identifying the who, what, when, where, why, and how.

 

Participants will be invited to demonstrate their understanding of the concepts presented in the session by writing and submitting a one-minute paper. The paper will describe their vision of the most epic, no-holds barred outdoor fitness retreat serving the greatest number of people in their community.

CEUs for this session: 0.75

 

Bike or scooter virtually to partners throughout the San Antonio community to discover places and destinations downtown. Learn about tactical urbanism and how you can pilot your next pop-up space. A little goes a long way in showing how a community can create spaces for people and make their business or neighborhood stand out with their flair in design! We will virtually go to businesses and neighborhoods that share common interests in making safe and vibrant spaces in San Antonio and create a pop-up space of our own with a local partner.

 

Learning Objectives:

– Learn the feasibility of creating simple spaces on their own or with businesses

– Learn about tactical urbanism and how it can change/improve a community

– Learn how to propose pop-ups and make a permanent structure in their city

 

We will virtually travel to multiple destinations to see where tactical urbanism can be applied. View how partnerships in the community can help create a larger picture of a vibrant and safe space or destination for people to travel and find. As a group we will create our own space/s with local partners and view how it can be set in any city knowing limitations of cost, time, and space. Using simple construction and artistic ideas there will be: brainstorm session, drawing up plans, estimated cost analysis, and execution on property of pop-up design/s.

CEUs for this session: 0.5

 

The cities in Cameron County began working together a few years ago to develop and plan a 428 mile network of trails (on road, off road, on water) that connects them to each other as well as to the most treasured environmental and historic sites in the county. The “Active Plan” now has been named the “Caracara Trails” and continues to build momentum with public support, a national endorsement, aggressive grant writing, a Project Manager and strong coalition participation. Not sitting on the shelf, the Plan is “living and growing”. Join us in hearing about updates and progress in our region.

 

Learning Objectives:

– Learn the value of working together towards a plan.

– Learn how to include multiple goals when developing a plan for a trail network and alternative active transportation.

– Learn how not to be paralyzed by the lack of funds but rather learn how much can be done before identifying funds.

 

Learners will listen to the Caracara Trail Plan history and progress and via discussion and video should be able to consider trail planning in their own areas.

CEUs for this session: 0.25

 

Did you know the Texas Department of Transportation is a world leader in providing bat habitat? Join us at this session to learn about this program and more that TxDOT does to protect and enhance Texas’ natural and human environments as part of the state’s transportation program. TxDOT is partnering with organizations across the state to share stories of environmental excellence. This session will explore the ways that TxDOT interacts with the environment and how you can be involved in our environmental initiatives. Learn more about our wildflower programs, bats in bridges, historic roads, and wildlife crossings. Discover ways that your organization can partner with TxDOT to tell these stories along our state’s trails and parks.

 

Learning Objectives:

– Describe the ways that TxDOT protects and enhances the natural and cultural environment of Texas.

– Discuss additional ways that transportation projects can incorporate environmental protections and enhancements.

– Identify ways that TxDOT can partner with trail and bike organizations to help tell environmental stories.

 

At the end of the presentation, TxDOT will lead a discussion among participates about ways that we can work together on projects related to the environment. Participants may brainstorm ways that trails and other projects can incorporate environmental enhancements, and also discuss how any interpretive signage can discuss larger environmental programs. In addition, TxDOT will present a case study with how the agency worked with the City of Austin to build a trail near a historically African-American baseball field and helps interpret that history to users of the trail.

CEUs for this session: 0.5

 

Cyclists nationwide are requesting bicycle facilities that are not merely “there,” but also tailored to users. San Antonio bike infrastructure exhibits a wide range of protection and comfort. Some basic bike facilities require design upgrades to move from “almost” to “exemplary.”

 

A representative of San Antonio Transportation & Capital Improvements will share experiences from a comprehensive bike GIS data update in 2019. The activity begins with a presentation summarizing common pitfalls of “almost” facilities, such as narrow widths and driveway conflicts. The presenter will equip participants with techniques for reaching “exemplary” quality and will explain challenges associated with each upgrade.

