TWO HARBORS WALKABLE COMMUNITY REPORT

TWO HARBORS WALKABLE COMMUNITY REPORT

Table of Contents Section 1: Background and Purpose...1 Section 2: Workshop Recommendations...4 Section 3: Action Items...8 This project was made possible through an in-kind grant from Arrowhead Regional Transportation Advisory Committee and a matching grant from the Northeast Minnesota Obesity Prevention Project.

Final Report SECTION 1: Background and Purpose The Arrowhead Regional Development Commission (ARDC), the Northeast Minnesota Obesity Prevention Project (NEMOPP), and Lake County Health and Human Services have joined together to complete a Walkable Community assessment of the City of Two Harbors. The goal of the walkable community assessment is to increase the physical activity among residents and visitors of the City of Two Harbors, to educate residents on using walking more as an option for basic transportation, and to increase pedestrian safety. This report will discuss the ideas and plans that resulted from a Walkable Community Workshop facilitated by ARDC and NEMOPP on October 14, 2005 in Two Harbors involving citizens from Two Harbors and members of the public health community throughout Northeast Minnesota. The objective of the Walkable Community Workshop was to assess pedestrian concerns, including Safe Routes to School, as seen through the eyes of those who are both familiar and unfamiliar with the community. The workshop produced recommendations on educational measures, maintenance practices, and physical improvements such as crosswalks, sidewalks, lighting, and neighborhood connections that could be made to make walking in Two Harbors safer and more desirable. About Walkable Communities Research has shown a link between community design and inactivity, obesity and related health problems. Recently, groups ranging from the healthcare and insurance industries to transportation planners have begun focusing efforts on ways to curb the growing problems of obesity and inactivity. Creating walkable communities through innovative planning and educating people about the benefits of walking and bicycling is just one part of achieving the goal of creating healthier communities across the nation. Walkable communities like Two Harbors provide many opportunities for pedestrians and bicyclists. Planning can help create trails like the Sonju Trail (shown above) with accessibility for strollers and memorial benches complete with informational plaques. Walkable communities are communities that accommodate all types of transportation, including cars and transit, but focus on a safe and convenient environment for pedestrians and bicyclists. People friendly accommodations might include such amenities as wide sidewalks, gathering spots, benches, aesthetic landscape treatments, bike paths and traffic calming devices. Communities that have participated in walkable community planning processes have taken steps toward becoming more walkable. Communities in Minnesota that have participated in and are successfully implementing walkable community and active living projects include Cambridge, Braham, and Isanti. 1

As the issue of inactivity and obesity continue to move the forefront of the health debate more communities will realize the benefits of innovative design and education. New opportunities and monies will become available for those communities looking to take an active role in raising the quality of life of their citizens through walkable community and other active living programs. About the Planning Process The Walkable Community planning process conducted by ARDC and NEMOPP in Two Harbors was adapted from a proven model originated by the National Center for Bicycling and Walking (NCBW) and successfully used in other Minnesota communities. The planning process involves several steps, with the community workshop being the centerpiece. The standard Walkable Community Workshop is a half-day event either held in the morning or after lunch. The program is divided into three parts: A presentation is given that has a portion dedicated to examining the obesity epidemic and the walkable community program and a portion focusing on design and planning elements that define walkable communities. A short break follows the presentation. During the second phase of the workshop the participants conduct a walking audit of a pre-selected route in their city. The audit s route is about a mile in length and is used to discuss some of the elements presented in the presentation. Participants take notes on the walkability positives and negatives that they observe along the route. The group takes another short break after returning to the meeting site. The final part of the workshop involves dividing into groups for discussions about the walkability of the community. These discussions are aided with maps of the community. Afterwards, each group shares its suggestions with all attendees. ARDC followed this model when the Two Harbors Workshop was held in October. Following the October Workshop, ARDC compiled all the suggested recommendations, researched further recommendations, and produced a report for a follow-up meeting to chart the future path of an ongoing walkability program in Two Harbors. Northeast Minnesota Obesity Prevention Project The Northeast Minnesota Obesity Prevention Project (NEMOPP) is a partnership of public health professionals from Carlton, Cook, Lake, and St. Louis Counties and representatives from Fond du Lac and Grand Portage Reservations, University of Minnesota Extension, Minnesota Department of Health, and the Community Health Board. NEMOPPs goal is to reduce obesity in the four counties by targeting unhealthy lifestyles due to physical inactivity and poor nutrition. NEMOPP conducted an environmental scan of the region to identify efforts to address obesity prevention. 2

