Section 10-A815. PROS-3.4 CONNECTING THE CITY THROUGH TRAILS

 

815.1Trails and linear parks are an important part of the open space network. They link the District’s open spaces to one another and provide access between neighborhoods and nature. In some cases, they provide stream buffers or visual edges within communities. There are many different kinds of trails, serving a range of recreational and transportation functions. Recent trail planning efforts have focused on improving bicycle mobility, and waterfront access, and showcasing the city’s cultural, historic, and scenic resources. 815.1

 

815.2Key trail-building initiatives include the Anacostia Riverwalk and Fort Circle Parks Hiking Trail (both referenced in the previous section), the Metropolitan Branch Trail between Union Station and Silver Spring, the Watts Branch Trail, the Georgetown Waterfront Trail, and the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail Plan (PHNST). The PHNST is of particular interest, as it is one of the country’s 22 scenic national trails and includes multiple strands extending from the Chesapeake Bay to western Pennsylvania. Several of these strands pass through the District of Columbia. 815.2

 

815.3In 2005, the District adopted an updated Bicycle Master Plan, including recommendations for improving bike routes and completing bike trails and bridges across the city. Among the key recommendations are eliminating gaps in the trail network, improving access along the Anacostia River, and linking the District’s trails to a larger regional network. The Bicycle Plan also recommends coordination with the National Park Service to improve off-road trails like those traversing the National Mall, Rock Creek Park, Watts Branch, and Oxon Run (see Table 8.2). Additional details on the Bicycle Plan may be found in the Transportation Element of this Comprehensive Plan. 815.3

 

815.4Table 8.2: Trail Improvements Recommended by the DC Bicycle Master Plan 815.4

 

http://planning.dc.gov/planning/frames.asp?doc=/planning/lib/planning/2006_revised_comp_plan/8_parksrecreation.pdf.

 

815.5Policy PROS-3.4.1: Trail Network

 

Develop a network of trails, paths, and linear parks to link the District’s open space areas and improve access to open space. Trails and paths should provide a safe and convenient way for residents to experience Washington’s scenery and natural beauty on foot or by bicycle. 815.5

 

The Bicycle Master Plan recommends coordination with the National Park Service to improve off-road trails like those traversing the National Mall, Rock Creek Park, Watts Branch, and Oxon Run.

 

815.6Policy PROS-3.4.2: Linear Park Connections

 

Work with the federal government to improve connections between the open spaces within the District of Columbia through land acquisition and park dedication, particularly where “gaps” in the city’s open space network exist. Attention should be given to acquisitions that better connect the Fort Circle Parks and improve shoreline access. 815.6

 

815.7Policy PROS-3.4.3: Protecting Natural Features

 

Protect the scenic qualities of trails and the parklands they traverse. This includes designing trails to reduce erosion and tree removal, and protecting the integrity of the settings that make each trail unique. 815.7

 

815.8Policy PROS-3.4.4: Trails in Underutilized Rights-Of-Way

 

Develop multi-use trails in underutilized rights of way, including surplus railroad corridors and undeveloped street rights of way. 815.8

 

815.9Policy PROS-3.4.5: Trail Dedication

 

Require trail dedication as appropriate on privately-owned development sites along the District’s streams, waterfronts, and linear parks. 815.9

 

815.10Action PROS-3.4.A: Bicycle Master Plan Implementation

 

Initiate focused trail planning and construction efforts to eliminate gaps in the bicycle trail network and to improve substandard trails, as itemized in the District’s Bicycle Master Plan. Coordinate with the National Park Service for trails where both DDOT and NPS have responsibility. 815.10

 

815.11Action PROS-3.4.B: Signage

 

Provide more consistent and unified signage along the city’s trails to improve their identity and accessibility. 815.11

 

815.12Action PROS-3.4.C: Water Trails

 

Develop designated “water trails” and water access points in the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers for travel by canoe, kayak, and other paddlecraft. 815.12

 

notation

The provisions of Title 10, Part A of the DCMR accessible through this web interface are codification of the District Elements of the Comprehensive Plan for the National Capital. As such, they do not represent the organic provisions adopted by the Council of the District of Columbia. The official version of the District Elements only appears as a hard copy volume of Title 10, Part A published pursuant to section 9a of the District of Columbia Comprehensive Plan Act of 1994, effective April 10, 1984 (D.C. Law 5-76; D.C. Official Code § 1 -301.66)) . In the event of any inconsistency between the provisions accessible through this site and the provisions contained in the published version of Title 10, Part A, the provisions contained in the published version govern. A copy of the published District Elements is available www.planning.dc.gov.