 

Finally, participants will tackle examples of basic-level bike infrastructure in San Antonio by proposing design improvements. They will sketch over images of existing facilities in a group context. The workshop concludes with a discussion of lessons learned, referencing several bike design success stories in San Antonio.

 

Learning Objectives:

– Identify features of basic-level bicycle facilities that cause difficulty to users.

– Discuss physical upgrades to increase quality of bicycle facilities.

– Select design solutions based on value-added and trade-offs.

 

Workshop participants will sketch improvements to real-world examples of basic bicycle facilities. They will discuss their solutions in a group setting.

CEUs for this session: 0.5

 

You’ve created a great strategy to enhance active transportation in your community, and you know where to start. But how do you fund those first great projects? Or how do you fund another phase to extend the trail or protected lanes that are proving to be wildly successful? The presenters will discuss a series of funding strategies successfully employed by case study communities to get their active projects going.

Funding can range from local bond initiatives, to developer driven implementation, to pursuing federal funds through state.

 

Some strategies are unique and take special conditions. Others are available to all communities, but are highly competitive and take a well-thought out initiative. And others need to tap into special conditions in your region or community, such as a desire to address health and increased physical fitness issues.

 

Learning Objectives:

– Identify the range of potential funding strategies that can be considered as options in their communities.

– Describe opportunities to address local issues and piggyback additional active transportation benefits onto that funding.

– Summarize key requirements and strategies to make their funding requests more attractive.

 

Participants will be presented multiple case studies as examples of both successful and partially successful funding initiatives. Discussions between panel members will help clarify key points. Multiple opportunities for presenter and audience questions regarding funding strategies in audience communities will be used to help build a strong understanding of what it takes to successfully apply for external funding.

CEUs for this session: 0.75

 

To record, identify, and describe on-the-ground examples of pedestrian infrastructure and challenges in San Antonio as experienced during a virtual urban thru hike of the City.

 

Learning Objectives:

– Recognize the needs of pedestrians with different objectives (commuters, tourists, exercisers, etc.)

– Identify infrastructure that helps and hinders pedestrians in San Antonio

– Give examples of ideas to take back to other cities

 

Participants will join Liz on a virtual curated section of the San Antonio Urban hike, which will be used as a case study for a broader look at the city pedestrian experience as a whole.

CEUs for this session: 0.75

 

To record, identify, and describe on-the-ground examples of pedestrian infrastructure and challenges in San Antonio as experienced during a virtual urban thru hike of the City.

 

Learning Objectives:

– Recognize the needs of pedestrians with different objectives (commuters, tourists, exercisers, etc.)

– Identify infrastructure that helps and hinders pedestrians in San Antonio

– Give examples of ideas to take back to other cities

 

Participants will join Liz on a virtual curated section of the San Antonio Urban hike, which will be used as a case study for a broader look at the city pedestrian experience as a whole.

CEUs for this session: 0.5 (when combined with The Great Springs Project video)

 

In the first part of this session, Bill Barker will discuss how an off-road trail has many human health benefits. Mental and physical health benefits accrue from just being in nature, from active transportation, and from having a pathway away from motorized traffic. To the extent that the path user is displacing motorized travel, additional health benefits accrue to others in the community as well as the surrounding ecosystems.

 

Learning Objectives:

– Identify the mental and physical health benefits from off-road trails

CEUs for this session: 0.5 (when combined with The Amazing Layers of Health Benefits of Off-Road Trails)

 In the second part of this presentation, Bill introduces The Great Springs Project which, through partnerships and bold initiative, is creating a network of springs-to-springs trails and protected natural areas of the Edwards Aquifer between San Antonio and Austin.

 

Learning Objectives:

– Identify the scope, location and benefits of The Great Springs Project

– Name the 4,000 year old White Shaman cave painting that could be an early vision of this springs-to-springs trail

 

After the second presentation and subsequent question/answer period, the presenter would appreciate feedback.

