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Provide boardwalks in wet areas. Bridge and boardwalk decks <br />must be flush with the trail surface and handrails should be <br />installed. Position decking board's perpendicular to the trail <br />path with gaps between boards not exceeding 3/8 inch. <br />Visually handicapped persons can use guide ropes or definite <br />edges such as logs or railroad ties to help with direction. <br />Although trails usually are located on level terrain with grades <br />rarely exceeding 5 percent, acceptable grades will vary <br />depending on the abilities and expectations of trail users. <br />Provide regular rest stops on steep slopes and at least 36 <br />inches of level, cleared space should be provided to the side <br />of benches for wheelchairs. Provide plenty of space at scenic <br />overlooks for persons to watch and listen. Safety rails must be <br />carefully located to ensure that the sight line of persons in <br />wheelchairs is not blocked. <br />Paved Trails <br />Typical paved path types: <br />Paved trails provide year round recreational access to public <br />spaces. The trails should be located to take advantage of <br />opportunities for trail users to experience the beauty of <br />Everett's Parks. <br />Hiking trails are usually located in natural settings, are <br />generally more than 1 mile in length, and may be only a <br />narrow paved footpath with minor improvement such as <br />benches or signs. <br />Nature/ interpretive trails are usually shorter trails of a mile or <br />two in length and are likely to form complete loops. Nature <br />trails often have interpretive signs brochures for self -guided <br />tours, bird watching blinds and a variety of enhancements for <br />studying wildlife. <br />Wetland trails often include boardwalks that make the wetland <br />terrain accessible while protecting it from degradation. <br />Wetlands trails provide opportunities to discover and learn <br />about nature. <br />Biking and Park Maior Circulation Trails Though shared -use <br />paths are intended for many users including maintenance and <br />emergency vehicles, the bicycle is the design vehicle of <br />choice. <br />Site Selection: <br />• Areas with unique natural beauty or views <br />• Determine opportunities to improve student walking <br />routes <br />• Wide enough areas to locate trail away from homes or <br />businesses <br />• Determine wildlife habitat areas to view or avoid that <br />will impact trail design <br />Access to neighborhoods and roads <br />Provide: <br />• 10 feet is the standard width for a two-way shared -use <br />path; paths should be 12 feet wide or more in areas <br />with high mixed-use. Faster -moving bicyclists require <br />greater width than pedestrians; optimum width should <br />be based on the relative use by these two modes. High <br />use by skaters may also require greater width <br />• The minimum width is 8 feet. However, 8 -foot wide <br />paths are not recommended in most situations <br />because they may become over -crowded. They should <br />only be constructed in low use areas in smaller parks <br />• Everett Parks references the AASHTO Guide for the <br />Development of Bicycle Facilities for path design <br />standards. The AASHTO guide should be consulted for <br />geometric design standards such as sight -distance and <br />alignment <br />• Visibility corridor a minimum of 3 to 4 feet wide on each <br />side of the trail where possible to improve safety <br />37 <br />