city
community sidewalks
2016 Fall/Winter
Walking Town In the past five years, more than two and a half miles of new walkways have been constructed in town.
S i dewal k
Renaissance The city helps connect the community by increasing the number of walkways. Story by Leigh Anne Bathke | Photos by Pitts Photography
Perhaps the prettiest sidewalk in Baldwin links the park next to the train depot to Orchard Lane. Actually a trail, it meanders through the woods behind the houses lining High Street and along the Baldwin City Golf Course. Walk 20 feet down it off Main Street, and you won’t even realize you’re near the middle of town. From his second-floor office in Baldwin City Hall, Glenn Rodden can see the importance of sidewalks and how they connect a community. “There are always people moving around on them downtown,” says the Baldwin City administrator. “Sometimes it’s for exercise, sometimes it’s for economic reasons, sometimes it’s social. But
regardless of the reason why, people appreciate and use them.” Over the past five years, Baldwin City has experienced a bit of a sidewalk renaissance, with more than two and a half miles of new walkways and trails constructed throughout town. Sidewalks play an important role in connecting people to their community, whether they are families walking along busy Sixth Street to Signal Ridge, folks gathering for a summer Art Walk near the Lumberyard Arts Center or kids biking to the Intermediate Center. “Sidewalks are vital to maintaining a vibrant, active community,” says Christi Darnell, city council member. “They attract people, especially families. People looking to move here want to see a connected
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