Current Projects
  
Beaver Drive Trail Study
Dept: Parks & Recreation
Projected Start Date: 08/17/2010
Projected Completion Date: 10/18/2010
Project Details
The City of Johnston has contracted with Shive-Hattery to complete an alignment study, including base mapping information, field inventory, trail alignment options, conducting a public meeting, developing opinion of probable cost, and developing final alignment options for a proposed trail along Beaver Drive from Eagle Crest Drive to 66th Ave. The proposed trail will become part of the trail system that will go around Saylorville Lake.
Comments
Given that all the residencies along NW Beaver have very limited sidewalk systems, and virtually no sidewalks that connect each neighborhood, this would be a great way to connect the community! In addition, being a runner, I sometimes run along NW Beaver to complete a running route and I know it is not safe, but there are very limited options other than running in circles. Another point I'd like to mention is that most days of the week my family drives to a park or trail to get excercise - I would love and utilize this trail!! Please, please make it happen!!
What wonderful idea. This would be a great addition to the Johnson trail system. There is so much traffic on that road that it is not safe to ride out there.
Thanks for considering this!
A bike trail along NW Beaver was part of the Comprehensive Plan quite some time ago. The growth in this area has been slow but steady and with the installation of the sewer system we can expect this to continue.
Having bikers, joggers and even sometimes skateboarders using NW Beaver as a recreation trail, there is no doubt that this is a much needed addition to our area.
The benefits include safety (as there is no shoulder along NW Beaver), quality of life for the citizens and attracting people to the Johnston side of the lake for recreational activities. It seems that if this trail provides a link between the city and the lake area that there are certainly opportunities for our Johnston business owners.
great idea and much needed. this busy street has major safety issues, not the least of which is the limited site lines and increased traffic due to new development to the North. The road bed needs repaving and adding a wide trail on the west side of the road at the same time would be much more economically feasible. If I felt safer I would ride into "town" for library and grocery trips.
I love this idea. With 3 young children having a safer bike route would be a wonderful option for us. We would use it often. There is not a big enough shoulder for us to ride off of the road pulling a trailer behind a bike, so having a trail would eliminate the need to travel on the road and thus be much safer. I feel it would also bring more people to the different parks on the West side of Saylorville lake.
I own a parcel of land which is in the City of Johnston and adjacent to my house and which abuts NW Beaver with approximately 350 feet of frontage on NW Beaver.
I can state that I would welcome a properly designed and constructed trail if it meant that children, joggers, and bicyclists would get off of NW Beaver with its lack of adequate shoulders. NW Beaver poses a real risk to runners, joggers, and bicyclists, especially as the area continues to develop and this usage increases. The lack of shoulder means that drivers and other users have no options if they need to take avoidance actions other than to travel into the oncoming lane. Once the overflow dam road improvements are completed, then I suspect that usage will greatly increase.
An older proposal to route the trail through Camp Dodge is unworkable given the heightened security post 9/11. Such a trail would also not serve residents along NW Beaver and I suspect that people would still take the road.
This is long overdue! Recreation on Beaver is not safe for anyone. An improved the trail system in this area is greatly needed due to no sidewalks. Thank you for looking into this!
I support the trail. Thanks to Jim, Ron and the Council for aggressively starting this process. Citizens, please come to the open house at City Hall on January 25th at 6 pm to support this project! Barron
Yes to the trail! I will be at the open house/meeting.
I've been contemplating moving my family out of this area of town because it's just not very accessible for bikes or runners and it limits our recreation. A trail would change my mind!
I support this as long as it doesn't cost me additional tax money.
Recreation trails are great until we have to pay for them all. I'm not saying I'm against it, just that I'd like to see all sides of this.
It's very important to be able to prove that even those that don't use the trail will benefit from it.
For example, if only 10% of residents use it in a year...is it worth it? Probably not, but if a greater percentage (say 40% or more of residents) gain a benefit from it due to increased business in those areas, more interest in Johnston, etc, then you could have a strong case.
Also, here is a Google map of the area in question:
http://bit.ly/gXBXwS
Sounds good in theory but two comments.