CEUs for this session: 0.5

 

“Planning Through A Pandemic” discusses the ways in which COVID-19 has accelerated some of the changes necessary to make the world a healthier and safer place. Through a series of recent projects, the team at Able City reimagines citizens’ interaction with public and private space in the middle of a pandemic. In this presentation, they will discuss how a mix of active transportation, viral mitigation, and active building design can help citizens transform their interaction with their cities, their built environment, and prepare our places for a safer return in a post COVID world.

CEUs for this session: 0.75

 

Blue Zones Project is a community-wide well-being improvement initiative to help make healthy choices easier for everyone in Fort Worth. A vital part of Fort Worth’s Healthiest City Initiative, Blue Zones Project® encourages changes in our community environment that lead to healthier options.

 

When our entire community participates – from our worksites and schools to our restaurants and grocery stores – the small changes contribute to huge benefits for all of us: lowered healthcare costs, improved productivity, and ultimately, a higher quality of life.

 

Learning Objectives:

– The secrets to longevity: The research found by National Geographic Fellow Dan Buettner about the longest lived people in the world and their enviroments.

– Implementation: How did Fort Worth create an enviroment of Well-being? Did it work?

– Outcomes & City Partnerships: What were some key changes that city planners made to improve our built enviroment.

 

Learners from this session will be able to go back with best practices on creating an environment of well-being. They will also see the economic benefits of a healthier community.

CEUs for this session: 0.75

 

The Violet Crown Trail is a planned regional trail system that originates in central Austin and travels 30 miles into the surrounding countryside. The trail ranges from a challenging sustainable natural surface trail to an improved surface multi-use trail that connects neighborhoods and destinations. Trail construction employs innovative techniques and crafted trail amenities. The trail is a public / private effort in construction but will be solely maintained and managed by the non-profit Hill Country Conservancy.

 

Learning Objectives:

– Sustainable trail construction designed for a variety of urban and rural environments.

– Public / private collaboration to achieve a superior trail experience.

– Using non-profits and volunteers to maintain and manage a regional trail system.

 

The Violet Crown Trail story will cover trail construction, securing private easements, working with neighborhoods, and a variety of city departments to create a community-based trail system. Following the presentation, a discussion will be held to evaluate the experience and lessons learned.

CEUs for this session: 0.75

 

 In response to the Texas Bicycle Tourism Trails Act of 2005, TxDOT conducted the Texas Bicycle Tourism Trails Study under the guidance of its Bicycle Advisory Committee. Texas Bicycle Tourism Trails (TBTT) are envisioned as a future network of long-distance bikeways that would highlight the natural, historic, and exceptional landscapes across the many unique regions of the state.  These tourism trails can be realized through collaborative partnerships among public, private, and nonprofit entities within the state.

 

Each of our Keynotes will address TBTT from their respective viewpoints, including Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis as the 2005 bill author while serving in the Texas Senate, and as a local elected official ; Rodney Franklin as TPWD Director of State Parks; and James Bass as TxDOT Executive Director.

CEUs for this session: 0.75

 

In 2019 San Antonio passed its first Climate Action & Adaptation Plan and was selected to join the American Cities Climate Challenge to deepen and accelerate efforts to promote a resilient future. The transportation sector accounts for 38% of the city’s greenhouse gas emissions inventory, with single occupancy vehicles contributing the greatest share. With a mandate to reach carbon neutrality by 2050, will the 7th largest city in the country be able to get there?

 

San Antonio identified 4 short-term transportation priorities to reach its aggressive greenhouse gas reduction and ozone attainment goals. They are to enhance public transit speed reliability and user experience; explore opportunities for a high-frequency public transit network; expand electric vehicle charging infrastructure; and augment commuter incentives with a goal of reducing vehicle miles traveled. But the city must rely on a network of strong partnerships to advance these initiatives. In this session, we will present an in-depth look at the four prioritized strategies, the pathway to climate plan implementation, challenges local government faces and the beneficial partnerships that have been formed to advance a common goal of reduced transportation consumption.