Walkable community efforts were one of many areas that NEMOPP identified as having the potential to fight obesity trends. Walkable Community efforts were made a top priority because the group felt that it had the partnerships, resources, and potential funding sources to be successful. NEMOPP plans to complete five Walkable Community workshops in the region. NEMOPP will also start focusing on proper nutrition in future education efforts. Arrowhead Regional Development Commission The Arrowhead Regional Development Commission (ARDC) is a multi-disciplined planning and development organization whose jurisdiction encompasses the Northeast Minnesota counties of Aitkin, Carlton, Cook, Itasca, Koochiching, Lake, and St. Louis. In accordance with the Minnesota Regional Development Act, the Commission serves as an advocate for local governments in Northeast Minnesota, provides leadership in the development of projects that benefit the Arrowhead Region and serves as a catalyst to identify needs and seek solutions to issues of regional significance. This role is especially important with regard to problems and opportunities that are multijurisdictional in scope or impact. Throughout its existence, ARDC has developed numerous planning and implementation programs aimed at meeting the needs of the Arrowhead Region. ARDC s Regional Planning Division assists communities in planning for non-traditional transportation amenities such as bicycle and pedestrian trails and services. 3

Final Report SECTION 2: Workshop Recommendations Participants in the October 2005 Workshop suggested a number of recommendations for ways to make Two Harbors more walkable. The action items identified in this section are based on those recommendations and other ideas formed while researching walkable communities. Recommendations from the Workshop The following is a complete list of the ideas brought forth at the workshop. Many of the ideas will be addressed in more detail later in the section. Create a designated area for parents to drop off and pickup students at the Minnehaha School. Build a pedestrian and bicycle bridge over 7 th Avenue. Adjust traffic signal timing on 7 th Avenue to be more pedestrian friendly. Install and maintain crosswalk striping at all intersections on 7 th Avenue. Install and maintain ADA compliant curb cuts at all crossings. Install sidewalk bump outs at the Minnehaha School to reduce street crossing distances Maintain brushing and trimming of trees and bushes near intersections, alleys, and driveways. Improve pedestrian scale street lighting (i.e. light the sidewalks as well as the streets) Improve general sidewalk and pedestrian maintenance. Install crossing signals and reduced speed limits near new high school on County Road 2 (see inset this page). Designate a school bus drop-off along the high school trail so that kids can walk part way to school. Install signs near the entrances to Two Harbors declaring that the City is a Walkable Community. Install continuous lighting on trails used most by students. Progress Through Partnership! Participants in the Walkable Community Workshop held in Two Harbors in October 2005 identified installation of traffic control devices on County Highway 2 near the new Two Harbors High School as a high priority. The new high school is located outside of City limits along a busy County Highway. Participants were concerned that students making use of the trail system have to cross the busy road with out the benefit of lights, signs, or other safety measures. Several obstacles to this achieving this goal were identified including that the road was a State-Aid highway outside of City limits, meaning that Mn/DOT regulations governing speed and traffic control devices applied. Shortly after the workshop, the Lake County Highway Department announced that it had collaborated with Mn/DOT to enact reduced speed limits in the area and install programmable flashing pedestrian crossing lights and signs at the designated trail crossing. The lights will be activated during peak morning and afternoon hours and during special events. The changes will occur in early 2006. 4