1. Will property owners on, and adjacent to NW Beaver, be assessed for this cost and if so how much?
2. Will bikers be MANDATED to use the trail and vacate (legally enforced)using NW Beaver since a real safety issue is vehicles swerving over the centerline to avoid bikers and creating a head on collision? Note that a typical warm weather day at Big Creek, and elsewhere, results in only a portion of the bikers using the trails (usually familys with kids and eldery) while the remainder (especially biking clubs-20 to 30 riders)clog up the roads and create the potential for problems, sadly when the trail is a few feet away.
I am excited to see the results of this study! A trail along Beaver is definitely needed for the safe passage of runners and bicyclists. I live in a subdivision off NW Beaver Dr and my family would certainly make use of this trail.
A trail like this would greatly enhancement to Johnston. We have such a great trail system, and it would be so nice if this could connect to the Johnston greenbelt system and the Neil Smith System. Plus their are many bikers, runners and joggers along NW Beaver EVERY DAY!
This trail would provide a great recreational opportunity for both local property owners as well as the entire city of Johnston. NW Beaver, and it's lack of a usable shoulder, presents a dangerous trek for walkers, joggers and bicyclists. My family definitely supports this project!
With 3 young kids the traffic on NW Beaver is a constant concern. No shoulders in conjunctions with the amount of traffic and speed of the traffic is a hazzard. In addition the number of boats being towed to and from Sailorville is a danger for bikers, joggers and the increasing number of residents. Thank you to the city staff and council for making this a priority.
A trail along NW Beaver would be a nice addition to the Johnston trail system and would benefit the entire community. Hope to see everyone at the meeting to review the proposed routes.
The fundamental issue is that the current construction of NW Beaver is simply unable to SAFELY support the families and community that have developed around it. Constructing a 2+ mile long trail system will afford the current residents a safer option over risking their lives as well as motorists traveling on NW Beaver.
My family and I moved to a NW Beaver neighborhood over a year and a half ago, with the only drawback being the lack of access to a running/biking trail. We were made aware of the proposal to build this trail at that time. The fact that the neighborhood was perfect in every other way, we still chose to settle and raise our family with the hopes of seeing this dream for a trail become a reality.
I don't know that building a trail is going to guarantee usage by the daily biking clubs, but the fact that a safer option had been made available, will go a long way in endorsing Johnston as being a great community that takes action in support of its residents.
I support the trail. A trail along NW Beaver will create a safe and easily accessible opportunity for walking, running, and biking with family and friends.
I remember fondly the feeling of independance and freedom I experienced when I could ride my bike to a freinds house. Living off of Beaver drive, our son has never been able to experience that feeling. He can only ride his bicycle on our small cul-de-sac. Beaver is simply too dangerous for running or bicyling for adults or kds. I went running on Beaver and felt like I was taking my life into my hands!
We have packed up our bikes and gone riding on the trails by Saylorville, but last time we did it, my car was broken into and my purse stolen.
It would definately enhance our quality of life to have a trail on Beaver that we could ride as a whole family and so that the kids could get together to play more easily.
We would use the trail for biking, walking the dog and running and would love the chance to see other neighbors as we pass. Please go forward with the construction!
I would love to see a trail along NW Beaver! It would be a great addition to Johnston's trail system and would be used by many families in the area.
Yes to the trail!! Not only for recreation but safety reasons as well. We will attend the meeting!!
This trail is needed. I fear for the safety of bikers and runners on Beaver. I have to drive NW Beaver to get to my home, and I don't want to hit anyone. I also walk/jog and it is not safe to do that on NW Beaver, but you're forced to go on it or walk/run in circles. My family would like to take family bike rides as well, but can't get to Saylorville or any other trails without going on Beaver. We can do it!!
I lived off nw beaver for 14 years and only rode my bike once on that road because i VALUED my life.
To make a bike trail a reality would extent a safe haven area for all bicylists in Johnston, and enhance green traveling for those commuting and recreating on the 86th street business communities.
I strongly urge you to construct this bike path.