 

Learning Objectives:

– The baseline data and rationale for pursuing climate action will be explained.

– Prioritized strategies for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions from transportation consumption will be outlined.

– Roles and responsibilities of the public and private sector partners will be described.

 

Through the case study of San Antonio’s recent climate planning, participants will learn about the climate planning process, prioritizing goals and strategies, and leveraging relationships to meet the goals of a wide cross-section of constituencies.

CEUs for this session: 0.5

 

Learning Objectives:

– Learning best practices from a government bike program

– How to activate safe bike infrastructure and trails for all ages and abilities

– How to start and manage a bike program

 

Session participants will learn how Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis is bringing biking to historically underserved neighborhoods to create healthier communities with increased mobility throughout the county.

CEUs for this session: 0.5

 

Communication is critical and often the key to a successful design process. Taking advantage of advancements in data collection, mapping, 3d visualization, and virtual reality, we can get the most bang for our buck during the design phase of our trails and parks.

 

In this session, we will demonstrate the value of drones, 360 photography, and 3d to communicate our projects to our stakeholders.

 

Learning Objectives:

– Recognize the opportunities provided through technology

– Give examples of how technology helped facilitate design comprehension

– Identify challenges with adopting technology

 

Attendees will take away specific examples of the use of technology in trail and park design, and the challenged associated with applying technology in the design process.

CEUs for this session: 0.75

 

The Federal Highway Administration recently published a Bikeway Selection Guide to help practitioners select the appropriate bikeway type taking into account context, feasibility, target audiences, and planning goals. Participants will learn about the Guide, the tools provided as part of the report, and a one-day training workshop that complements the Guide (and has already been presented in El Paso).

 

Learning Objectives:

– Participants will learn about the basic components of the FHWA Bikeway Selection Guide

– Participants will learn about the importance of integrating principles of bikeway selection into the planning process

– Participants will learn about the importance of integrating project assessment and feasibility studies into bikeway selection

 

We will use a mentimeter poll to assess participants knowledge of the subject matter at the start and finish of the workshop.

CEUs for this session: 0.75

 

The new State Highway 45 Southwest (45SW) Toll is a project nearly 35 years in the making. The Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority leveraged community support and extensive stakeholder collaboration to envision and finally build this multimodal connection. The project includes a holistic trail experience that will captivate, educate, and improve users’ quality of life for generations to come.

 

On the border of Hays and Travis county, 45SW connects communities to the south to Austin’s city center. Accompanying the roadway, the 45SW Trail is a continuous 4.5-mile shared use path that provides a multimodal travel option for the community. The 45SW Trail features two trailheads and will connect with the future Violet Crown Trail, an eventual 30-mile regional trail system. While 45SW provides much needed congestion relief, it faced significant opposition due to its location within the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone.

 

Featuring about a dozen illustrative signs to educate users on the region’s history, geography, and inhabitants, the 45SW Trail places special emphasis on the Edwards Aquifer’s vital role in providing clean drinking water. In fall 2019, the Mobility Authority will launch a trail app featuring an audio guide in English and Spanish and interactive augmented reality animations.

 

This session will explain how meaningful stakeholder collaboration and partnerships ultimately created the path forward for 45SW, and how the trail uses innovative storytelling to educate the public on the same issue that almost halted the project – protecting the water entering the aquifer.

 

Learning Objectives:

– Summarize the tactics used by the agency to diffuse opposition and create advocates.

– Describe how stakeholder involvement/insight elevated the 45SW Trail experience.

– Recognize how technology can be used to further a project’s goals and reach diverse audiences.

 

Attendees should be able to identify and discuss how they could use the tactics shared in stakeholder collaboration and innovative storytelling on 45SW on future projects to resolve opposition, educate the community, and reach diverse audiences.

CEUs for this session: 0.5

 

Our transportation problems are woven into many pressing issues of the day: sedentary lifestyles, social isolation, global warming, polluted air, polluted water, and the need to move rapidly-growing populations safely and efficiently. Texas’ sprawling cities and auto-centric planning exasperate these issues. What can transportation engineering offer and what is the industry in Texas currently doing?

