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The Wildcat Creek Walk of Excellence (WCWE), Phase III, is a project to construct, and acquire right-of-way for, a trail designed to serve a wide variety of users, including pedestrians (walkers, joggers & runners), bicyclists, rollerbladers and cross-country skiers. The full length of the trail will have a width of 12 feet, with a variable width of development ranging from 50 feet to 100 feet, as appropriate. The trail will be designed to accommodate persons with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
The general character of the greenway is envisioned to provide a natural recreation and interpretive experience within an urban setting. While some views along the trail and creek are more urban than pastoral, one’s immediate surroundings along the trail can provide an array of recreation opportunities in a re-naturalized environment. New masses of tree plantings and a remediated creek bank, well-defined connections to parks and other points of interest along the way, and ADA accessibility will all contribute to a satisfying activity in the heart of Kokomo. The trail will have access for local and regional users to upscale historic neighborhoods, working class areas and the central business district – all are welcome!
WCWE has connections to the nearby, proposed Silk Stocking Historic Neighborhood Trail, with its historic and cultural points of interest. WCWE has neighborhood linkages and trail loops, as well as connections to other proposed greenways. Click for sequence plan map.
While the project is part of a 50-mile county greenway system concept involving 9 linked trails, the specific project for which TE funds are currently sought is a 0.43 mile segment of the overall 4.4 mile Wildcat Creek Walk of Excellence. This segment constitutes what may be referred to as Section 5-E of the WCWE trail. (Overall Vicinity Map) The overall WCWE may be considered as having 3 development phases, they are as follows:
Phase I: Sections 3-A and 4-B (construction completed in summer of 2001)
Phase
II:
Sections 1-D and 2-C
(TE application approved in 2001;
construction
anticipated in 2002;
expected to be completed before Phase III proceeds)
Phase III: Section 5-E (the southwestern section; the subject of this TE application)
After exhaustive consideration of several development scenarios with the Millennium Group Executive Committee, the WCWE greenway was divided into the 5 sections. Delineation of the 5 trail sections was based on:
(1). Existing
conditions
for trail construction;
(2). Functional
connection
to points of interest and recreational opportunities for immediate use;
(3). Overall project
costs and funding opportunities.
Each of the 5 sections has its own programmatic purpose and recreational identity within the overall trail system. Each section was assigned an alphanumeric name; the number represents the geographic location of the section (east to west), and the letter corresponds to the originally envisioned potential order of development sequence. This application covers the southwestern portion of the WCWE (south of Miller-Highland Park), specifically Section 5-E.
Information on components of the WCWE greenway is provided below:
Trail Surface:
The majority of the trail is specified to be
10 feet wide asphaltic concrete surface over compacted granular base.
(Phase
III, will be 12 feet wide.) There are limited portions of phases
I and II where a 10 to 12-foot construction width is not possible, due
to space. In any such instances, a paved walk with a width of
perhaps
6 to 8 feet is being substituted. All trail sections are being
constructed
to ADA standards.
Lighting:
This is an important element of the greenway’s
function, public safety and aesthetics. The consensus of the
Millennium
Group Executive Committee involved with this project is to use
attractive
but reasonably affordable steel poles with shatter-resistant fixtures
in
the range of 12 to 14 feet tall. These poles are designated to be
placed 150 feet apart on center, which provides nominal overlap.
Accessories:
Amenities such as benches, trash receptacles,
drinking fountains, etc., are being provided in appropriate
locations.
These are designed to be attractive and pragmatic, with specifications
to provide a unified appearance to the greenway.
Trees and Vegetation:
A specific planting plan is being developed to
detail and specify quality vegetation along the trail. In
general,
indigenous species of trees found in the bottomland areas are being
planted
in clusters to allow more mass and to allow views of the creek.
Tree
planting in defoliated areas along the creek bank is concentrated with
concurrent bank cleanup and appropriate understory revegetation of
grasses
and shrubs. In appropriate areas, we are planting Indiana
wildflowers
to provide a natural, original Hoosier flavor, fitting in the “City of
Firsts.” Phase III of the Wildcat Creek Walk of Excellence will
continue
this Indiana wildflower theme in appropriate locations.
Bank protection and stabilization: During trail construction, all areas of disturbance will utilize proper erosion control measures to avoid vegetation loss along the creek. Where appropriate and allowable in the floodplain, we will employ regrading to lessen steep slopes prior to replanting. Use of concrete materials, such as gabions, will be avoided.
Trailhead parking:
A strategic location at the south end of Phase
III, just north of Markland Avenue, will be designated for trailhead
parking.
(There is an existing parking lot within Phase I, near Fire Station No.
1, and another parking lot within Phase II, in Waterworks Park at the
eastern
trailhead for the WCWE.) The Wildcat Creek Walk of Excellence may
also be accessed at the Kokomo Middle School and at such other linked
sites
as Foster Park, Miller-Highland Park, the McKinley School and the
Seashore
Pool (future Kokomo Beach).