/Jana Warren
5732 Wentworth
Johnston
As a mother with small children, it would be a great, safe addition, which would be much appreciated in the busy summer months with people going to and from the lake. There are few places where kids can safely ride bikes or take walks, so this would be a wonderful way to support the development that has taken place on the north side of Johnston. Thanks!
Safety is a big issue. Getting bike and walker traffic off of NW Beaver will prevent future accidents.
The benefits of increased recreational opportunities will be an asset for Johnston.
Aside from the obvious safety issue- Build it, they will come!
I ride, run, and live along Beaver. The road could use a little work too...
I am so tired of having to drive 15 mins (30 mins round trip) to a trail in order to go for a run! Our family would use this trail A LOT!!! We will be at the meeting!
Great idea Johnston.... NW Beaver is a dangerous rode for bikers, walker & vehicles. Your plans will increase everyones safety
The connecting trail as mentioned is overdue and much needed for the safety and enjoyment for all cyclist. runners and walkers. Johnston needs to become part of this system to help better the community and provide a SAFEER environment for the public.
I live on NW Beaver Dr. I have two small kids, my neighbors have kids and other neighbors have grand kids. NW Beaver is UNSAFE for bikers and runners and there are a ton of people that bike and run on that road - and tons more that would if it was safe. Who wouldn't want to walk, run, roller blade or bike "around the lake".
I hate to make a doom and gloom comment, but we all know (those of us that live there and see it all the time) that its a matter of time until someone is seriously injured or killed there.
That brings us another point . . . That stretch if road is VERY busy in the spring/summer/fall for the same reason. Who wouldn't want to "go for a drive around the lake." So many joy riders, motorcycles, "sunday drivers" etc. drive that road, and it adds a lot seasonal congestion. That's not in itself a problem, but those are the same seasons the bikers, walkers, joggers, etc. want to do the same thing. Now, the risks go way up.
This trail would connect so many people and neighborhoods together - and allow my kids, and many others, to ride their bikes to school - healthier for my kids, less cars on the roads and in parent drop and pick up lines, etc.
I drive on that road every day, and almost every single day, I see people "running or biking scared" because there is no room on the shoulder. I see people running in the ditch, because there is no sidewalk. And I see kids confined to driveways or small streets, because their parents are scared to death to let then ride on that road.
This trail/sidewalk is SO LONG OVER DUE.
One suggestion, take it just a couple hundred yards further North beyond Eagle Crest, to near the National Weather Service building. They share a yard with the Acorn Valley campground. This campground gets a decent amount of use and this would add recreational options for the campers - potentially increasing campers, and revenue. It would also be great for the neighborhood kids, giving them access to another park, playground and tons of green space.
Also, there used to be a trail that connected the Acorn Valley campground to the Walnut Ridge Recreational area. That trail has been closed (I can only assume due to cutbacks on maintenance costs) and passage is now quite difficult. This trail/sidewalk would reconnect the two.
Thanks for reading my two cents, I hope it helps!!!
I support a trail along NW Beaver. See my earlier comments above. However, I cannot support the loop proposal that includes placing a bike trail and fence along the back yards of more than 50 homes, blocking their access to the woods. These are secluded homes and the placement of a trail just feet away from their back and side property lines destroys the whole point of moving out here. I would end up with 500 feet of concrete around my house. Also, many of these homes are not even in Johnston. There are other loops that can be added that would affect only park land. As conceptualized now, the loop trail would be extraordinarily expensive, requiring up to 17 pedestrian bridges to traverse some of the roughest terrain in the County. Many yards drop off at the property line at 20 degree angles into deep ravines. Thousands of mature Oak and second growth trees would be cut, and the area is full of Native American sites that would be affected. This aspect of the ShiveHattery concept was given zero publicity. Most of these homeowners still don't know that a loop is being discussed. I understand that this is just in early discussions, but it is just a bad idea. Johnston and the Corp should not impose this on Saylorville's closest neighbors. Please stop the loop.
Looking at the map we can tell that this trail will be very functional for those living in this area. Really good to have an extra place to ride and run.