 

The Austin Transportation Department is working to improve the accessibility, safety, and connectivity of its transportation network. With the issues of the day in mind, we in the Active Transportation and Street Design Division are offering a piece to a more sustainable transportation network by developing multimodal facilities. What are our goals and how are we completing our work?

 

Learning Objectives:

– How is the transportation engineering industry functioning in Texas and what changes should we make

– What solutions can transportation engineering offer

– How is Austin’s Active Transportation and Street Design Division contributing

Please visit our Exhibitor booths during our “Meet the Exhibitors” session.

Texas Department of Transportation is hosting a live stream at their booth if you want to ask questions.

CEUs for this session: 0.75

 

Take an inspiring virtual bike ride on the beautiful Salado Creek Greenway, to learn about how the City of San Antonio Parks Department has implemented a phased approach to trail development, with the ultimate goal of connecting the Salado trails to the Leon Creek Greenway system at Eisenhower Park.Tour guides will narrate on a host of greenway implementation topics, such as design challenges, community engagement, land partnerships, and neighborhood connectivity. Park Police and Trail Stewards programs will also be highlighted.

 

The Howard W. Peak Greenway Trail system in San Antonio is in its 12th year of implementation, with the first ribbon cutting happening in 2008. Parks and Recreation staff have learned much about logistical and physical obstacles, community expectations, cooperative partnerships, how to avoid design pitfalls, and other issues and processes encountered in delivering a high quality outdoor recreational experience.

 

The purpose of this mobile workshop is to inspire participants to continually seek out opportunities for bike and pedestrian connectivity, partnerships, and community impact through greenway trail projects. Tour guides including Park Police, Trail Stewards, and project management staff will discuss experiences with design problem-solving, land partnerships, interaction with trail users, and new trail amenities such as emergency call boxes, bike repair stations, and wayfinding signage.

 

Learning Objectives:

– Participants from other cities will virtually experience the Salado Creek Greenway Trail system, off the beaten path of the typical San Antonio tourist. Tour guides will geographically orient participants to how the Salado and Leon Creek Greenway systems are tying many neighborhoods, destinations, and employment centers together into one system, including UTSA, student housing developments, La Cantera, the Rim, Security Service Credit Union, and several regional parks.

– Participants will see and learn first-hand about a wide variety of cooperative land partnership agreements that have allowed the continued expansion of San Antonio’s greenway trail system.

– Participants will see and learn first-hand about overcoming design challenges, adding value to trailheads with amenities such as bike repair stations and emergency call boxes, and meeting TCEQ water pollution standards.

 

Tour guides will share inspiring experiences that will give participating colleagues foresight into their own potential success and/or challenges in implementing similar trail projects and land partnerships in their own communities. Participants will demonstrate their attainment of the learning objectives by engaging in an open dialog so that the entire group will have an opportunity to gain a better understanding of ideas, experiences, issues, and potential solutions that may translate to their own professional situations. Tour guides will give specific examples, refer to maps and invite participants to discuss and think strategically about ways to overcome obstacles and collaborate for exceptional outcomes.

CEUs for this session: 0.5

 

Public multi-use trails systems have endless benefits to our communities. But the path to get to a ribbon cutting ceremony for a new trail can be fraught with challenges. For many trails, the Local Government along with their design team must traverse a sweeping tapestry of planning obstacles, design decisions, federal funding considerations, tight schedules, and even political ramifications.

 

This session will provide examples and encourage discussions on a multitude of common challenges for trails in Central Texas, many of which were faced (and overcome) in one very important mile of the Bushy Creek Regional Trail in Williamson County.

 

Learning Objectives:

– Outline and Identify numerous ramifications faced by Local Government when accepting Federal Trail Funding.

– Identify design-thinking strategies for place-based trail planning.

– Summarize and discuss common construction, environmental and political challenges when developing multi-use trails in Central Texas.