Kiosks and signage:
The greenway is accessible from many street
intersections
as well as within Kokomo Middle School, the McKinley School and
connections
to Foster, Miller-Highland and Waterworks Parks. A thematic logo
and appropriate placement of directional and informational signage has
been developed for the trail and connections to areas such as the Silk
Stocking Historic Neighborhood. This was done as a cooperative
effort
involving the Parks and Recreation Department, the Main Street
Association
and others. Several kiosks are being placed at appropriate
intervals
along the trail to provide direction, informational and interpretive
signage
with narration of features along the WCWE. The kiosks
themselves
are designed as 10 to 12-foot diameter gazebo-type or plaque and
overhead
canopy design with lighting and seating. Pedestrian warning signs
are being placed at all streets adjoining the WCWE.
All of the above design elements will be more technically detailed at the construction document stage of the WCWE Phase II and III design. Of course, we will also work proactively to adhere cooperatively to all applicable INDOT-related requirements related to design and all other project development related matters. A helpful kick-off meeting for the Phase II TE project was already held with Bruno Canzian of INDOT in October of 2001.
Details of Section 5-E
This final section of the Wildcat Creek Walk of Excellence will roughly parallel the Wildcat Creek, running along the south side of the creek from Markland Avenue on the south to Miller-Highland Park on the north. Connection to the park on the north will be via the existing sidewalk on the west side of the Phillips Street Bridge, so users of the WCWE will not cross the street at grade. The southern terminus of the trail will serve not only as the trailhead but also as an important link to anticipated future greenway development as well as Highland Park to the south of Markland Avenue. A new parking lot, kiosk (with seating and lighting) and bicycle rack will be provided there.
This section of the WCWE offers good views of Miller-Highland Park. However, Park Avenue, Markland Avenue and the transforming Continental Steel site south of Markland are areas that could detract from the recreational ambiance of the greenway. Therefore, the strip between the creek and Park Avenue is designed to be reforested as much as financially practicable to recreate the original wooded natural system present there. Signage, lighting and other standards developed for the WCWE as a whole will be used in Phase III to effectively integrate this section into the overall project’s appearance and theme.
A strong feature of WCWE Phase III is its present and future connectivity benefits. To the north, the connection to Miller-Highland Park is very appealing. This park area is home to a variety of recreational opportunities for adults and children, including the extensively used UCT Baseball Park. This trail section also provides a safe and convenient link to the McKinley School. WCWE Phase III is linked to the school via WCWE Phase I, as the trail passes safely under the Philips Street Bridge, allowing children and other persons to avoid busy north-south traffic on Phillips Street. This linkage also “opens the door” to all the other features of Phases I and II of the Wildcat Creek Walk of Excellence. To the south, WCWE Phase III is anticipated to provide a future link to the redeveloped Continental Steel property, and ultimately Highland Park, home to a number of recreational, cultural and historic opportunities. Photos of Proposed Area.
As done with Phases I and II, positive discussions have been held concerning donation of right-of-way for Phase III of the Wildcat Creek Walk of Excellence. A key property owner has affirmed an intent to donate the needed property for the trail. This local business recognizes the many benefits this walk will provide, including recreational, fitness and utilitarian opportunities for the company’s many employees, nearby.
Kokomo is a small city in north central Indiana with a population of about 50,000. Like many similar midwestern communities its size, Kokomo has to deal with growing pains of suburban sprawl, central business district preservation issues, economic and demographic shifts, and the protection of its natural areas. Each such community tends to seek a unique approach to addressing these challenges.
Wildcat Creek was the primary reason David Foster settled in this location (Kokomo) during the 1840s. It has been a major resource to our community for the past 150 years. Like many creeks in many other places, Wildcat Creek has not always been treated with the respect that it deserves. However, the Wildcat still flows through town and could once again be a major focal point for our city.
It was this thought that made several community leaders listen to the challenge for the new millennium issued by Indiana’s First Lady, Mrs. Judy O’Bannon, and say “Let’s take care of the Wildcat. Let’s clean up the banks and build a walk along the creek so that people will once again be able to enjoy the beauty and peacefulness of a walk by the Wildcat.” Thus, the Wildcat Creek Walk of Excellence was born. The excitement has been building as more business and civic leaders have become more involved with the project.
In 1997, the City of Kokomo embarked on an
urban
revitalization plan. This plan effort focused on:
(1). Improved aesthetics and function for
Kokomo’s major corridors into the central business district;
(2). A comprehensive downtown master
plan.
The plan was funded by several Howard County organizations and
was prepared
in 1997 by the “Schneider Team” of Schneider Corporation, Strategic
Development
Group, Inc.,
Claire
Bennett
Associates, Inc., and Sasaki Associates, Inc.
This urban revitalization effort yielded several ideas for neighborhood and citywide improvements, among them utilizing the Wildcat Creek corridor for enhanced public recreation use and civic function. Development of the Wildcat Creek greenway system was a prime recommendation of the downtown revitalization plan, and the outgrowth of this interest is the focus of this project.
Considerable work has been done on the project to date. The Beautification Issues Group (BIG), a community umbrella group for civic and aesthetic improvements throughout Kokomo, took the lead in organizing meetings in 1997 and 1998 to discuss opportunities for defining and developing the greenway concept. Involvement and attendance for these past meetings have included Mayor James Trobaugh, the Community Foundation of Howard County, the Wildcat Guardians (a group of citizens of environmental conscience), the Chamber of Commerce, the Kokomo Main Street Association, the Kokomo Department of Parks and Recreation, and various concerned citizens.
