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SPECIAL POPULATIONS <br /> Specific information is provided for the design of the different trail types identified in Section <br /> 6.0. Several of these trail types may require additional standards when special populations <br /> and/or environmentally sensitive areas are involved. <br /> These standards should be incorporated into the design of pedestrian access trails, interpretive <br /> trails, and any other trail type that might serve a significant population of elderly, and/or mobility <br /> impaired users. Mobility impaired users should be given opportunities to enjoy the same types <br /> of trail experiences provided for the general population. While not every trail will be barrier <br /> free, a representative sample should be in order to adequately serve the citizens of Everett. <br /> Design considerations for seniors <br /> • Provide railings 30-36" high <br /> • Design shorter loop trails (0.0-0.5 mile) <br /> • Keep trails and trailheads well lit for safety <br /> • Use ramps instead of stairs for all groups to make barrier-free access the norm instead of <br /> the exception <br /> • Consider proximity to facilities <br /> • Frequent benches with windbreaks where appropriate <br /> Barrier-free standards <br /> • 8%maximum gradient(1:12); 4%preferable <br /> • Hard surface needed; options include very compacted gravel, porous asphalt, concrete, <br /> natural soil with soil binding agents added <br /> • Allow for wide paths--5' minimum for two wheelchairs to pass <br /> • Provide railings 18-27" <br /> • Include trails for the blind with tactile interpretation, fragrance <br /> • Link to facilities providing services for the mobility impaired <br /> • Provide different levels of challenge <br /> Environmentally sensitive areas <br /> Trails within environmentally sensitive areas and their buffers are generally discouraged, as <br /> human interaction with fragile ecosystems can cause irreparable damage. There are, however, <br /> instances where such access can be desirable, as with interpretive trails. Limited pedestrian <br /> access along an interpretive trail can give users first-hand information about the importance of <br /> sensitive ecosystems. There may be other cases where sections of a proposed trail corridor may <br /> adjoin or in some way may impact a nearby sensitive area. Under these circumstances where <br /> careful review has established the need for a trail, the following standards should be followed to <br /> minimize construction and user impacts. <br /> W:\PLANNING\TRAILS\COMP96.DOC 44 <br />