 

Learning objective examples will be provided throughout the presentation of a current and relevant case-study from presenter(s), open discussion format of Presenter’s and other Learner’s examples, and a final open discussion on the implications of these objectives in Learner’s practice, agency or policy making goals.

CEUs for this session: 0.5

 

The session will highlight a unique partnership between the region’s health foundation and traditional public entities to promote strategic regional trail planning and project implementation.

 

The session will present a summary overview of the mission of the Paso del Norte Health Foundation (PdNHF). The trail initiative grew out of PdNHF’s Healthy Eating Active Living Priority Area and created a new vision for what is now established as the Paso Del Norte Trail.

 

Session will highlight elements of visioning and the master planning effort that created the Paso del Norte Trail including the planning process, outreach, key elements of planning document, role of an advisory entity to maintain continuity of trail planning effort, and PdNHF funding of a trail project.

 

Session will also highlight details of a catalytic trail project led and funded by PdNHF for the design and construction of a 3.4 mile segment of urban trail along a drainage easement owned and managed by the local water utility.

 

Highlights will include collaboration efforts with local entities to support the project, brief overview of the historically underserved neighborhoods served by the trail, urban connectivity / recreational opportunities provided by the trail and social impact of the trail.

 

Lastly the session will highlight lessons learned from both the master planning process and the catalytic trail project.

 

Learning Objectives:

– Describe the importance of having a community health advocacy entity to lead and convene stakeholders towards the goal of developing a community trail system.

– Describe processes that can be put into place to achieve sustainability in leadership to implement a master trail plan.

– Discuss opportunities benefits and challenges in multi-partner project implementation projects.

 

Open-ended discussion questions relating to the learning objectives will be included at key points in the presentation to engage participants in a dialogue on each objective. Participants will be asked to draw on their own experiences as well as recall information in the presentation. Example questions include:

•Based on the information provided, what qualities does the Health Foundation have that helped it successfully advance the master trail alignment project?

•What processes that were put in place in El Paso for implementation of the trail would also be relevant in your community?

CEUs for this session: 0.75

 

Atlanta has the Beltline, New York the Highline. But even more ambitious than these is the D/FW area’s Regional Veloweb. Linking Dallas and Fort Worth, and many other cities throughout the greater metroplex, this regional network ultimately links more than seven million residents of the area together.

 

Conceived decades ago, it has slowly gained momemtum, and now is poised to finally link the two cities together. This session documents the history of the Veloweb, its many challenges, and ultimately how it is all coming together. A panel comprised of those who have long advocated for it, and others in local government who have helped fund it will tell us about the challenges and obstacles that had to be overcome, and how this grand vision can help transform the Dallas/Fort Worth region.

 

Learning Objectives:

– Summarize obstacles and challenges, at many levels, faced by this visionary plan.

– Identify strategies to help develop the pieces of the system and ultimately link them together.

– Recognize key ingredients from this project that may exist in participants’ communities and regions.

 

Through this one of a kind case study, participants will gain an understanding of how planning and implementing a regional scale system of such broad ambition can be achieved in their home communities.

CEUs for this session: 0.5

 

“Charlie Dundas has been building some of the best trails for over 60 years. He is gruff, hilarious, and at times professorial. His stories are fabulous and endless, and you always know exactly where he stands.” – Mike Passo, Executive Director of American Trails.

 

Learning Objectives:

– Learn about the evolution of trail building.

– Obtain a knowledge of the business a professional trail builder.

– Hear some funny but informative stories that tell a point.

 

In this keynote address attendees will probably laugh and nod in agreement. They will be definitely be educated.

CEUs for this session: 0.5

 

The Trinity Coalition is dedicated to elevating the Trinity River, its parks and forests, as one of the most valued natural assets in Texas. Our mission is to transform the Trinity River Corridor into a nationally-recognized conservation and recreation area.

 

The Trinity Coalition is supporting the Designation of 130 miles of the Trinity River by the National Park Service as a National Recreation Trail. Provide the list of goals and their status. Bring awareness to the cities along the Trinity of this project and the benefit it will bring.

