Design Guidelines for Greenbelts, Trails & Paseo

Greenbelts/Trails/Paseos are recognized for their ability to connect people and places and often include either paved or natural trails. Trails can also be loop trails in parks. Linking neighborhoods, parks, recreation facilities, attractions, and natural areas with a multi-use trail fulfills 2 guiding principles simultaneously: protecting natural areas along river and open space areas and providing people with a way to access and enjoy them.
Adult and two children riding their bikes on trail
Multi-use trails also offer a safe, alternative form of transportation, substantial health benefits, habitat enhancements for plants and wildlife, and unique opportunities for outdoor education and cultural interpretation.
  • Size: Typically at least 40 foot width of unencumbered land for a Greenbelt or Paseo. May include a trail to support walk, bike, run, equestrian type activities. Typically, an urban trail is 10-foot wide to support pedestrian and bicycle uses. In open space areas, trails include 2 feet of decomposed granite on both sides of the trail for walkers, bicyclists
  • Equestrian uses: Can occur in both urban and open space settings by adding 10 more feet of space to separate equestrian usage from pedestrian/bike usage. In urban settings, equestrian use includes 5 feet of decomposed granite plus a 5-foot landscaped separation from the pedestrian/bike trail. In open space settings, equestrian use includes 5 feet of harrowed soil plus a 5-foot natural separation from the pedestrian/bike trail
  • Site Selection: Located consistent with approved Trails Master Plan.
  • Amenities: Parking and restrooms at major trail heads. May include small parks along the trail.
  • Maintenance standards: Demand based maintenance with available funding.
  • Lighting: Security lighting at trail heads and high use areas. Lighting on dual system with 50% of lights off at a set time and 50% on all night for security
  • Signage: Mileage markers at half mile intervals. Interpretive kiosks as deemed appropriate.
  • Landscape design: Coordinated planting scheme in urban areas. Limited or no planting in open space areas.
  • Other: Connectivity to parks or other District facilities is desirable.