Shayna and Rachel conducting outreach for the Bicycle Level of Traffic Stress project at the Durham Farmers Market. (
Photo Courtesy of Maggie Getman, Seacoast Lately)
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Planning
As part of phase two of the
Pathways to Play project
, SRPC staffers have been conducting outreach over the last few weeks. Phase two is a pilot project with Somersworth focusing on access to its parks, where phase one was focused on general mapping of recreational resources across the region. The main purpose of the outreach is to gather input and feedback from Somersworth citizens to better understand how people use recreation areas, what barriers exist and therefore prevent park use, and what can be done to improve the parks, encouraging more active recreation amongst residents.
During the first few weeks of July, Nancy O'Connor, program content coordinator, was available during pick up and drop off at Somersworth's summer camp program to talk with parents and campers. In addition to speaking with them using a large map as a visual aid, Nancy handed out the link to the
Pathways to Play survey
.
Beginning on Jul. 17, outreach materials created specifically for Somersworth youth were delivered to the Somersworth Public Library. Shayna Sylvia, communications and outreach planner, worked with Nancy to create coloring sheets for three city parks: Jules Bisson Park, the Somersworth Riverwalk, and the Malley Farm recreation area. Anyone can use these sheets to draw their vision of a dream park. The materials for this exercise will be available at the library until Aug. 15.
Pieces of Interest
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Transportation
On Monday, Jul. 15, Strafford Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) staffers conducted outreach at the Durham Farmer's Market for the
Bicycle Level of Traffic Stress (LTS) project
. Rachel Dewey, data analyst; Shayna Sylvia, communications and outreach planner; and Stefanie Casella, data collection and analysis assistant, facilitated discussions about local roads and whether they are safe for bicyclists. This was done through large scale maps that were printed and available at the market, where participants fact-checked Strafford MPO's findings.
A sticky dot engagement poster was also available at the Strafford MPO booth, allowing attendees to note funding priorities for transportation with choices like traffic signals; sidewalk, crosswalks and pedestrian safety; and trails and greenways. This input will be used for the update to the Metropolitan Transportation Plan.
To view the outreach that was conducted for the LTS project search the #LTSontheroad on Facebook.
Next steps for the project include the LTS workgroup conducting network analyses to determine how connected low stress roads are for bicyclists. This will help with project development and prioritization across the region.
Pieces of Interest
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Economic Development
James Burdin, senior regional planner, will attend the Brightfields Conference next Tuesday, July 23. This event is a collaborative effort with the nine regional planning commissions (RPCs) in New Hampshire to provide information about Brightfields, defined by the Department of Energy (DOE) as abandoned or contaminated properties that are redeveloped through the incorporation of solar energy. According to the DOE Brightfields developments lead to economic development, environmental cleanup and improved air quality by bringing pollution free solar energy and high tech manufacturing jobs to brownfield, greyfield and redfield sites.
The upcoming event will take place at the Falls Event Center in Manchester on Jul. 23, from 7:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., with an opportunity for networking directly following.
James will be able to take the information he learns and use it to continue Strafford Economic Development District's (EDD) Brownfields program. The current program was extended with the
award Strafford EDD received in June
.
Registration
is still open and is free for landowners and communities with potential solar sites. Paid registration is offered for nonprofits, institutions and the general public. Landowners and communities interested in attending will provide information about their sites when they register.
Pieces of Interest
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