 

Increase the awareness of paddling trails and river access linking it to the bike and hiking trails and other recreation. Bring more awareness to the Trinity River. With more then 50% of the population in Texas close to the river. This will be a major low cost recreation trail.

 

Create a paddling trail which will start in the DFW area and eventually extend to the Gulf of Mexico. Will increase the number and frequency on access points along with regular scheduled Clean-up projects and events.

 

Learning Objectives:

– Obtain a higher level of knowledge about the Trinity River and its Benefit to Recreation

– Become more involved in keeping the Trinity clean of Trash. Conservation awareness

– Become more involved in developing the Trinity from DFW through Houston as more then a River but a waterway for everyones enjoyment

 

During and at the end of the presentation will have a open discussion with question and answer session along with recommended input from participants.

 

We want the attendees to look at becoming involved as the project grows and expands.

CEUs for this session: 0.75

 

The purpose of this presentation will be to learn about the City of Austin’s Urban Trail Program and the challenges with reaching a wider community about trails and how to access them. This session will focus on how the City is working to encourage broader engagement and activity on trails through placemaking, wayfinding, and trail activation.

 

We’ll share a successful example of an event that highlighted the trail as a community asset and gathering space. The Austin Parks Foundation and Shoal Creek Conservancy, trail non-profits, from Austin will share examples of how they’re engaging trail users through these strategies.

 

The presentation will be followed by a question and answer period.

 

Learning Objectives:

– Identify common challenges agencies face for engaging the broader community around trails

– Outline strategies for increasing education and engagement through placemaking, wayfinding and trail activation

– Give examples of what the City of Austin and non-profit trail groups are doing in Austin to reach the community

CEUs for this session: 0.25

 

Participants will embark on a virtual tour of the UNESCO Spanish Mission, utilizing the Mission Reach Ecological Restoration and Recreation Project’s trail system. There will be an opportunity to visit 4 of the 5 Spanish Missions. The Missions are UNESCO world heritage sites. The only ones in Texas. The setting will be the beautiful San Antonio River. There will be opportunities to virtually observe native plants and wildlife, that have been brought back by the ecological restoration.

 

Learning Objectives:

– Identify native flora and fauna

– The relationship between the River and the Missions will be explained

– There will be opportunity to discus impact of the project on our city

 

Attainment of learning objectives will be obtained through in depth discussion on the observations and interpretation during the virtual tour of the missions and trails. This is an opportunity to learn how this sort of ecological initiative can be of use to other communities.

CEUs for this session: 0.5

 

San Antonio is the 7th largest city in the United States. With a big city, comes even bigger challenges. Learn from Vision Zero San Antonio on the innovative solutions they have implemented to achieve the goal zero roadway fatalities.

 

Learning Objectives:

– Utilize a system analysis and prioritization method to maximize benefits with limit funding

– Identify the most dangerous roads in your city for pedestrians and how to create a report that can be used by city officials and the public to formulate solutions

– Adopt a Vision Zero initiative for your city and learn the steps on how to do so

 

The second half of the session will be a QA/discussion format where participants can discuss the methodology that Vision SA uses to address their dangerous streets or share what their city initiatives are currently doing.

CEUs for this session: 0.5

 

Fostering a culture of health requires a shift in collective consciousness that can only be achieved through collective impact. Uniting communities around wellness will not only promote positive health outcomes, but also encourage initiatives for regional success.

 

In the Texas Rio Grande Valley, families struggle with some of the highest rates of poverty, chronic disease, and related mortality that exceed those in most other regions of the state and the nation. It is also a vibrant border region, with a bicultural tapestry that weaves together the traditions, history, language, and food of both Mexico and Texas in an attractive Gulf coast setting, unique natural resources, and semi-tropical climate that draws visitors from the north and the south.

