AGENDA
Thursday, April 27, 2017 - 1:30 p.m.
NIRPC ake Michigan Room Kathy Kniola, Chair
1. Welcome and Introductions
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South Shore Trails - Update
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f'eature Vre§entatiun: PORTER COUNTY 2017 PARKS & REC MASTER PLAN
PORTER COUNTY
PARKS &
RECREATION
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NWI Paddling Association - Update
5. | Grab Bag | |
A. B. C. D. | Project Updates Emerging Trends Video General Announcements (upcoming rides, events, etc) Next 3PC Meeting -Thursday, May 25, 2017 @ NIRPC |
6. Adjournment
Committee Meeting ~ NIRPC March 23, 2017
Members & Guests –Aaron Borngraber, Mark Schreiber, Robert Boklund, Jeff Sheridan, John Novacich, Tonya Garland, K-Todd Behling, Steve Antonetti, George Topoll, Eric Ehn, Jessie Renslow, Craig Zandstra, Al Walus, Lauren Orchard, Zully Alvarado, Jan Dick, Will Farrellbegg, Dalia Zygas, Jake Ballah, Phil Gralik, Mark O’Dell
Mitch called the meeting to order and informed the Committee that Mayor Stahura would more than likely no longer be the Chairman of 3PC and Vice-chair Kathy Kniola would be taking over as Chair. A new Vice-chair will be needed and must be an elected official who is a NIRPC Commissioner.
2017 plans include building local bike and ped advocacy and strengthening regional quality of life indicators such as health and livability and more access to amenities.
A series of programs are being developed with universal design in the Miller section of Gary to encourage individuals to bike, walk and paddle more. A video was shown to explain the collective impact process of how a community plan was developed, approved and being implemented, and incorporated highlights from 2015, 2016 and 2017 as well. A grant was received in 2015 from the Legacy Foundation and included a key element of the vision was accessibility for all. Universal design differs from just accessible design in that it doesn’t just focus on individuals with disabilities, but the entire population.
The seven principal guidelines of universal design include equitable use; flexible in use; simple and intuitive; perceptible information; tolerance of error; low physical effort; and size and space for approach and views. 28 of the 29 goals for the Miller Neighborhood Spotlight three to five year plan were done in the first year.
Take Bike Our Streets is a comprehensive program that involves community engagement; economic development; and intergenerational environmental education with planning; educating; and implementing phases. The goal of the program is to capitalize on the community’s diversity and implement a multi-phase project that makes cycling an accessible and enjoyable activity for all community members and visitors. Eleven bike racks were funded in 2016 and will be installed shortly. Installations to occur in 2017 include universally designed wayfinding signs; two bike repair stations; and nine standard and one ADA Zagster bikes as well as four stalls. Additionally, 25 build-a-bike workshops will be held beginning in May. The first outdoor adaptive escapade will be July 15, 2017 and will involve four Neighborhood Spotlight communities.
Paddle
There was a fantastic turnout at the Rendezvous event. Due to his new position with the National Park Service, Dan Plath is no longer NWIPA board president. The newly elected president is Jeff Obirek. Event calendar and paddling safety cards are available. Three new launches are planned for 2017. As part of sunset paddles in Miller, paddle training will occur every third Thursday of each month from 1 – 3:00 pm for individuals who are blind or have low vision. Interpretative paddle will also be included as part of the sunset paddles.
Grab Bag
Pennsy: On schedule to let in 2018
Lake County: Cleaning and grubbing has been taking place on the Oak-Savannah Trail extension at Oak Ridge Prairie. Equipment should move in next week. Griffith’s portion of the project has been let and Walsh & Kelly Inc. hired.
Three night LaPorte rides have been scheduled: June 16, July 21 and August 18. Registration is
$20.00 and will be at 9:00 pm, with rides starting from Soldiers Memorial Park at 10:00 pm.
Valparaiso Zagster bike share program kickoff: Urschel Pavilion, April 19 at 10:00 am.
Miller Zagster bike share program kickoff: May 29 (Memorial Day).
Valparaiso Pathways meeting at 6:00 pm, March 23.
The meeting adjourned at 2:39.
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