Our family would use this trail almost every day while the weather permits to either bike, run or just walk the dog. As another neighbor commented, I would love to have my children exprience the freedom to ride their bikes to visit friends, go swimming or just get some ice cream!
As a runner it is frustrating to me to drive 15 minutes in order to feel safe while running. If I could leave from my house & connect to a trail system I would be thrilled. Please give this project serious consideration!
I just found out about this idea today, and to say I was excited is an understatement. We live in the Harbour and can't even get to the other streets in the development when we're taking our kids for a walk in the stroller because of the lack of connecting sidewalks. It's time to bring some recreation to the side of the lake where the people live.
A trail along NW Beaver would greatly enhance the quality of life for the numerous neighborhoods along NW Beaver. At this point, when walking my dog or pushing my baby stroller, I am forced to choose between being confined to my own neighborhood or putting my child in danger and walking on Beaver as short of time as possible to get to another neighborhood. As my children grow, I'd love for them to be able to ride their bikes without fearing for their safety. My husband is a runner and currently has to drive to the other side of town to find a trail to run on.
One suggestion I have is to simply have the trail run along Beaver instead of having it divert from Beaver and continue behind different neighborhoods. This would probably be more cost effective. In addition, I have friends who live in homes that the trail is proposed to run behind. I know it would make them happy if the trail did not run behind their homes.
We shouldn't wait for someone to get hurt on NW Beaver before we build this trail! I support it 100%!
I support the development of this trail. It will provide an opportunity for individuals and families to participate in SAFE recreational activities - biking, running and skating.
haven't kept up on the current proposal/plans... but I'd love a trail that would come all the way up to northern end of Johnston (and beyond..). Someone mentioned Walnut Creek entrance. We're new to the area, love our location but sometimes feel 'cut off' from the rest of town, plus my kids do not go anywhere near NW Beaver.. now.
I've been searching in google for some items and fortuitously found this www.cityofjohnston.com blog. Big thanks for taking the time to discuss this, it's a useful info and I love to find out more on this. If possible, would you mind updating your blog with more information? It is very much helpful for me.
Why did you people move out here? I know my friend didn't move here so she could have a bike path running through her front yard. Bike paths are really appreciated by criminals, it gives them the opportunity to slowly walk by your house. They can see all your nice stuff they will come back to steal. Yes, it will be wonderful to observe all the different kind of people standing in your front yard.
Our house backs up to Camp Dodge and is very private with woods surrounding our property. The proposed trail goes along our property line completely removing the privacy we sought when we moved here. We are happy to support the trail if there is a buffer of trees or such to prevent ruining our quiet retreat.
When I learned of the proposed bike path, running right in front of my house- I thought- WHAT? If i wanted to live on a bike trail, I would have bought a house on a bike trail. Some people moved out here to have solitude and privacy. Now, it sounds like we will have pedestrian and bike traffic next to my front yard or perhaps through my front yard!! I agree with the above entry---let's invite strangers into our yard.
I live on NW Beaver, and am an avid bicyclist, & health care professional who supports healthy communities. I have long been worried about the safety of the many bicyclists, and runners, who use NW Beaver for recreation, so having a bike trail would be wonderful. However, OTHER options can be explored that would : 1) Provide safety for those seeking a safe ride or walk; 2) Reduce the intrusion on people's back- and front-yards; 3) Examine comprehensively a strategic plan for the road itself that is getting badly beaten up by all the construction trucks, etc. Why not look at improving the entire road, and consider widening on BOTH sides so that 10 FEET would not have to be dug up on the one side of the road? We love our beautiful oak trees, one of the attractions out here, what would happen to them? How much would we be assessed to help pay over 2 MILLION for this proposal? When is the next Parks Dept meeting when this will be discussed? Everyone should drop a note or call them, and come give your opinions, I will be attending for sure...
I bought my house due to the FACT that it had no development behind it, nor would it have any development behind it, due to it backing to Camp Dodge. Now you're going to run a PUBLIC ACCESS trail right past my back yard? Why is my house one of only a handful that will have a negative effect from this trail? I'm all for bike trails, but I do not want one in my back yard. If this plan goes through, I will be forced to erect an UGLY privacy fence to keep the masses from invading my privacy. My house value has already steadily dropped due to the economy, and this will send it on an even more rapid decline. Then I get to pay for the trail on top of that, which just adds insult to injury.
