ALTUS
Walkability Workshop City of Altus Oklahoma Municipal League OU Institute for Quality Communities
Altus Walkability Workshop On August 9, 2018, the University of Oklahoma Institute for Quality Communities (IQC) team visited Altus, Oklahoma, to meet with members of the community. Altus is located on U.S. Highway 62 about one hour west of Lawton and has a population just over 19,000 people. The city of Altus is seeking a review of walkability focusing around recreational and school facilities along Navajoe Street. The workshop had ten attendees, including community members and city staff. The workshop started with a brief presentation by IQC on walkability examples from previous projects. The IQC team then led a walking meeting along common walking routes, observed obstacles to walking, and noted important points in the town. Afterward, the workshop attendees marked important conclusions from the workshop on maps of Altus. This report gives an overview of the recommendations resulting from the workshop:
• • • •
Fix and add sidewalks along Navajoe Street and Asalee Street. Improve safety at the railroad crossing on Navajoe Street. Create a gateway for the park and new splash pad. Promote wayfinding.
Assets for Walking in Altus
Splash Pad: Located near the park, this new splash pad with three play areas and space for parents to rest is free to use.
Cole Heights “Missile Park� and Baseball Fields: This spacious park is located at Navajoe Street and Katy Street. It contains the iconic missile. A variety of events are held there, as well as offering baseball fields and space for recreational activities.
Historic Homes: There are some historic homes on Navajoe United Supermarket : This grocery store located near down Street and Commerce Street that boast beautiful architecture. town is a convenient location for those living in South Altus.
Altus Primary School: This is the main elementary school for the southern portion of Altus. It is important that the paths that nearby children take to school are safe and walkable.
E. Broadway St. / U.S. Highway 62
E. Walnut St.
Navajoe Gateway Project
Grocery Store
Existing Assets & Challenges
E. Liveoak St.
Red elements on the map represent challenges to walkability.
E. Pecan St.
Assets
S. Navajoe St.
Dark green elements on the map represent walkability assets.
Good sidewalks Deteriorated Sidewalks
E. Nona St.
No sidewalks Railroad Tracks
Problema�c intersec�on E. Katy Dr.
S. Navajoe St.
Park and Splash Pad
Lee Ora St. Loyadell St.
Asal
ee S
E. Thompson Av e.
Historic Homes
Denise St.
E. County Rd. 165 / E. Ridgecrest Rd.
Inis St.
S Glenda St.
Hairston St.
S. Park Ln.
Primary School
Hazel St. George St.
t.
Walking Tour Observations The workshop began with a walking tour around Altus. The path began at the United Way grocery store on S. Navajoe Street and E. Broadway Street. We walked south on Navajoe Street across the railroad tracks and past the park, making a left on Asalee Street. We continued down Asalee Street, made a right at Inis Street, another right on E. Ridgecrest Road, and finally a right onto Navajoe Street to complete the loop back to the Parks and Recreation building. We noticed during our walk the lack of sidewalks in most areas. We also experienced the curve in the road near the railroad tracks and how it lacked signage or safety features. Additionally, we noticed that many intersections along S. Navajoe Street did not have four-way stops or methods to slow down the traffic on Navajoe Street.
Key Recommendations RECOMMENDATION 1:
Prioritize addition of sidewalks along S. Navajoe Street and Asalee Street. RECOMMENDATION 2:
Make the railroad crossing on Navajoe Street safer with landscaping and signage. RECOMMENDATION 3:
Create a gateway to the park and improve intersection with a mini-roundabout. RECOMMENDATION 4:
Promote wayfinding.
RECOMMENDATION 1:
Sidewalk Locations
E. Walnut St.
Phase 1 Phase 2
E. Liveoak St.
E. Pecan St.
Phase 3
S. Navajoe St.
The sidewalks in Altus along Navajoe Street and Asalee Street are not in good condition. There is a small stretch of good sidewalk on Navajoe Street near the grocery store and south of one of the railroad tracks. Additionally there are some good traffic control measures in front of the elementary school. For cost effectiveness, the sidewalk improvements in Altus can be carried out in four phases if neccessary:
E. Broadway St. / U.S. Highway 62
Phase 4 No Change
E. Nona St.
1. 1 On S. Navajoe Street from the railroad crossing at E. Nona Street to Asalee Street.
2. 2 On Asalee Street from S. Navajoe Street to Inis Street, and 3. 3 4. 4
on Inis Street from Asalee Street to E. Ridgecrest Drive. On S. Navajoe Street from E. Broadway Street to the railroad crossing south of E. Nona Street. On S. Navajoe Street from Asalee Street to E. Ridgecrest Drive.
Asal
ee S
t.
Denise St. Hazel St. George St. Hairston St.
S Glenda St.
Total estimated cost for one side of the road = $255,684 Total estimated cost for both sides of the road = $511,368
Loyadell St.
E. County Rd. 165 / E. Ridgecrest Rd.
S. Park Ln.
$69,729 $79,299 $63,063 $43,593
Lee Ora St.
Inis St.
