Chapter 5: Strengths – Barriers – Opportunities Analysis

C HAP TE R 5: ST RE N GTHS – B A RR IE R S – OP P ORTUNIT IE S AN A L YSI S

A strengths, barriers and opportunities analysis of existing policies and programs related to walking and bicycling to school was also performed. This is similar to a SWOT Analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) but tailored for use in SRTS planning. The comments in the following tables are not edited and are not listed in any priority order. Recommendations to improve SRTS found in the sub-chapter titled “Action Plan Recommendations” at the beginning of this document have taken into consideration New York Mills’ unique strengths, barriers and opportunities.

STRENGTHS

The City of New York Mills and the New York Mills Elementary School have many strengths to work with that are similar to many other communities in west central Minnesota. Identifying and understanding those strengths are key in regard to any SRTS plan. The strengths listed in detail (see Table 2) below were gathered by the New York Mills SRTS Team.

Table 2: Community and School District Strengths

Community Strengths

1 Four parks and one playground area within City limits.

2 School location in the City of New York Mills, connection to the sidewalk network and close proximity to residences and downtown. 3 Support from the school and community (example is raising money to help pay for children’s school supplies). 4 Population is increasing.

5 Fitness center is available at the school.

6 Fresh produce is used whenever possible within the school.

7 Lions club is a big supporter helping to donate money, work, labor and time.

8 Other stakeholders/supporters – Tri-county foundation, Sanford Health, Perham

Health, Otter Tail Power and Lake Region Electric. 9 In all new construction projects, ADA compliant curb cuts are being installed.

10 DARE officer: Elliot Stoll.

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11 Bike racks available/present on school grounds and pool is nearby.

BARRIERS

To successfully develop and implement SRTS activities and programs, it was important for the SRTS Team to identify and understand the existing barriers within the community that are preventing children from walking and bicycling to school. These barriers, listed in detail in Table 3 below, are an accumulation of information received from the SRTS team.

Table 3: Commuity and School District Barriers

Community Barriers

1 Children cross major roads to get to school.

2 There are no paths under the bridge along North Broadway Ave.

3 Currently there is no safe or easy way to access to the parks from the school and other areas of town. In general the parks are not connected. 4 No trail system currently available in the area. The community wants to be connected to the county trails. 5 Newton Township streets (abutting NY Mills City Limits) are not within the city limits.

6 Funding opportunities.

7 Annexation is a barrier because there is no identifiable area(s) for the city to grow.

8 Miller St. has no sidewalks and many children walk on this street to get to school.

9 Main St. is the major barrier due to lack of width consistency, road markings, parking etc.

10 An industrial park (Lund Boat Co. located on Gilman parallel & perpendicular to school) creates hazards for children walking/biking.

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OPPORTUNITIES

The SRTS Team identified opportunities to improve walking and bicycling to school that are not currently being acted upon. The list of opportunities in Table 4 is not exhaustive but is an accumulation of ideas and action steps to help achieve the overall vision.

Table 4: Community and School District Opportunities

Community Opportunities

1 Population is increasing and the housing stock will need to be increased to accommodate the population. 2 If a pathway can be built along North Broadway Ave under U.S. Highway 10 then there is an opportunity for students living north of the highway to walk and/or bike to and from school.

3 Encourage employees to walk or bike to work.

4 Encouragement opportunity – If trails, parks sidewalks etc. are built then the students using them will come. 5 Encouragement – Continue to support smart walking/biking behaviors of children (Involves local law enforcement and other businesses). 6 Six Bicycle Boats – could be used for different events.

7 Getting people to use the built environment and walk / bike to school.

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