As the vision for pursuing the greenway progressed, several respected speakers were brought in to provide direction and share experiences. Among these were Bernie Dahl, a Purdue University professor of landscape architecture, and Dan McCain, a board member of the Carroll County Wabash & Erie Canal, Inc. Subsequent meetings helped to further define potential routes and functions of the greenway, including cataloguing linkages to points of interest within the immediate downtown area.
In the spring of 1998, Purdue University’s landscape architecture program was hired to develop a conceptual plan for a greenway along the Wildcat Creek. This team generated several maps and visual simulations of what a properly developed greenway along the Wildcat Creek could look like. These designs were presented to BIG as a catalyst for future planning efforts.
As these events were transpiring, Governor Frank O’Bannon announced an action-oriented community development program called Millennium 2000. Kokomo’s newly created Millennium Task Force Project Committee designated the Wildcat Creek path as its project. This declaration elevated awareness and motivation for creek improvement projects and created an incentive for funding the design and development of the project. A subsequent Kokomo Millennium Group Executive Committee was set up to carry out related goals for the community.
In the fall of 1998, Ecologistics Limited, a landscape architecture consulting firm from West Lafayette, was hired to do a feasibility study, prepare early grant applications and a master plan, and then prepare construction documents and specifications for the first section of the greenway. These activities were done under the direction of Senior Associate Bernie Dahl, ASLA. The Board of Directors of the Community Foundation of Howard County made a grant for the feasibility study. The Urban Enterprise Association of Kokomo, Inc., made a generous grant to underwrite the master plan and the drafting of the construction documents and specifications.
In order to pursue additional funding for the greenway, Ecologistics Limited performed the necessary site base mapping and project pre-planning for a Recreational Trails Program (RTP) grant. The Department of Natural Resources approved a $100,000 Recreational Trails Program grant in 1999. As the scope of work for the project became more defined in early 1999, a contract was signed with Ecologistics Limited for preparation of a master plan graphic package and report. Key stakeholders (including the Millennium Group Executive Committee) were identified, and meetings were held from late winter through the summer of 1999. These meetings provided project input and feedback, identified feasible parameters of construction and timelines, and helped coordinate future public promotion and development of the Wildcat Creek Walk of Excellence project.
The City of Kokomo Department of Development and the Community Foundation of Howard County have also since successfully applied for several hundred thousand dollars from both the Build Indiana Fund and Lilly Foundation. All of this has helped get early phases of the project started, but there is much more yet to be accomplished, and considerable additional funding is needed to make the dream a reality.
Official groundbreaking for the first phase of the WCWE, sections 3-A and 4-B, occurred in October of 2000. Construction advanced at an aggressive rate, and Mayor James Trobaugh dedicated WCWE Phase I at a ceremony in Foster Park on June 2, 2001. Other honored speakers included Jayne Stites, Program Director for “Indiana 2016” of the Office of the First Lady, and Mike Karickhoff, Kokomo Parks and Recreation Superintendent. Despite brisk weather, the ceremony was attended by hundreds, including State Representative Ron Herrell, City Councilwoman Cindy Dunlap, Community Foundation President Ron Harper, Development Corporation President Greg Aaron, Plan Commission Director Glen Boise, Coordinating Council (MPO) Director Larry Ives, and many other important members of the Kokomo-Howard County community. This event was coupled with a special Wildcat Creek cleanup day. Much was accomplished and realized on this day. Dedication Photos
Earlier this year, the Indiana Department of Transportation approved Transportation Enhancement funding for Phase II of the Wildcat Creek Walk of Excellence. This community is very grateful for this TE award. This new 1.6-mile segment of the trail will truly build on the strong momentum from Phase I. Judging from the early popularity of the newly opened Phase I, this next Phase II project will be a very beneficial addition for this community.
WCWE Phase II preparations are already underway. An organizational/planning meeting was held in October between Bruno Canzian of INDOT, Kokomo Parks and Recreation Superintendent Mike Karickhoff, an MPO planning staff member and a design/plan specialist for the city. At this meeting, Mr. Canzian clearly communicated INDOT priorities and design requirements for WCWE Phase II as a TE project, and the city accepted the challenge of moving this project forward in an expeditious and responsible manner. The goal is to advance Phase II to construction by the summer of 2002, so that both Phase I and Phase II of the WCWE will be completed before Phase III may be undertaken. It is sincerely hoped that this WCWE Phase III TE funding, if successful, will allow the third and final phase, Section 5-E, to move forward and link to the first two completed sections of the Wildcat Creek Walk of Excellence.
The only landowner involved has already indicated a willingness to provide the needed land for Phase III. All that remains to be done before this project (sections 1-D and 2-C) is ready to be funded is to obtain the necessary funding and, hopefully, proceed with additional preliminary engineering, design, environmental work and land acquisition activities, according to INDOT requirements, should this application be accepted.
The Kokomo Parks and Recreation Department will be responsible for maintaining the Wildcat Creek Walk of Excellence. The detailed maintenance plan, along with associated costs, is as shown below:
The Kokomo Parks and Recreation Department has the necessary equipment and experience to maintain and assure safety of the Wildcat Creek Walk of Excellence. Because the trail has the support of the Kokomo Board of Park Commissioners and the City Administration, the necessary personnel and resources will be made available to keep this highly visible public amenity in good condition. The estimated annual cost of maintaining Phase III of the WCWE is $5,000. The department has an annual budget exceeding $ 2 million. In addition, with respect to safety, Kokomo Fire Station No. 1 is located centrally along the Wildcat Creek Walk of Excellence.