Develop a dog waste clean up ordinance. Evaluate right hand turn on to 7 th Avenue at Dairy Queen. Develop and implement plan to utilize 6 th Avenue for parking and alternate route driving to reduce congestion and improve safety on 7 th Avenue. Start a walking school bus and use adult supervisors to assist crossing guards at school. Start pedestrian education program to focus on pedestrian laws, walking and biking opportunities, and health benefits. Several themes became apparent when conducting the walking audit and compiling the suggestions. First, 7 th Avenue poses a major barrier to pedestrian and bicycle activities for people of all ages, but especially children and seniors. Second, better systems need to be put in place to ensure safety for children around the City s schools, especially during peak morning and afternoon traffic periods. Third, safety, maintenance, and use regulations need to be developed for the City s sidewalks and trail system. Recommended Priorities ARDC will facilitate a discussion with the Citizens Advisory Workgroup to prioritize the recommendations that came out of the Walkable Community Workshop. ARDC recommends starting with the following action items. Some of the listed items are necessary to do first, in order to complete future items and maintain group momentum. Others represent opportunities that should be taken advantage of soon. (1) Recommendation: Establish and maintain a Citizen s Walkable Community Workgroup. Priority: High Duration: Ongoing Responsibility: ARDC and NEMOPP will assist in establishing the workgroup. The workgroup will be responsible for continuing its operations. ARDC and NEMOPP will monitor progress and assist as possible. Description: The successful establishment of a citizen led workgroup supported by ARDC and NEMOPP is the critical element for the ongoing success of the other action items and Two Harbors walkable community program. ARDC and NEMOPP will invite participants of the first walkable community workshop and other relevant stakeholders to a meeting in January 2006 where they will present a follow-up report to the workshop and assist in forming the citizen s workgroup. The workgroup will be responsible for monitoring and carrying out the action items listed in the final report. ARDC and NEMOPP will monitor and follow-up with the workgroup periodically for several months to offer guidance. If it is necessary a second follow-up meeting may be held to assist the workgroup. 5

(2) Recommendation: Establish sub-committee to work with school district to implement recommendations affecting the Minnehaha School and Two Harbors High School. Priority: High Duration: Ongoing Responsibility: Workgroup and School District Description: Several of the recommendations that came from the workshop involve pedestrian safety improvements around the Minnehaha School and Two Harbors High School. The Workgroup needs to work with the school to examine and implement solutions to the following issues: o Parents do not have a designated spot to drop off and pick up students at school. This creates congestion and safety problems during peak morning and afternoon periods. o The Two Harbors Safe Routes to School trail system is designed to be used by students. The Workgroup In a few hours this intersection will be busy with students, parents in automobiles, and school buses all vying for space. and school should work to together to promote the system to make it safe and convenient to use. o Install crossing signals near the High School. (See inset on page 3.) o Start a walking school bus pilot program in the spring semester of 2006 with plans to expand the program in 2007. o Explore using parent/adult crossing guard supervisors. o Work with school and police department to enforce bus drop zones and other safety aspects around the Minnehaha School during peak hours. o The Workgroup and school district should explore the possibility of taking part in a more complete Safe Routes to School program offered by ARDC. (3) Recommendation: Establish a Public Works sub-committee to work with the City of Two Harbors and Mn/DOT to improve pedestrian amenities, especially in the 7 th Avenue corridor. Priority: High Duration: Ongoing Responsibility: Workgroup collaborating with Mn/DOT and City of Two Harbors 6

Description: Several of the recommendations arising from the Workshop involve physical and access improvements to pedestrian amenities (sidewalks, crosswalks, signals, etc.) along the 7 th Avenue corridor in Two Harbors. 7 th Avenue is managed by Mn/DOT as part of Trunk Highway 61. The Workgroup will need to prioritize each recommendation affecting 7 th Avenue and work with Mn/DOT to discover which are feasible and when. The Workgroup and Mn/DOT should work to incorporate new pedestrian amenities with highway projects that are already planned. (4) Recommendation: Apply for designation as a Governor s Fit City Priority: Medium Duration: 3 months Responsibility: Workgroup with application assistance from City. Description: The Governor s Fit City program recognizes Minnesota cities that are committed to creating and maintaining a city environment supportive of active living. A Minnesota city making this commitment is providing opportunities for physical activity to people who live, work and play within the city. These opportunities allow people to make the choice to be more physically active (www.health.state.mn.us/fitcity, December 2005). The program is administered by the Minnesota Department of Health. Any city in Minnesota is eligible as long as it meets a number of criteria. Two Harbors is perfectly positioned to become the first City in Northeastern Minnesota to be designated a Governor s Fit City. More information about the program and criteria can be found at http://www.health.state.mn.us/fitcity/. The workgroup will be responsible for lobbying for City Council support for the designation and making sure that Two Harbors meets the qualifying criteria. Hibbing, another city in the four county area has applied and been approved late last month. 7