We purchased our lot backing up to Camp Dodge solely for the privacy. Now, instead of privacy , there's going to a continuous parade of residents and anyone that wants to scope out the back of our home for any reason they want. No Thank you. I vote a strong NO to the proposaed trail. I understand the issues with NW Beaver, but doing this to all the residents that back up to Camp Dodge is not the answer.
Always glad to have more trails! Hope the trail down Merle Hay gets extended from Beaver to 62nd also. Must cross this busy 4 lane road to stay on a continuous sidewalk - or walk/jog/bike on yards - which is continually happening.
We are writing to express our concern about the proposed bike trail planned for NW Beaver Ave. We are all in favor of a bike trail along NW Beaver Avenue itself. This trail would eliminate the danger posed by bicyclists using NW Beaver road and provide direct access to Saylorville if the trail is situated on the East side of the road. Given that there are no controlled intersections at the North end of the proposed trail, positioning the trail on the East side of the road would prevent accidents from bicyclists and children crossing NW Beaver to access Saylorville recreation areas.
However, we are completely against the proposed trail being built in our backyards, along the Camp Dodge ridge, in the Sunset Ridge Development. We purchased and designed our homes that back up to Camp Dodge to take advantage of the privacy the ridge offers. We don’t mind the regular firing range noise, the coyotes or the hunters that frequent the hillside every season. But to install a trail within 60 ft. of the back of our homes, many which have been optimized with extra windows to take in the private views, would be detrimental to our privacy, safety and the valuation of our homes.
The most logical positioning of the trail is along NW Beaver road itself. This would provide enough visibility that the trail would be a safe environment for children to use. Unlike the trails that connect NW 62nd East of Merle Hay Road and pass near I-80, a trail along NW Beaver Road would not become a magnet for homeless people living in the woods and along the river. With the proposed trail running West of the Sunset Ridge Development with access to Saylorville lake to the East and Beaver Creek to the West, it is inevitable that homeless people would find the area ideal for setting up new camping areas.
Additionally, the area would not be safe due to the seasonal hunting which takes place in the area each year. Is it a good idea to have a walking trail meander along a relatively small, but popular hunting area?
Walking trails in planned communities are certainly beneficial since they are often designed to maximize safety and minimize intrusion into the privacy of homeowners. However, when a trail is added to an area that was never designed as a planned community it can have more drawbacks than benefits. If the trail is built to the West of Sunset Ridge, it will not be used by bicyclist. They will continue to use NW Beaver for their rides to Saylorville or Jester Park. The proposed trail will only bring strangers into a very private community and interfere with our privacy which has always been the main attraction of the neighborhood.
If the trail is built along NW Beaver, bicyclists will utilize the trail as they travel North on NW Beaver. Children will utilize the trail while in the public eye for safety. Maintenance of the trail will be much easier and cheaper since city equipment will have easy access to the trail system.
Please reconsider the positioning of the bike trail to NW Beaver Road itself. It is the most practical and safe location for the people who would utilize the trail.
Sincerely, Gabriel Ruggieri
My family just moved to the area and the only thing missing is trail access! We have to get in the car to access a trail and once we get in the car we sometimes decide we might as well keep driving to another trail/area. If we could access via NW Beaver AND connect from NW Beaver to the Neal Smith Trail via NW 66th we would use these trails and parks MUCH MUCH more! Please keep this project going!
I do not like the idea of a trail along NW Beaver. The main concern is the bike clubs will not use it. There are about 23 driveways/street turn offs along the proposed route. I would not use it and I am an avid cyclist. I also have a home that would have the trail run along my back fence. Not excited about having a constant parade of traffic along my fence. Would have bought a home on a trail if that is what I wanted.
Would be great to have a trail for the increasing amount of residents to enjoy. Also would greatly increase the level of safety for the avid joggers/bikers that use the route daily.
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