Areas of the trail that need mowing seasonally will be mowed weekly in routine routes. Trash will be removed weekly or more often if the need arises. Maintenance inspections on amenities (benches, fountains, lights, etc.) will be performed at least twice annually, and repairs will be made as required by our maintenance staff. Volunteer groups will periodically (once or twice annually) perform detailed plantings and a clean sweep litter removal. The Parks and Recreation Department’s grounds maintenance specialist will supervise these activities.
Project budget estimates are provided on a separate page (page 12 of this application), as requested. This includes a discussion of local match provisions and maintenance costs.
There was an application processed for Phase 3 of the Wildcat Creek Walk of Excellence (pending). Phase 1 was funded through local funds and special grant funds (Department of Natural Resources, Build Indiana and others). It was completed and opened by the City of Kokomo in the summer of 2001.
INDOT has approved TE funding ($490,912) for WCWE Phase II this past year. This was the first-ever TE award for the City of Kokomo. We are very grateful for this. The community is hopeful INDOT will recognize our efforts to establish appropriate phasing for the overall WCWE project and provide needed TE funds to complete the third and final phase.
Project Budget Estimates
The total cost of this project is estimated at $292,350, with $233,880 (80%) requested from Transportation Enhancement funding and $58,470 (20%) provided through local match monies. The official local funding source is the City of Kokomo. This match is assured to be set aside for the sole purposes of the Wildcat Creek Walk of Excellence project. Importantly, a local business has offered to donate a parcel of land, estimated at approximately $57,000 in value, for the trail. This should provide most or all of the local match amount. Budget details are shown below:
Item/Unit Description: Cost:
12’ Asphaltic concrete trail (1,870 l.f. @ $24/l.f.) w/4” granular
base
$44,900
Trail clearing/topsoil stripping and preparation/tree removal (as
necessary)
5,500
Seeding/bank
revegetation
4,400
Trees (100 @
$315/specimen)
31,500
1 interpretive kiosks w/reinforced concrete base, electrical
service/lighting
&
signage
18,750
1 drinking fountain and water service to
kiosk
3,750
Lighting (10 standards – 150 o/c @
$3,125/unit)
31,000
Seating (2 @
$1,250/bench)
5,000
Trail identification, directional and interpretive signage (4 @
$625/sign)
2,500
Fill and grading to meet Phillips Street Bridge
Walk
1,300
Trailhead parking lot (12,000 s.f. w/24’X100’ drive), 4” asphalt over
8”
base
37,500
Bicycle rack (1 @
$1,050/rack)
1,050
Environmental
Work
$15,000
Preliminary Engineering/Plan
Preparation
$25,000
Land Acquisition
(donation)
$57,200
Contingencies
$8,000
Total Cost $292,350
The Wildcat Creek Walk of Excellence was incorporated into the Long Range Transportation Plan for Kokomo and central Howard County (2000 to 2025 Update) in October of 2000. This project fits well within the long-range plan objective of providing alternatives to road construction while encouraging walking and bicycling in the community. In addition, Kokomo and Howard County believe this trail project, and other similar future projects, can play a valuable role in our overall strategy to keep the area’s air clean. In Kokomo and Howard County, we are most concerned with the health of our citizenry. Thus, even though this region does not currently have an air quality problem, it is our sincere intention to take proactive steps to ensure that we will always stay in attainment of all national and state air quality standards.
The current Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan for the City of Kokomo includes this special project as a priority. This project is also a key component of the Kokomo and Howard County Greenway System Concept developed by the Kokomo Parks and Recreation Department. This Concept includes a potential future system of nine connected pedestrian and bicycle trails. The establishment of the Wildcat Creek Walk of Excellence is an important step toward the realization of the overall system concept.
In addition to its transportation and recreation utility, the Wildcat Creek Walk of Excellence is valued for its role in economic development. This project has been part of Kokomo’s urban revitalization plan and specifically the downtown revitalization plan. The WCWE serves as the recreational centerpiece to an ongoing revitalization of downtown commercial and residential Kokomo. Groups such as the Chamber of Commerce, the Community Foundation of Howard County, the Kokomo-Howard County Development Corporation, the Kokomo Main Street Association and the Beautification Issues Group (BIG) have all worked in support of this project. It was a “natural” to become Kokomo’s Millennium 2000 project.
TEA-21 required USDOT to encourage the use of
youth conservation or service corps in the implementation of
Transportation
Enhancement (TE) activities, where appropriate. FHWA’s final
guidance
document (December 17, 1999) on the TE program follows through with
this
encouragement. If this project is approved, it is the intent of
the
City of Kokomo to utilize an appropriate local volunteer group that
meets
the definition parameters of 42 U.S.C. 12572 and 42 U.S.C. 12656 in our
implementation of the project. This will likely relate to
planting
and other landscaping and scenic beautification activities as well as
future
maintenance related to the Wildcat Creek Walk of Excellence. We
believe
that, as the U.S. Congress and FHWA intend, our partnership with our
local
service organization will benefit the community as well as the youth
and
other volunteers involved. This approach is being utilized for
WCWE
Phase II, and we plan to extend this arrangement for
Phase III.
Among the many other benefits of the Wildcat Creek Walk of Excellence are the following:
Provision of alternative transportation routes between urban and, ultimately, suburban developments.