Phase 1 = 2,113 linear feet Phase 2 = 2,403 linear feet Phase 3 = 1,911 linear feet Phase 4 = 1,321 linear feet
E. Katy Dr.
S. Navajoe St.
Based on an average estimated cost of $33.00 per linear foot for a standard 4-foot wide sidewalk, the approximate cost of sidewalk on one side of the road would be:
Railroad Tracks
Additional Walkability Enhancements In addition to building the new sidewalks, we recommend that the city adds lighting and trees along these routes. Street lighting makes it safer for people to walk, especially children who have to walk to school early or late when it is dark. Trees along the sidewalks add shade, which helps people stay cooler in the summer with the heat of the day. They also provide the opportunity to add a couple of benches along the Navajoe Street sidewalk route for those who need to rest while walking.
Current conditions on Navajoe Street looking south.
Walkability improvements for S. Navajoe Street looking south.
RECOMMENDATION 2:
Railroad Crossing at Navajoe St. Curve The two railroad crossings on Navajoe Street currently have minimal signage indicating that it is a train crossing and there are no sidewalks or landscaping along the road. There is no street lighting and nothing to prevent cars from running off the road. This area that is between two neighborhoods provides and opportunity to create a unique gathering space. We propose the following recommendations to this area: 1 Add street light fixtures to increase visibility.
2
1
3
6 4 5
Plan view of Navajoe Street curve.
2 Create a pocket park on the east side of the road along the curve. This landscaping will also create a visual barrier to slow down drivers. 3 Place reflective barriers on the curve to prevent cars from running off the road. 4 Add a flashing railroad crossing sign at the north railroad intersection. 5 Add a crosswalk at the south side of the railroad crossing. 6 Add 6-foot wide sidewalks on the east side of the road to connect the two neighborhoods on either side of the railroads.
1
Street lighting to provide better visibility
2
Plant trees to slightly block view and force drivers to slow down and to create a pocket park
3
Reflective barrier prevents cars from running off the road
1
2 3
Looking north at Navajoe Street curve.
4
4 Add a flashing rail-
road crossing sign to the north railroad intersection
5
Add a crosswalk to allow pedestrians safe crossing
6
Six foot wide sidewalk allows plenty of room for pedestrians
6 5
Looking north at Navajoe Street curve.
RECOMMENDATION 3:
Roundabout Gateway to “Missile Park� Missile Park is an important asset for Altus. It will be a popular destination for the residents of Altus, especially in the summer. Currently, the intersection at Katy Drive, which leads into the park, and Navajoe Street does not have any crosswalks or signage. It has stop signs, but this is inefficient for a well-used intersection. Recommendations:
1 Turn the intersection into a mini-roundabout.
2 Paint curb extensions and crosswalks.
3 Landscape the center of the roundabout.
4 Create sidewalks along the streets leading to the park.
5 Add an entrance sign for the park at the intersection.
6 Add benches and street lighting along the sidewalks.
The existing intersection has large enough dimensions to create a mini-roundabout without having to pour any new asphalt. Roundabouts are very effective at controlling traffic smoothly and slowing down traffic to make the intersection safer for pedestrians. There is a space for a 15-foot wide street around the roundabout with an 18-foot diameter center island. This area can be landscaped to be aesthetically pleasing and include a sign indicating the park entrance. Curb extensions painted past the corners of the existing intersection will encourage people to slow down when entering the roundabout. Sidewalks make it safe for pedestrians to walk to the park and cross the street. The sidewalks here would be a part of phase 2 from the first recommendation.
Example: Shawnee, Oklahoma There is a case in the town of Shawnee, Oklahoma, that is similar to the intersection at Navajoe Street and Katy Drive. The town constructed a mini-roundabout at one of their existing intersections. The process did not involve any changes to the road, except for the excavation in the center for the roundabout. Shawnee opted for stamped concrete in the center of the roundabout due to limitations. The roundabout cost about $10,000 using in-house design. It was completed in 2 months. A similar mini-roundabout could be constructed in Altus, either with similar stamped concrete, or with landscaping in the center.
This intersection is about 48 feet across at its widest point, as estimated from satellite images. This is enough space to create the miniroundabout in the center without having to expand the road. There is also space for small curb extensions, crosswalks, and sidewalks. S. Navajoe Street
E. Katy Drive
E. Katy Drive
S. Navajoe Street
Current satellite view of Katy Drive and Navajoe Street intersection.
Site plan view of Katy Drive and Navajoe Street intersection improvements.
Missile-inspired column with name of park Easily scaled to any size (appears as 9 feet tall in image) Stepped walls made of affordable materials such as brick or stone Looking west at S. Navajoe Street and Katy Drive intersection.
Looking northwest at S. Navajoe Street and Katy Drive intersection.
Large brick base
3 7
2 1 6
5 4
Looking north at S. Navajoe Street and Katy Drive intersection. Shows current condition (top left) and intersection with recommendations.
Looking east at S. Navajoe Street and Katy Drive intersection. Shown during the early evening.