Final Report SECTION 3: Action Items Participants in the October workshop and other community stakeholders met again in February 2006 to discuss the recommendations made during the workshop and decide on which items to take action. Items are not listed in matter of importance. All items listed here are being pursued. Recommended Action Items (1) Action Item: Form a Fit Community Committee to promote active living and walkable community lifestyles and programs Description: Two Harbors will need a committee made up of local volunteers to promote active living programs and partnerships, act as a sponsor for grants, and to coordinate activities and information. The group, potentially called the Two Harbors Fit Community Committee, will combine several interests of walkability and active living in Two Harbors and the surrounding area. First, the group will be organized to bring together a wide variety of groups already active in the community: Bicyclists, cross country skiers, boosters of the planned trail system, tourism promoters, education and health officials, and planners. The Fit Community Committee will focus on two major areas: Recreational/physical activity infrastructure with a focus on promoting the City s planned trail system and community outreach through public awareness strategies for promoting active living programs. Funding the committee from private grant sources will allow for involvement of people who are members of the Two Harbors community but who live outside City limits. Other areas of funding will also be explored to help the Committee promote the two different areas of its mission. (See Action Item 3 Prevention Minnesota Grant for more information on funding.) Josh Bergstad and Andy Hubley from ARDC, Kevin Johnson from Mn/DNR Trails and Waterway, and Deb Kosiak from Lake County Human Services will develop the organizational structure of the committee and work with community stakeholders (2) Action Item: Hold public works and infrastructure meeting with appropriate agencies to discuss including walkable community amenities in their programming. Description: Several of the recommendations stemming from the original workshop fall into the category of public works and/or infrastructure improvements (development of the trail system falls into this category but will be addressed across several action items). ARDC has completed a list of these recommendations 8

concerning transportation infrastructure including trails, 7 th Avenue cross walk and signal adjustments, and sidewalks and discuss them with City, County, and Mn/DOT officials at a Two Harbors Transportation Meeting. The initial meeting for this Action Step was accomplished on April 3, 2006. Contact ARDC for a meeting summary. (3) Action Item: Apply for grants through Prevention Minnesota to continue active living strategies. Description: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota sponsors the Prevention Minnesota Grant Program. Prevention Minnesota focuses on the root causes of a growing number of health problems. Inactivity and unhealthy eating habits are among those root causes. The Active Community Planning Grant provides funding assistance for communities to plan for active living and healthy lifestyles through planning for environments that support active living. Attractive streets and proper signage help encourage active lifestyles. The City of Two Harbors will be applying for an Active Community Planning Grant (#499) so that the City may update its Comprehensive Plan with Active Community principals. The grant would be used to pay ARDC to staff the Fit Community Committee. The Committee will be charged with adapting this report to be an amendment to the City Comprehensive Plan, implementing these Action Items, monitoring project progress, and being a catalyst for new Active Community initiatives. ARDC, as planning staff to the City, will complete the application and submit it to the City for approval. The application is due April 28, 2006. The City will also be applying for a Communities on the Move Grant (#491) to promote increased levels of activity among community members through programs such as walking clubs or increasing the hours of use of recreational facilities. ARDC will also complete the application for this grant. This grant offers open submittal through September 29, 2006. (4) Action Item: Start public awareness campaign to encourage a healthy lifestyle and interest in walkable community programs. Description: Success of the walkable community project and turning Two Harbors into a healthy community with an active lifestyle will depend on engaging the public to become involved. First, community members need to become involved in the programs that will improve their health and wellness. Second, community members 9

must be engaged to support efforts to promote active living and secure funding sources for community wide activities. NEMOPP is currently developing a request for proposal for a local Two Harbors/Lake County organization to develop and implement a public awareness campaign. This group may also be able to act as a sponsoring fiscal agent for grants received to further walkable community activities. Initially NEMOPP will award $2,500 for these purposes. (5) Action Item: Apply for Governor s Fit City Designation to help promote the City as a walkable and healthy community. Description: The Minnesota Department of Health sponsors the Governor s Fit City Program, which recognizes cities that have taken steps to support and promote an active and healthy lifestyle for its residents. A Fit City designation will accomplish two goals: first, it will reinforce the community s commitment to promoting healthy lifestyles; and second, the designation may improve the community s chances of winning grants and partnerships. ARDC will complete and submit the application. ARDC has determined what requirements the City already meets and what needs to be done to meet additional requirements. ARDC, with stakeholders assistance, will petition the City Council for a resolution of support for the designation. More information on this action item will become available as the Fit City application process is completed. 10

ARROWHEAD REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION 221 West First Street Duluth, Minnesota 55802 Phone: 218.722.5545 Fax: 218.529.7592 For more information contact: Josh Bergstad, Associate Planner Regional Planning Division Direct phone: 218.529.7516 Email: jbergstad@ardc.org