The initiative to protect and enhance the natural systems along the creek and promote environmental education. (This has already been witnessed with Phase I activity.)
Access to new recreational opportunities for urban Kokomo citizens.
Direction of the proper management and vision to restore the native bottomland to prevent erosion and develop wildlife habitat.
Prevention of further degradation of the Wildcat Creek waterway through Kokomo.
Preservation of the natural integrity of the remaining green space in Kokomo and central Howard County. (This is a highlight of all phases, especially Phase III.)
Enhanced public safety, as increased activity along the trail will promote a safer environment for recreation in the community.
Public health and wellness will be served, as the attractiveness of the trail is already encouraging more people to walk, run or bicycle.
Addition of this greenway will help enhance the quality of life of this community, perhaps helping to attract more high quality businesses and industries.
The Wildcat Creek Walk of Excellence relates to the surface transportation system in several important ways. These relationships and connectivity functions are described below.
As noted earlier in this document, this project is included in the long-range transportation plan as a multi-use trail project that provides alternatives to road construction while encouraging walking and bicycling in the community. The Wildcat Creek Walk of Excellence provides alternative transportation routes between urban and, ultimately, suburban developments. This includes connections to much of the downtown street and pedestrian network and to several nearby neighborhoods (east and west of downtown) and their street and pedestrian sidewalk systems. By eventually linking to the 50-mile county greenway system concept, connection would be made to numerous urban and suburban areas.
Specific to WCWE Phase III, this new project will immediately connect businesses near Markland Avenue, Park Avenue and Phillips Street, Miller-Highland Park, the UCT Baseball Diamond and surrounding neighborhoods to origins and destinations to the east. This will be accomplished through linkage with WCWE Phase I, which connects to the McKinley School, Foster Park, the Senior Citizen Center and Downtown Kokomo. This reach of impact will be extended to more eastern locations such as the Junior High School, Kokomo Monument, Waterworks Park, senior citizen housing along Apperson Way when Phase II is constructed next summer. In addition, the south terminus of Phase III will eventually serve the redeveloped Continental Steel site and, importantly, Highland Park (south of Markland Avenue).
In addition to being an actual transportation facility itself, the Wildcat Creek Walk of Excellence is adjacent to other existing transportation facilities. The project links to the city street system in various locations. Appropriate signage will be placed at points where the greenway links with the street system, for directional and safety reasons. There are also brief segments where the trail will share its location with the existing pedestrian sidewalk system.
By the time this project (Phase III) is built, it will connect to the existing Phase I (Sections 3-A and 4-B of the Wildcat Creek Walk of Excellence) and Phase II (Sections 1-D and 2-C). Eventually, the WCWE would become part of an overall 9-trail county greenway system concept. The linkage of Phase III to Markland Avenue is important, because Markland is one of the most significant roads in the Kokomo Metropolitan Area road network.
Although the project is a transportation facility largely of recreational utility, the WCWE will have a positive impact on the transportation system in the downtown area and the street and pedestrian system linking to the downtown area. People will choose the new greenway as a pedestrian or bicycle alternative to driving to, through and within the downtown area. This may not have an overwhelming impact on vehicular traffic, but it will have some impact, providing a reasonable and attractive alternative to driving that has not existed until now. It can be expected that adults and children will also utilize the greenway to access the parks, neighborhoods and other attractions along the greenway. (This is already being witnessed on the completed Phase I segment.) This will take people off of the streets, reducing potential vehicle-pedestrian and vehicle-bicycle encounters, thus making the transportation system safer for all.
5. PROJECT’S RELATIONSHIP TO THE QUALIFYING ACTIVITY CRITERIA
Provision of Facilities for Pedestrians and Bicycles
The Wildcat Creek Walk of Excellence (including Phase III, specifically) qualifies as “provision of facilities for pedestrians and bicycles.” The projects relates to the high priority characteristics described in the INDOT guidelines as follows:
Viable transportation alternatives capable of relieving congestion and/or improving air quality, especially projects supportive of multi-modal transportation. With respect to congestion, we recognize that most pedestrian and bicycle facilities have only a limited ability to ease vehicular congestion in urban areas. Nevertheless, given the proximity of the WCWE to the downtown area, other businesses, nearby parks, neighborhoods and other attractions, this project will likely have as great a potential to relieve traffic in the area as any comparable pedestrian/bicycle trail could expect to have in Indiana. It could be anticipated that some workers would choose the trail as a means to travel to work downtown during warmer times of the year. With schools along the greenway, students may very well find the WCWE to be the safe route of choice to get to and from school each day. The trail could also be chosen as an alternative to driving for short trips to lunch and for lunchtime errands. (Users of Phase I have already been observed using the trail for short shopping trips.) The overall convenience, location and comparative attractiveness of this greenway should make it an appealing option for people in the community.
Kokomo and Howard County are not in a nonattainment situation with respect to national ambient air quality standards. Still, the Kokomo-Howard County Governmental Coordinating Council is taking a proactive posture toward air quality in the region to ensure that potential air quality problems are avoided. Accordingly, our FY 2001-2002 Unified Planning Work Program included consideration of an ozone awareness strategy, including encouragement of the use of the WCWE and other alternatives to automobile use. The GCC Technical Advisory Committee has stated its intention to revisit this issue early next year. We expect the WCWE to be a part of our strategy to keep the air clean in the Kokomo area.
