Connects (at the time VISION) in partnership with the Borough of Shenandoah was a 2023 Safe Routes to Parks Pennsylvania Activating Communities Grantee. Connects and Shenandoah worked closely with Safe Routes partnership staff to proactively engage community members in the process of assessing park access, putting together an action plan to address barriers, and begin implementing the plan.
First step: Gathered information from Shenandoah residents about their park use, how they get to them, and how the conditions along existing community connectors (streets & sidewalks) impact their park use.
Second Step: Two-day Safe Routes to Parks in-person workshop for community leaders and interested residents was held on May 23 & 24, 2023.
Third Step: Gathered additional community feedback, worked with community members and leaders, developed early action step plans, and continued to work with Safe Routes Partnership on a Safe Routes to Parks Action Plan.
Fourth Step: Identified early action steps…easy wins. Steps included holding public events like an Ice Cream Social and Bike Rodeo at Shenandoah Public Health and Safety Night.
Final Step included receiving and providing the Safe Routes to Parks Action Plan to the borough. The plan provides steps and suggestions for future work to increase park access and improve walkability in the Borough. This plan will be used to identify projects and secure funding to increase progress. Check out the final plan here: Shenandoah Action Plan – FINAL
Step One: Survey Results
Step Two: Safe Routes to Parks Workshop
Steps Three and Four: Gather Feedback and Community Events
To learn more about assessing your communities’ park access and bike/walkability please contact us at info@schuylkillconnects.com