1 Mini-roundabout with landscaping in the center of the intersection.
4 Sidewalks 4 to 6 feet wide with at least a 4 foot setback from the road.
2 Monumental element announcing the park entrance in the center of the roundabout.
5 Painted curb extensions.
3 Street lighting.
7 Trees to shade the sidewalks.
6 Crosswalks.
RECOMMENDATION 4:
Promote Wayfinding Some of the biggest assets of Altus are located in or near the southern half of the town. However, not everyone lives in this part of town and are familiar with these points of interest. It would be useful to have signage that guides people towards these sites and provides useful information. Below is an example of a potential wayfinding sign. This one is theoretically located near the intersection of City of Altus Broadway Avenue and Navajoe Street. logo It uses simple graphics and words Arrow denoting to inform and direct people to the direction of parks and some of the historic areas landmark of Altus. This sign could be made from many different materials including metal, plastic, acrylic, or vinyl wrapped plywood. On the opposing page is a list of some of the historic landmarks and places of interest in Altus. To the right is an example of a historic landmark information sign. This can work in conjunction witht the wayfinding signs to inform people about the points of interest and perhaps teach them some of the history of Altus.
Name of point of interest with distance and time to walk there
Buildings on National Historic Register:
1886 Altus, OK “City with a Future to Share”
Railroad Depot
1 Jackson County Courthouse and Jail • •
101 North Main Street Neoclassical building constructed in 1911
2 Wichita Falls & Northwestern Railroad Depot • • •
523 South Main Street Built in 1910 Prairie school architectural style
3 W.C. Baker House • • •
301 East Commerce Street Built in 1917 Best preserved example of an airplane bungalow in Craftsman architectural style
4 Garnett, Elmer and Lela House • • •
801 East Commerce Street Built in 1927 One of few mission revival style houses in Altus
5 Downtown Altus Historic District • •
Consists of Main Street, Broadway, Hudson Street, and Commerce Street Buildings constructed as early as 1891
The Wichita Falls and Northwestern Railroad Passenger Depot was built in 1910. It is constructed in the prairie style of architecture. This railroad helped bring trade to Altus and spurred the economy. In the 1930s, Altus was a major regional agricultural trade and distribution center, with eight cotton gins, two cotton compresses, and 18 wholesale businesses. The building now serves as the city courthouse and the Altus police deparment headquarters.
Year Altus was established (can substitute town seal) Town name and motto Name of landmark Text with landmark details
Other Points of Interest in Altus: 6 Cole Heights (Missile) Park • •
600 East Katy Drive Recreational hotspot
7 Altus Splash Pad • • •
Located in Missile Park on 600 East Katy Drive 3 different play areas Free to use
8 Altus Primary School • •
1200 South Glenda Street The main primary school for South Altus
9 Altus City Reservoir •
Recreational activities including camping, fishing, picnic areas, disc gold, and more
Next Steps This report has detailed some changes that would make the south area of Altus safer and more walkable. In the short-term, temporary signage can be added in key points around Altus to draw attention to the existing amenities, the splash pad and “Missile” Park, and the historic landmarks to generate interest in this area. Features to be added to frequented walking paths, such as street lighting, trees, and benches can be added in stages as opposed to all at the same time. The two larger scale projects will require more time to plan but are feasible by pursuing grant opportunities and planning the project in phases if possible.
Funding Opportunities Community Change Grants: This grant program awards grantees $1500 in community stipends for projects related to creating healthy, active, and engaged places to live, work, and play. These funds are meant to be used to improve walkability and recreation in communities. TSET Incentive Grants: Altus is eligible for approximately $22,000 from TSET Healthy Living Program Incentive Grants. These funds would be ideal matching funds for key sidewalk construction or a signage program. AARP Community Challenge Grants: This annual grant program funds ‘quick-action’ projects that are ready to go. In 2017, the grant program helped city officials in Shawnee construct a traffic mini-circle. In 2018, Vinita won a $25,000 grant to construct a public space in a downtown alley. Altus may consider competing for funds from this program.
Collaborators Project Partners City of Altus Jackson County TSET Healthy Living Program Oklahoma Municipal League OU Institute for Quality Communities Workshop Participants Chris Griffith, Altus, Parks & Recreation Victoria Cleveland, TSET Healthy Living Shaundra Covey, TSET HLP-SOCAG Tricia Duncan, TSET HLP-SOCAG Jon Kidwell, City of Altus Ashley Bates, City of Altus Theresa Jameson, City of Altus Freddy Perez, City of Altus Michael Shive, City of Altus Aaron Nolan, City of Altus OU Institute for Quality Communities Shane Hampton, Director Hope Mander, Associate Director Ron Frantz, Environmental Design Coordinator Rachel Ware, OU Division of Landscape Architecture Folasayo Salami, OU Division of Regional and City Planning Amy Hostetter, OU Division of Architecture Sridhar Yalamanchili, OU Division of Landscape Architecture Goutam Vella, OU Division of Landscape Architecture
Report Prepared By: The University of Oklahoma Institute for Quality Communities Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture 830 Van Vleet Oval, Gould Hall Norman, OK 73019 iqc.ou.edu