This project is supportive of multi-modal transportation in several ways. First, the project is a multi-use trail, open to pedestrians, bicyclists and other non-motorized users. In addition, this trail will provide improved linkage to the Kokomo Senior Citizen Center, which is the location of the Senior Citizens Bus Service office as well as a sign-up location for the First City Rider public transit system service. Thus, encouragement and facilitation of non-highway, alternative transportation modes are clearly at the heart of the project’s purpose.
Projects requesting funding to acquire land for trails. While land will be acquired as part of this project, it is anticipated that all such needed land will be donated. Therefore, no funds are requested for the purchase of right-of-way. If INDOT decides that preliminary engineering is eligible for TE funds again for this year’s applications, and INDOT deems it appropriate to fund PE, we would be grateful for the provision of limited PE funding with respect to our project as noted in the budget detail portion. If inclusion of PE funding in the project application is not viewed positively, we would certainly be pleased to accept funding for only the construction phase, in accordance with INDOT preferences.
Multi-jurisdictional project over 5 miles in length and 12 feet wide. While this project is located wholly within the City of Kokomo, the project has the strong support of Howard County. This is important, as this greenway is part of a 9-trail, multi-jurisdictional system concept for Howard County.
This immediate project is for a 0.43-mile segment of the overall 4.4-mile Wildcat Creek Walk of Excellence plan. However, the interconnected 9-trail system concept would, in time, exceed the 5-mile criterion by a considerable length, totaling over 50 miles in trail length in Kokomo and Howard County. This Wildcat Creek Walk of Excellence project is a vital early step toward the development of the overall greenway concept in the future. Demonstration of early success with the WCWE will help in building the momentum for greenways in this region.
It is hoped that consideration will again be given to the relative size of Kokomo, which is only 6 miles in length at its greatest extreme. A 5-mile trail in Kokomo would be an undertaking of considerable scale in this small urban community. However, we believe the potential, eventual 50+ miles of trail connections throughout Howard County, as noted above, are worthy of consideration in relation to this application.
In recognition of the limitations on TE funding statewide, it seems most prudent for us to submit an application for a reasonably-sized, reasonably priced project segment at this time, rather than “stretch” the project into a 5-mile section of higher price to meet a 5-mile threshold, even though an ultimately longer trail is envisioned here. (There are more connections to come.) Therefore, while in reality the countywide system concept is far in excess of 5 miles, the application for the immediate project is less than 5 miles at this time. Inasmuch as INDOT is encouraging appropriate and reasonable phasing of projects, we believe this is the right approach for our trail system.
With respect to project width, the entire length of the proposed WCWE Phase III multiuse path is planned as 12 feet. We do not anticipate any causes to reduce this desirable width.
Projects that join or extend an existing bicycle or pedestrian facility. As noted earlier, by the time this project is constructed, it will connect to an existing trail, including Sections 3-A and 4-B of the Wildcat Creek Walk of Excellence (recently-opened Phase I) and Sections 1-D and 2-C (Phase II, to be built in 2002). Eventually, the WCWE would become part of an overall 9-trail greenway system concept in Kokomo and Howard County. In addition, the Wildcat Creek Walk of Excellence connects to the existing pedestrian sidewalk system and several parks in the City of Kokomo.
Contributes to a local or state bicycle/pedestrian system identified in the plans adopted by the appropriate governing entity. There is no state bicycle or pedestrian system in the Howard County area with which the Wildcat Creek Walk of Excellence may connect. Nevertheless, as noted above, the WCWE is intended to eventually connect with a greenway system concept of 9 trails with a total system length of over 50 miles. This extended system is included in a recent amendment to the Kokomo-Howard County Long-Range Transportation Plan Update for 2000-2025. This project also connects with the existing system of pedestrian sidewalks in the city.
Multi-use facilities usable by more than one group (i.e. hikers, walkers, runners, bicyclists of all types, cross-country skiers, skaters, horse riders, the physically challenged, families, the elderly, etc.), especially facilities serving utilitarian as well as recreational travel needs. Typically such facilities are more than 10 feet wide.
The Wildcat Creek Walk of Excellence will most certainly serve a wide variety of users, including pedestrians (walkers, joggers, runners, etc.), bicyclists, rollerbladers, skaters and cross-country skiers. This is already true of Phase I of the WCWE. The trail is being designed to accommodate persons with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). In addition, the trail will provide a link to the Kokomo Seniors Center in the Foster Park area. All are welcome to use the greenway, from children to the elderly, from single users to families. The trail’s location and many convenient linkages (to parks, the middle school, neighborhoods, downtown and other businesses and government offices, etc.) make it well suited to serve recreational as well as utilitarian travel needs. As noted earlier, Phase I is already facilitating short errands and shopping trips.
Projects that include support facilities to enhance pedestrian and bicycle travel, such as rest rooms, drinking fountains, picnic shelters and bicycle racks.
This project includes an abundance of facilities to enhance the pedestrian and bicycle travel experience. This includes shelter, bike racks, and drinking fountains. Given that Miller-Highland Park (at the juncture of WCWE Phases I and III) is effectively part of the trail experience, additional shelter and restroom facilities are present there, as well as more bicycle racks, drinking fountains, seating areas, parking, etc. Phase III will also link with Phases I and II, which also have ample enhancements within their respective segments.