 

Recognizing this dichotomy, the community-wide campaign, Tu Salud Si Cuenta, is a health promotion and behavioral science-based program focused on empowering low-income, uninsured individuals to achieve their healthy lifestyle goals. By subcontracting municipalities to implement this model for community wellness, we create a network of stakeholders engaged in promoting healthy lifestyles while reducing chronic illness.

 

Participants will learn how municipal partnerships can lead to initiatives that improve health outcomes, link communities, generate new economic opportunities, diversify the local tourism market, and build a unified effort to achieve overall wellness.

 

Learning Objectives:

– Recognize how partnerships between municipalities and academic institutions can improve health equity in communities

– Discuss the benefits of collaboration between academic public health institutions and municipalities

– Identify municipalities and academic institutions for potential partnership in their programs.

 

Participants will discuss how municipal partnerships can lead to initiatives that improve health outcomes, link communities, generate new economic opportunities, diversify the local tourism market, and build a unified effort to achieve overall wellness.

CEUs for this session: 0.5

 

The Red Line Parkway Initiative was founded in 2017 to support a 32-mile linear park along an existing commuter rail line in Austin. We will discuss the full cycle from conception through the present, and our plans for implementation and growth. The session will cover:

* An overview of our current plan for the Red Line Parkway;

* Organizational start-up steps, including beginning with what we had;

* An overview of our initial prospectus, i.e. our business plan;

* Implementation challenges, including coordination among government entities, engineering constraints, and trail funding;

* Successes and lessons learned in our first six months with paid, professional staff;

* Our plans for the next few years of the organization and the parkway.

 

Learning Objectives:

– Identify signature trail opportunities in your area and complete initial feasibility research

– Develop your organization’s plan

– Secure your initial organizational resources, and build strong and broad support for your trail and organization

 

Be able to:

* Recognize significant trail opportunities;

* List several components or amenities that differentiate a signature trail, greenway, or parkway from a simple trail project;

* Assess the feasibility of your trail opportunity or identify visionary experts who can do so;

* Put together your prospectus (business plan) that will attract initial donor and stakeholder interest, based on your initial ideas, knowledge, and information;

* Describe several major steps to create your signature trail project, in the role as a civic advocate;

* Describe your nonprofit’s role in creating a successful trail, for varied audiences: prospective major donor, government staff, elected official, resident stakeholder, peer organization, other local advocates, prospective grantor, and your friends and colleagues.

CEUs for this session: 1.0

 

When it comes to fostering and embracing Active Transportation, Texas has come a long way. In many ways, we’ve learned from other cities, states and even countries, and what they have done and how they got there. From the days where trails were frequently vilified as conduits for crime, where bicycle infrastructure was a “route” on a map, where sidewalks were an afterthought because, well, we had to, Texas is now poised to lead the charge when it comes to active transportation and active living.

 

But are we there yet? What is the “state” of our state when it comes to active transportation? Are Texans truly embracing the true integration of walking and bicycling as a better way to think of transportation?

 

This session provides a snapshot of what is happening today across our very large state. From north to south, from El Paso out west to the urban core of Houston, we’ll showcase the tireless efforts of champions out there, the behind the scenes work of many communities, and the progress that is being made every day. This comprehensive look will help open our eyes to what is being done, but also highlight the challenges that we still have before us.

 

Learning Objectives:

– Provide summaries of many approaches to kickstarting active transportation initiatives that have taken place across Texas, and key lessons learned.

– Help attendees identify conditions in their communities that can fast-forward active transportation initiatives.

– Attendees will recognize challenges and solutions that have been used in other communities and build an understanding of how to apply those in their communities.

 

Attendees will be provided with brief summaries of a variety of stories from across Texas. Through case studies, interaction with participants, easy to understand facts and statistics, images, and maps, attendees will be able to recognize and identify key opportunities and challenges in their communities. To illustrate these opportunities and challenges no matter where they are located, a variety of agencies and community size case studies will be included, ranging from large MPO’s and Councils of Government, to large cities, to smaller rural areas and even counties.

Please join us for a wrap-up of the day, followed by Happy Hour!

We hope some of our speakers will join us for a free-flowing discussion.