Trails On The Brain
Multi-use planning extends to technology platforms
By Clement Lau
Photos: Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation, Alta Planning + Design, Sapphos
Are trails just lines randomly drawn on maps? While some people may perceive them this way, trail planners would most certainly disagree because of the thoughtfulness and care with which they approach their work. Trail planning is an underappreciated field that is complex and challenging. Aside from the few publications dedicated to trails, little is written about trail planning and the planners who are devoted to this increasingly important work due to trails’ growing popularity. According to the 2018 Outdoor Participation Report (https://outdoorindustry.org/resource/2018-outdoor-participation-report/), released by the Outdoor Industry Association, trail running, hiking, and mountain biking are among the most popular outdoor activities in the U.S. in terms of both participation rate and frequency of participation.
Recognizing that trails are critical components of the region’s park and recreation system, the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) has been involved in trail planning, development, and maintenance for a long time. A dedicated Trails Planning Section works on a wide range of multi-use trail planning projects that serve hikers, equestrians, and mountain bikers in a variety of settings, including rural, suburban, and urban areas.
Master Planning
DPR is responsible for master planning the county’s regional trail system, which is mapped (http://planning.lacounty.gov/assets/upl/project/gp_2035_2018-FIG_10-1_regional_trail_system.pdf) and included in the Parks and Recreation Element of the L.A. County General Plan. It also maintains the Trails Manual (https://trails.lacounty.gov/Files/Documents/121/LA%20County%20Trails%20Manual%20%28Revised%2006-20-13%29%20RS%202016.pdf), which provides guidance on trail planning, design, development, operations, and maintenance. In addition, the Trails Planning Section has completed trails master plans (https://trails.lacounty.gov/Library) for various areas, including Castaic and Santa Susana Mountains, located in the northern part of the county.
Adopted by the L.A. County Board of Supervisors in December 2018, Phase II of the Santa Susana Mountains Trails Master Plan is the most recently completed one and includes a 67.5-mile, planned regional trail network within a 22-square-mile study area. Developed with substantial input from stakeholders, the master plan recommends improvements to existing trails, proposes new trails, and identifies key connections and prime destinations within and adjacent to the study area in the Santa Clarita Valley and the northern foothills of the Santa Susana Mountains.
The project was initiated with the support of County Supervisor Kathryn Barger of the Fifth District, who shared in a press release that “I’m a strong advocate of Los Angeles County’s regional trail network. I continue to support this mission because I’m a firm believer in the value of providing outdoor recreational opportunities for residents in my district, as well as visitors. I’m confident that this plan will improve the quality of life for many people by improving access to our treasured open space.”
A key aspect of the project is stakeholder outreach and engagement. Thus, as part of the process, DPR reached out to and met with many property owners, public agencies, groups representing the interests of environmentalists, hikers, equestrians, mountain bikers, Native American tribal representatives, and the general public. To broadly advertise community workshops and meetings, DPR mailed notices to nearly 10,000 property owners, distributed meeting flyers at bike shops, equestrian centers, sports stores, grocery stores, and libraries in the Santa Clarita Valley, and posted information on its website and social media platforms.
The workshops and meetings included a presentation on the project, process, and timeline, with a question-and-answer period and breakout groups at various input stations. The stations covered such topics as project goals and objectives, facilities and amenities, and trail classifications. Meeting attendees were able to provide feedback at each of the stations. Stakeholders also submitted written comments via email and the project website (http://www.santasusanatrailsplan.org/), which featured an interactive trails map and provided visitors the opportunity to engage in online discussions and digitally record their preferences for desired trail routes, destination points, and points of concern.
Website And Mobile App
DPR has developed an updated trails website (https://trails.lacounty.gov/) and a new Trails LA County mobile app, both of which were launched just before National Trails Day on June 1, 2019. The refreshed website and new mobile app promote the use of trails and inform the public of the value and importance of stewardship, conservation, and habitat restoration of open space.
With its enhanced functionalities, the website is intended to be the go-to online resource for the public to find official trail information throughout the county, while the new mobile app provides an on-the-go experience. To meet the public’s need for trail-related information, both the website and app offer digital tools, including information on real-time alerts, maps, weather, trail length, elevation, difficulty level, rest stops, picnic locations, and much more. A dynamic feature for both platforms is the functionality of posting feedback online and on the app. Users may grade their experience, share pictures of scenic vista spots, and tag their photos using the hashtags #TrailsLACounty and/or #TakeAHike.
The app provides information on over 550 miles of trails. It even allows for navigation when one does not have any cell phone reception. According to Michelle O’Connor, head of the Trails Planning Section, “The app will complement that by allowing you to wayfind while you’re actually on the trail, even if you're out of cell phone range. So, if you're in the backcountry somewhere, you can rest assured that you’re on the right path.”
“The app will complement that by allowing you to wayfind while you’re actually on the trail, even if you’re out of cell phone range. So, if you’re in the backcountry somewhere, you can rest assured that you’re on the right path.”
DPR collaborated with several partners on this project, including the county’s Internal Services Department, the National Park Service, California State Parks, Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority, Mountain Restoration Trust, and Catalina Island Conservancy. The Board of Supervisors supported the update of the trails website and development of the new app, and recognized DPR for its work on the project at a meeting in June.
“The new app Trails LA County will expand a wider reach to all trail users, from the first-time trailblazer to the avid hiker, families, and outdoor enthusiasts,” says Third District Supervisor Sheila Kuehl. “I’m proud to support access to the extensive trail system in the county that will provide online resources to all existing users and inspire others to add trails into their outdoor activities.”
While some may be quick to dismiss smartphones and tablets as devices that keep people indoors, technology may also be used to encourage the public to explore the many miles of trails in the L.A. area. As DPR Director John Wicker summarizes, “The new Trails LA County mobile app and revamped trails website demonstrate how world-class technology is changing the way we enjoy the great outdoors.”
Moving Forward
There is more to trail planning than meets the eye. As explained above, this vital work needs to be carried out thoughtfully, creatively, strategically, and collaboratively. While DPR has done much to improve and expand the regional trail system and promote the use of trails, the work is by no means finished. Having trails on the brain, the Trails Planning Section is currently working on important initiatives like an update of trail signage, implementation of trails master plans, and expansion of partnerships to showcase the estimated 2,000+ miles of official public trails throughout L.A. County on the trails website and app.
Clement Lau, AICP, DPPD, is a Departmental Facilities Planner with the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation. Reach him at clau@parks.lacounty.gov.