Applicants that have not received enhancement funds for trails in the past.
The City of Kokomo received its first-ever TE award of $490,912 this past year for WCWE Phase II. While we have thus received a TE approval the recent past, please consider the following:
In order to observe INDOT’s advice (and our own best judgment) to provide for appropriate phasing of projects, we chose to submit only Phase II last year, followed by a submittal of Phase III this year. (We could have otherwise submitted one combined application for both Phases II and III.)
Even though approval was granted this past year, this was Kokomo’s only application since the inception of the TE program in 1991-92. Relative to other Indiana communities, Kokomo will no doubt have still received comparatively less TE funding than others.
While this application is being submitted by the City of Kokomo (and the current trail project is located within the city), this project is also supported by Howard County, and it will serve many Howard County residents. Howard County has not applied for TE monies to date.
In addition to the characteristics noted above, it is our hope that the acceptability of this project is increased through consideration of the following factors:
The local public agency is funding more than the required 20% match: In last year’s application for Phase II funding, the value of the in-kind donation of land to cover the match is well in excess of the 20% requirement. In this year’s application, land donations are again expected to cover the match. The official appraisal will determine whether or not the value of the land will again exceed the 20% level. Otherwise, the city has the funding to cover any additional needs, and would potentially consider an overmatch if necessary. In addition, the City has already funded planning activities for the project, and we intend to pay for the remaining design/environmental work up front.
The local public agency is initiating early coordination with appropriate agencies in preparation for approval of the environmental document. After funding is approved by INDOT, a scope of work meeting is scheduled with the local transportation section to discuss the project details. The environmental document can be subsequently submitted and approved. The City of Kokomo has now benefited from its experience with the construction of Phase I of the WCWE. This included the acquisition of a “construction in a floodway” permit as well as an INDOT “construction in a right-of-way” permit (with respect to the first trail section). We are following through in the same manner with Phase II, and we should be in good position to carry out similar coordination if Phase III is approved. In addition, we have already held our coordination meeting with Bruno Canzian of INDOT for our Phase II project (approved for TE). Thus, early coordination is well underway.
The local public agency is aware and has taken into consideration the fact that steps taken as outlined above involve a funding risk if the project is not approved for funding. We are fully aware of this funding risk. It is our intention to do as much preparatory work as necessary and prudent for project conceptualization and for this application, but we will be careful not to move beyond what is appropriate in the eyes of INDOT with respect to our project-related activity before any possible INDOT approval.
The project has support from other existing plans (comprehensive plans, land use plans, state or local trail plans, cultural or historic preservation plans, community-economic or tourism development plans, etc.). As noted earlier, the Wildcat Creek Walk of Excellence project is well related to existing plans, including the long-range transportation plan, the Kokomo Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan, the Kokomo and Howard County Greenway System Concept developed by the Kokomo Parks and Recreation Department, Kokomo’s urban revitalization plan, downtown revitalization plan and historic preservation plans. The WCWE serves as the recreational centerpiece to an ongoing revitalization of downtown commercial and residential Kokomo.
A comprehensive land use plan for Kokomo and Howard County is currently under development, and in the approval process, by the Plan Commission. The Wildcat Creek Walk of Excellence is being included in the plan as it is being formulated.
The level of public participation has been and remains high throughout the life of the project. There has been a considerable level of public participation in the Wildcat Creek Walk of Excellence project to date. The Beautification Issues Group (BIG), a community umbrella group for civic and aesthetic improvements throughout Kokomo, took the lead in organizing meetings in 1997 and 1998 to discuss opportunities for defining and developing the greenway concept. Involvement and attendance for these past meetings have included Mayor James Trobaugh, the Community Foundation of Howard County, the Wildcat Guardians (a group of citizens of environmental conscience), the Chamber of Commerce, the Kokomo Department of Parks and Recreation, and various concerned citizens.
As momentum for action began to grow, Governor Frank O’Bannon announced an action-oriented community development program called Millennium 2000. Kokomo’s newly created Millennium Task Force Project Committee designated the Wildcat Creek path as its project. This declaration elevated awareness and motivation for creek improvement projects and created an incentive for funding the design and development of the project. A subsequent Kokomo Millennium Group Executive Committee was set up to carry out related goals for the community.
As the scope of work for the project became more defined in early 1999, a contract was signed with Ecologistics Limited for preparation of a master plan graphic package and report. Key stakeholders (including the Millennium Group Executive Committee) were identified, and meetings were held from late winter through the summer of 1999. These meetings provided project input and feedback, identified feasible parameters of construction and timelines, and helped coordinate future public promotion and development of the Wildcat Walk of Excellence project.
Groups such as the Chamber of Commerce, the Community Foundation of Howard County, the Kokomo-Howard County Development Corporation and the Beautification Issues Group (BIG) have all continued to work in support of this project. In addition, the Technical Advisory Committee and Policy Board of the Kokomo-Howard County Governmental Coordinating Council held open public meetings to gain public input on the addition of the project to the long-range transportation plan. Public support for this project has been strong. Attendance of the Phase I dedication ceremony was outstanding, and early use of Phase I is encouraging.
