Meridian Panel Presentation, August 2022
Meridian is experiencing unprecedented population growth. Today, the city has four times the number of residents it did in 2000. The population boom resulted in rapid development, including the expansion of walking paths throughout the city. These became an especially valued resource during the pandemic — in fact, in 2021, Meridian residents identified better connection between walking paths as a number-one priority in a Parks and Recreation Department survey. Despite the paths’ popularity, many older neighborhoods experiencing slower population growth are often disconnected from the trail system, and Meridian is bisected by Interstate 84, making connection between both halves of the city a challenge and a safety concern for pathway users. ULI was invited by the city of Meridian, Idaho to explore the pathways throughout the rapidly growing city and strategies to bridge the gaps within the existing trail network. Recommendations on implementing an equitable, sustainable, and accessible pathways system was a central focus of the panel.
Video Summary: Meridian is experiencing unprecedented population growth. Today, the city has four times the number of residents it did in 2000. The population boom resulted in rapid development, including the expansion of walking paths throughout the city. These became an especially valued resource during the pandemic — in fact, in 2021, Meridian residents identified better connection between walking paths as a number-one priority in a Parks and Recreation Department survey. Despite the paths’ popularity, many older neighborhoods experiencing slower population growth are often disconnected from the trail system, and Meridian is bisected by Interstate 84, making connection between both halves of the city a challenge and a safety concern for pathway users. ULI was invited by the city of Meridian, Idaho to explore the pathways throughout the rapidly growing city and strategies to bridge the gaps within the existing trail network. Recommendations on implementing an equitable, sustainable, and accessible pathways system was a central focus of the panel.