Rutland Herald
KIMBERLY GRIFFIN | September 16,2015
Provided Photo
Killington has been looking at expanding its
sidewalk infrastructure, taking an analytical look at roads, attractive
connectors and existing pathways.
When one thinks of the Town of Killington,
it is hard not to think of Killington, the resort. That is how I was
first introduced to the area, long before I lived here: Killington is
skiing.
Now that I am a Rutland resident, I know Killington to be much more. The town is doing a lot to accommodate pedestrians and bicyclists of all ages and abilities, year-round residents and visitors alike.
Of course, the resort greatly influences town planning. For more than a decade, proposals for a village-like resort center have been part of town — and regional — conversation. Integral to that conversation has been transportation; regionally focused, with considerations for the Bus, and locally — even hyper-locally — focused, with considerations for guest parking at the resort and pedestrian travel within the town during the day and après ski.
More recently, the Town of Killington has been looking at expanding its sidewalk infrastructure, taking an analytical look at roads, attractive connectors, and existing pathways. If this concept of network planning sounds familiar, it is. What Killington is doing fits right into Complete Streets planning, something that towns all over our region are beginning to discuss and embrace.
Conversations about Complete Streets in Killington started back in April when a number of representatives from Vermont Local Roads, along with Jon Kaplan of VTrans, presented at the monthly Planning Commission meeting. Since the law encourages municipalities to develop their own Complete Streets plan, town planner Dick Horner is looking to the Killington Planning Commission to use the lens of Complete Streets as they move forward in road repair, infrastructure improvement and future development. And that is just what the town is doing.
From planning sidewalks and crosswalks to new bench placement, Killington is thinking comprehensively.
The Bus, which offers a vital service to residents and resort employees alike, has joined multiple planning discussions.
Many establishments offer shuttles, but often destinations are within walking distance of each other, making the case for pedestrian pathways and sidewalks. Additionally, creating a network of pedestrian paths from concentrated condominium locations out to entertainment venues would reduce on-road traffic.
Another consideration is alcohol. Increasing the availability for safe means of transportation, such as sidewalks and shuttles, reduces unsafe use of the road, both by vehicle operators and pedestrians. Getting folks out of their cars, and off the roadway, during high-risk times of day and night makes Killington a safer place for all to enjoy.
Kimberly Griffin is the director of the Rutland Area Physical Activity Coalition (RAPAC) whose mission is to promote and increase bicycle and pedestrian activity in Rutland County. kimberly.rapac@gmail.com
Now that I am a Rutland resident, I know Killington to be much more. The town is doing a lot to accommodate pedestrians and bicyclists of all ages and abilities, year-round residents and visitors alike.
Of course, the resort greatly influences town planning. For more than a decade, proposals for a village-like resort center have been part of town — and regional — conversation. Integral to that conversation has been transportation; regionally focused, with considerations for the Bus, and locally — even hyper-locally — focused, with considerations for guest parking at the resort and pedestrian travel within the town during the day and après ski.
More recently, the Town of Killington has been looking at expanding its sidewalk infrastructure, taking an analytical look at roads, attractive connectors, and existing pathways. If this concept of network planning sounds familiar, it is. What Killington is doing fits right into Complete Streets planning, something that towns all over our region are beginning to discuss and embrace.
Conversations about Complete Streets in Killington started back in April when a number of representatives from Vermont Local Roads, along with Jon Kaplan of VTrans, presented at the monthly Planning Commission meeting. Since the law encourages municipalities to develop their own Complete Streets plan, town planner Dick Horner is looking to the Killington Planning Commission to use the lens of Complete Streets as they move forward in road repair, infrastructure improvement and future development. And that is just what the town is doing.
From planning sidewalks and crosswalks to new bench placement, Killington is thinking comprehensively.
The Bus, which offers a vital service to residents and resort employees alike, has joined multiple planning discussions.
Many establishments offer shuttles, but often destinations are within walking distance of each other, making the case for pedestrian pathways and sidewalks. Additionally, creating a network of pedestrian paths from concentrated condominium locations out to entertainment venues would reduce on-road traffic.
Another consideration is alcohol. Increasing the availability for safe means of transportation, such as sidewalks and shuttles, reduces unsafe use of the road, both by vehicle operators and pedestrians. Getting folks out of their cars, and off the roadway, during high-risk times of day and night makes Killington a safer place for all to enjoy.
Kimberly Griffin is the director of the Rutland Area Physical Activity Coalition (RAPAC) whose mission is to promote and increase bicycle and pedestrian activity in Rutland County. kimberly.rapac@gmail.com
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