Contact:
Martha Tasker, Director of Utilities
(785) 309-5725
martha.tasker@salina.org
Smoky Hill River Renewal Project
Survey Results Available Online
Survey results from the design charrette held September 26-28, for the area of the Smoky Hill River Renewal Project from north of Iron Avenue (North Channel and Founders Park) and south of the YMCA (South Channel), have been published online at www.salina-ks.gov/riverrenewal.
The survey, which was completed by 305 individuals, asked for preferences on concepts and features presented at the September 28 public meeting.
Nearly 78% of individuals liked concepts such as a shared use path for bicycles and pedestrians, a canoe/kayak launch ramp, and park space with a shelter/pavilion near the Elmhurst Blvd. and South Delaware Ave. area (west side of Bill Burke Park).
Nearly 76% of individuals liked concepts such as a river overlook, a shared use path for bicycles and pedestrians, additional parking space, and a canoe/kayak launch and landing area near the YMCA area.
76% of individuals liked the idea of a step down canoe chute, step pools, terraced seating, river overlook areas, walkways, and seating areas near the area of Founders Park (just north of Iron Ave.).
To control the flow of the river, 31% of individuals preferred restoring the Western Star Mill dam and 69% of individuals preferred installing step pools.
77% of individuals liked concepts such as a naturalized prairie, climbing boulders, a pump track, hiking/biking trails, and a canoe discovery trail at Lakewood Park.
When thinking of proposed ideas across each segment, the following responses were provided by individuals:
70% of individuals preferred canoe/kayak launch ramps
78% of individuals preferred boardwalks
71% of individuals preferred shelters/pavilions
78% of individuals preferred river overlooks
55% of individuals preferred an iconic monument/wayfinding element
80% of individuals preferred a shared use path (pedestrian/bike)
61% of individuals preferred a step down canoe chute
65% of individuals preferred terraced seating
68% of individuals preferred a canoe discovery trail
43% of individuals preferred a pump track
75% of individuals preferred a naturalized prairie
83% of individuals preferred hiking/biking trails
65% of individuals preferred constructed wetlands
72% of individuals preferred YMCA trail space
A public meeting presenting refined concepts will be held in October of 2018. Specific questions regarding the Smoky Hill River Renewal Project should be directed to Martha Tasker, City of Sailna Utilities Director, by emailing martha.tasker@salina.org or calling (785) 309-5725.
