CATEGORY V – PEDESTRIAN/BICYCLE WAYS:
The development of the Pedestrian/Bicycle Ways component of the Capital Improvement Program is based on the goals and objectives set forth in the Comprehensive Plan and the specific recommendations, or action strategies, set forth in the Right-of-Way Master Plan.
Comprehensive Plan Goal: “TO PROVIDE AND ENCOURAGE A MULTIMODAL TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM THAT MEETS THE CIRCULATION NEEDS OF MARCO ISLAND IN A SAFE AND EFFICIENT MANNER BUT DOES NOT ADVERSELY IMPACT THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF THE RESIDENTS.”
Comprehensive Plan Information – The City’s Comprehensive Plan is divided into two sections: Part 1 – Goals, Objectives and Policies; and Part 2 – Data and Analysis. Part 1 identifies the goal of the Transportation Element as listed above. The relevant Comprehensive Plan Objectives from Part 1 are:
· Promotion of a safe, convenient, and energy efficient multimodal transportation system
· The City shall coordinate future transportation, park and infrastructure improvements to ensure compatibility and appropriateness of adjacent land uses, and to promote the Island’s small town character
· Encourage non-motorized travel on the island to reduce fossil fuel emissions through improved pedestrian and bicycle facilities
Part 2 of the Comprehensive Plan addressing the desire to advance a multimodal transportation network is based on information and recommendations contained in the City’s Master Park, Recreation and Open Space Study, and the Right-of-Way Master Plan.
Master Park, Recreation, and Open Space Study Recommendations: In 1999 the City developed the Master Park, Recreation and Open Space Study, which incorporates a review and analysis of the current recreation and open space system, projection of future needs, and a recommended action plan. Discussions included bikeways, trails, and sidewalk systems. The Citywide interconnected system of pedestrian-friendly facilities includes shaded sidewalks in our neighborhoods, safe facilities for bicycle use and improved safety at pedestrian crosswalks. The system of sidewalks and bikeways connect neighborhoods to town centers, parks, public buildings, and natural areas. The benefits of an interconnecting alternative transportation system include:
· Improved safety for pedestrians and cyclists;
· Less reliance on the automobile and other motorized travel;
· Improved air quality; and
· Improved quality of life for residents
Right-of-Way Master Plan Recommendations: Consistent with the proposed improvements in the City’s Right-of-Way Master Study, multi-purpose sidewalks are proposed along all major roadways. These walks can accommodate cyclists, walkers and joggers, and rollerbladers. A system of multi-purpose paths for more intensive recreation use, eventually linking to a bike path along CR 92, was proposed for Tracts "C" and "D”. The design of these paths should also include “trailheads” consisting of bike racks, water fountains, and possibly a pavilion. The project, identified as the Racquet Center – Mackle Park – Winterberry Pathway was designed in FY05. However, because of increasing construction cost estimates in the
CIP and because of the need to provide additional funding for the North Collier Boulevard project, the project was postponed to a future year.
Consistency With Adopted Schedule of Capital Improvements – The Adopted Schedule of Capital Improvements (FY06-010) committed $250,000 to pedestrian and bicycle improvement projects. The Five-Year CIP for fiscal years 2007-2011 allocates $500,000 to re-establish the Racquet Center-Mackle Park-Winterberry Pathway project.
Project #13: Racquet Center – Mackle Park – Winterberry Pathway
Project Goal: “To increase the City’s park and recreational facilities by constructing the first phase of the new 1.4 mile pathway project”.
Project Objectives:
1. Initiate the first phase of construction on the 1.4 mile long 12’ wide pathway system.
Project’s Relationship to Comprehensive Plan:
· “Promotion of a safe, convenient, and energy efficient multimodal transportation system.” (Section VI, Objective 1.3)
· “Encourage non-motorized travel on the island to reduce fossil fuel emissions through improved pedestrian and bicycle facilities.” (Section V, Policy 1.1.2)
· “Seek enhancement grants through the MPO to fund bicycle and pedestrian improvements.” (Section VI, Policy 1.3.5)
Project’s Relationship to Master Park, Recreation and Open Space Study Recommendations:
· The Study recommended as a short term action, “Develop a multi-purpose, paved trail loop connecting Mackle Park, YMCA, Racquet Center, Library / Park and Winterberry Ball fields utilizing the power line easement, Tract RB (San Marco Road), Tract Q (Winterberry Drive), and the Sandhill Street or South Barfield Avenue ROW”.
Success Measurement: Completion of the first construction phase in FY07 and within budget.
Project Narrative: This new pathway project (project has also been referred to as the “linear park project”, the “multi-purpose path project”, the “Racquet Center Path”) has been designed with funds from previous capital project funding years. As construction estimates escalated for this project and the No. Collier Blvd reconstruction project, the City Council instructed staff to transfer funds from the park/path project to No. Collier Blvd. with the belief that the pathway project would be funded in a future CIP when the need for transportation funding was not as significant. FY11 provides the first opportunity to fund the first construction phase of this project in the amount of $500,000. Funding will be used to update plans and to construct the first phase
of the project. Staff will also requests funds in future years to complete the project.
Once completed, the park/path will extend from the Racquet Club to Tracts “C” and “D”, passing through both Mackle Park and Winterberry Park. The first phase of construction will begin on Tracts C and D (Winterberry Drive) and then work north toward the Racquet Center.
Five-Year Funding Recommendation:
FY07 |
FY08 |
FY09 |
FY10 |
FY11 |
Total |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
$500,000 |
$500,000 |
Funding: $500,000 GF
| 