There is a viable strategy for future maintenance. The Kokomo Parks and Recreation Department is responsible for maintaining the Wildcat Creek Walk of Excellence. The detailed maintenance plan, along with associated costs, is as shown below:
The Kokomo Parks and Recreation Department has the necessary equipment and experience to maintain the Wildcat Creek Walk of Excellence. Because the trail has the support of the Kokomo Board of Park Commissioners and the City Administration, the necessary personnel and resources will be made available to keep this highly visible public amenity in good condition. The department has an annual budget exceeding $2 million.
Areas of the trail that need mowing seasonally will be mowed weekly in routine routes. Trash will be removed weekly or more often if the need arises. Maintenance inspections on amenities (benches, fountains, lights, etc.) will be performed at least twice annually, and repairs will be made as required by our maintenance staff. Volunteer groups will periodically (once or twice annually) perform detailed plantings and a clean sweep litter removal. The Parks and Recreation Department’s grounds maintenance specialist will supervise these activities.
Landscaping and Other Scenic Beautification
Though the most appropriate TE Program category for this project is “provision of facilities for pedestrians and bicycles,” this project also has attributes that could be considered as “landscaping and other scenic beautification.” These attributes were described in appropriate contexts earlier in this application. However, by way of summary, some of the landscaping and scenic aspects of the project are noted below:
A planting strategy for quality trees and vegetation along the trail.
A special reforestation effort near Park Road along Phase III of the WCWE.
Creek bank cleanup and revegetation of grasses and shrubs.
Native wildflower plantings in strategic locations.
The aesthetic value of the trail itself, as well as the views of the creek environment.
Special Project Features
The City of Kokomo has incorporated several special features, similar to those used for Phase II, into the proposed Phase III project to enhance community involvement and impart a uniquely local Indiana flavor to the greenway:
A team of youth service corps and adult volunteers will be utilized on aspects of greenway construction. This is expected to involve plantings, landscaping and other scenic beautification elements of the project. We hope to create a unique shared work experience with older volunteers and youth working side by side on this project. An added benefit will be the local pride these volunteers will take in their work for their own community. The Wildcat Guardians, a local environmental group, will periodically use the trail for environmental education purposes as well as guardian work projects.
Among the new plantings for this project will be areas of Indiana wildflowers. This will be an excellent opportunity to support the worthy mission of the Indiana Native Plant and Wildflower Society: “to promote the appreciation, preservation, conservation, utilization and scientific study of the flora native to Indiana and to educate the public about the values, beauty, diversity and environmental importance of indigenous vegetation.”
The Wildcat Creek Walk of Excellence project is located within the City of Kokomo, in central Howard County, Indiana.
Facilities for Pedestrians and Bicycles Category
How is the land
being acquired?
The land in Section 5-F (potentially 73,500
square
feet; 1,470 linear feet) will be donated for permanent trail use.
Is any part of
the trail part of an
abandoned
railroad right-of-way (R-O-W)?
No portion of the trail is an abandoned railroad
right-of-way.
The width of the trail is 12 feet. There are not expected to be any areas where any physical limitations necessitate narrowing.
What type of
surface will the trail have?
The trail surface will be a 12-foot wide
asphaltic
concrete surface over a compacted granular base for approximately 1,470
linear feet of trail. The remaining 400 linear feet will be the
12+
foot wide concrete walk treatment on the west edge of the existing
Phillips
Street Bridge (over Wildcat Creek).
What facilities
are being proposed for
construction
with Enhancement funds along this trail?
As noted earlier, there are considerable
facilities
present along the trail. These include the following:
One interpretive kiosk, with reinforced
concrete
base/seating, electrical service, lighting and signage.
One drinking fountain, with water service to
kiosks (other fountains already located in existing park along trail).
Ten lighting standards at appropriate intervals
(up to approximately 150 feet apart).
Four seating areas, strategically located.
A new parking lot at the south trailhead (north
of Markland Avenue).
A new bicycle rack at the south trailhead
location
(another already exists at Miller-Highland Park, to the north).
Trash receptacles at appropriate junctures along
the trail area, if needed (contingency).
Trail identification, directional and
interpretive
signage at four locations.
Does the project
provide any connections to
existing or funded trails, including trail extensions?
At the time of construction, this Phase III
project
will provide a connection to WCWE Phase I (completed sections 3-A and
4-B),
as well as Phase II to the east. Thus the full length of the
overall
Wildcat Creek Walk of Excellence will be approximately 4.4 miles.
In the future, it is anticipated the project will connect with 9
trails,
as part of an overall countywide greenway concept of over 50 miles.
Has your agency
previously received
Transportation
Enhancement funds for trail projects?
The City of Kokomo received its first-ever TE
award of $490,912 this past year for the Wildcat Creek Walk of
Excellence,
Phase II. (The application was submitted in 2000 and approved in
2001.)
In order to observe INDOT’s advice (and our own best judgment) to provide for appropriate phasing of projects, we chose to submit only Phase II last year, followed by a submittal of Phase III this year. (We could have otherwise submitted one combined application for both Phases II and III.)
Even though approval was granted this past year, this was Kokomo’s only application since the inception of the TE program in 1991-92. Relative to other Indiana communities, Kokomo will no doubt have still received comparatively less TE funding than others.
While this application is being submitted by
the
City of Kokomo (and the current trail project is located within the
city),
this project is also supported by Howard County, and it will serve many
Howard County residents. Howard County has not applied for TE
monies
to date.
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