Ark Valley News - Park City to develop ‘walkable places’ plan

Park City to develop ‘walkable places’ plan
By Taylor Messick
Last Updated: September 28, 2017

One of the most requested projects from residents in Park City recently has been the development of more outdoor spaces for activities.

On Sept. 26, the city announced the first step in a plan that aims to build a network of sidewalks throughout the city.

“Millennials are walkers and bike riders," said City Administrator Jack Whitson. “They're going to like the sidewalks. There are also people my age who walk every day and sidewalks are very beneficial to them as well."

Earlier this year, the city applied for a grant from the Wichita Area Metropolitan Planning Organization. It recently got word that WAMPO will match the city's contribution to fund a “walkable places" plan. The next step will be for a committee to iron out the details and come up with a strategic layout for the sidewalk system. The committee will be made up of a consultant chosen by WAMPO and a group of volunteer Park City residents.

“We're going to put the word out when the time comes," said Whitson. “Whoever wants to come is welcome. We're not going to limit the number of people who can participate and give feedback."

Whitson said the city has also considered adding bike paths in a number of places. He said the consultant will use the feedback from the community committee to determine what gets put in and where. There is also the possibility of looking at connecting Park City to neighboring cities such as Valley Center, Kechi and Wichita through a network of walkable places.

The council unanimously approved the funding of the master plan. The actual construction of the potential projects will require future approval. Whitson said he hopes the process of gathering information and developing the plan will begin by March 2018.

In other business, the council:

•Appointed Brandi M. Baily as council representative of Ward 2 with a unanimous vote.

•Heard an update from Mike Loveland regarding the Echo Hills development.

•Accepted a bid from Andale Paving in the amount of $33,309.16 for intersection work at 61st Street and Prospect Street with a unanimous vote.

•Updated the emergency water supply plan with a unanimous vote.

•Transferred developer rights to the Bearhill HOA with a 7-0-1 vote.

•Approved the inventory list at the Park City garage sale and Purple Wave with a unanimous vote.

•Accepted the donation of land in High Ridge, second addition with a unanimous vote.

•Approved an ordinance vacating street right-of-way across the property of the greater Peoria properties with a unanimous vote.

•Approved the funding of a stormwater utility created by charter ordinance c37-2015 with a unanimous vote.

All members of the council were present. There was no executive session taken.