cultivate community
ARTS, CULTURE, RECREATION, TOURISM
The Historic Union Pacific Rail Trail is part of a national organization of trails created from converted rail lines. From New York City to Portland and everywhere in between, there are more than 24,000 miles of rail trails nationwide and another 8,000 miles of rail trails ready to be built.
Many of these trails share a common story. The introduction of the rail line reduced travel times, increased profits, and encouraged the movement of people and supplies. Many small towns, neighborhoods, and cities sprang up along the rail corridor and prospered. But as the automobile gained dominance, use of the train decreased. This left previously vibrant communities without opportunities for economic development for decades.
The intention of rail trails is to utilize and highlight these existing connections between communities. The impact of these trail projects goes far beyond that of a recreational amenity. Planning around and investment in these corridors have led to social and economic revitalization for communities across the country.
The Historic Union Pacific Rail Trail is an invaluable resource. We have the opportunity to make strategic land planning choices in order to shape the future of the corridor surrounding the trail that will impact the future of Summit County as a whole.
Many of these trails share a common story. The introduction of the rail line reduced travel times, increased profits, and encouraged the movement of people and supplies. Many small towns, neighborhoods, and cities sprang up along the rail corridor and prospered. But as the automobile gained dominance, use of the train decreased. This left previously vibrant communities without opportunities for economic development for decades.
The intention of rail trails is to utilize and highlight these existing connections between communities. The impact of these trail projects goes far beyond that of a recreational amenity. Planning around and investment in these corridors have led to social and economic revitalization for communities across the country.
The Historic Union Pacific Rail Trail is an invaluable resource. We have the opportunity to make strategic land planning choices in order to shape the future of the corridor surrounding the trail that will impact the future of Summit County as a whole.
Case Studies
Springwater Corridor
This 21-mile trail runs from the banks of the Willamette River in downtown Portland to agricultural lands in the rural exurbs. Much like the Union Pacific Rail Trail, Springwater follows an abandoned rail line that was previously used to transport materials and people. In the early 1900s, towns sprang up along the rail and prospered as thousands of people were carried along the route. With the popularity of automobiles on the rise, the Springwater line stopped carrying passengers in 1958. Since its conversion to a rail trail in 2006, an average of 1.2 million users enjoy the trail annually. The trail connects urban, rural, residential, commercial, and retail districts. The previously bypassed towns and neighborhoods have had an influx of visitors via the trail. |
Wabash Trace Nature Trail
This trail winds 63 miles from the outskirts of Council Bluffs, Iowa, to the small town of Blanchard near the border of Missouri. Trail users enjoy spectacular views of prairies and woodlands that are full of history. Its roots go back to the Wabash Railroad, which was one of the most important connections between the farmlands, factories and people of the American heartland and points east in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Through ten years of restoration work and subsequent use by locals and tourists, a tradition has emerged. Nowadays, it is not unusual for several thousand cyclists to ride down a portion of the trail in order to attend a Thursday night taco night at local restaurant along the trail (a steakhouse serving tacos). Cyclists can then continue through several small towns rich with history that have their own restaurants, bars, and cafes accessible from the trail. |