Coraopolis - S. Hicks

SITE ANALYSIS
Exploration of Coraopolis
LANDSCAPE LAYERS
Site Information Using Geographic
information Systems (GIS)
Landform + Surrounding Amenities
-Aerial Photography
-Contours
-Slopes
-Restaurants + Bars
-Businesses
Building Footprints
-Residential houses
-Industrial
-Commercial
-Locks + Dams
-Property Ownership
Rail Lines
-Rails Currently in Operation
-Historic/Preserved Rails
-Rails to Trails
Streets
-City Streets
-Highways
-Bridges
-Existing parking
Streets Bordering Woodlands
-Road Access to Woodlands
-Trail Access
Greenways
-Adjacent Parks
-Forested Areas
-Streams + Rivers
Shaun Hicks
LArch 414
-Wetlands
-Floodplains
-Trails
The Pennsylvania State University
Fall 2010
GIS played an important role in all steps of the
design phase. Before the design process started the
use of GIS layers informed design and highlighted
areas that are suitable for kayaking, cycling, and
hiking. After conceptual ideas were formed, a trail
and kayak network began to take shape. Although
GIS provided the necessary materials and plans,
the engagement and knowledge community members
provided at the workshop sparked the interest of a
multi-use place and A “racing” theme which I was
really inspired by. The combination of the computer
information and community knowledge helped build upon
the site analysis observed onsite into both a trail
network map featuring adventure racing courses and
an in depth site design of a multi-functional Jr.
adventure camp.
EXPERIENCE BY WATER
Gaining Site Knowledge through Kayaking + Outdoor Adventure
In order to fully understand the site character
and how site experience greatly differs from the
water than on land, one of my colleagues (Dave
Yackuboskey), three Coraopolis Residents, and I
kayaked A portion of the Ohio River.
EXPERIENCE THROUGH COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Pulling Together Information, Ideas, + History
Through A Community Workshop
One of the key facets in compiling helpful, exact and
successful site analysis information was through the
minds of community members and people who experience
the site on a day to day basis, some who have lived
in the area for years. They provided insightful
information that would have never been compiled
otherwise because it requires people not books or
the computer to access the type of information they
provided.
*For More Information Refer to Master Plan Boards
TRAIL + KAYAK NETWORK MAP
Nested Loop Trails + Kayak/Canoe Pool
Legend
EXPERIENCED DIFFICULTY TRAIL - Rugged Terrain, Informal Path, Guided by Blazes
Total Distance of Trail Type = 9.8 Miles
INTERMEDIATE DIFFICULTY TRAIL - Trail Path Uneven,
Steep Slopes, Sharp Turns
Total Distance of Trail Type = 6.4 Miles
EASY DIFFICULTY TRAIL - Formal Trail, Wide Tread,
Subtle Slopes, Short/Loop Trails
Total Distance of Trail Type = 6.7 Miles
WORKOUT TRAIL - Short, Pull Off Trails Featuring A
Variety of Workout Structures for Easy Use
Total Distance of Trail Type = .9 Miles
ROAD BIKE TRAIL - Short & Bendy Road Course with
Connection to the Montour Trail + Downtown Coraopolis
Total Distance of Trail Type = 1.6 Miles
EXISTING MONTOUR TRAIL
KAYAKING POOL BETWEEN THE EMSWORTH + DASHIELDS
LOCKS + DAMS
BOUNDARY OF CORAOPOLIS
FUTURE SITE OF THE SPORTS + ATHLETICS COMPLEX
SURROUNDING GREENWAYS
PROPOSED LAUNCH ZONES
Total Put-Ins = 10
*For more map information refer to Board 2 of the Masterplan Boards
ADVENTURE RACING
Background Information + Proposed Races
“What is Adventure Racing?”
Adventure racing is simply the combination of two or more outdoor endurance disciplines which
can include any of the following events:
Proposed Races
“Quick + Dirty” Beginner Race
1. Ropes: Rappelling, Ascending, & Top Rope Climbing
2. Orienteering & Map Reading
3. Kayaking & Canoeing
4. Expedition Mountain Biking
5. Assessing & Managing Risk in Expedition Racing
Races can span over a ten day period or can easily be completed in a single day. There is typically
no dark period during races forcing racers to determine if and when to rest. The events can be
completed in teams or as single members and during races there are a series of checkpoints or
passport controls that racers are required to pass through in a specific order. These checkpoints
serve a number of purposes in addition to tracking time including gear checks and supply
replenishment.
The proposed trail and kayak network map found to the left includes a series of trails that can be
used to form adventure races while also serving as a trail network for people of the community
and surrounding areas to use. The network offers a trail system featuring a variety of trail types,
skill levels, and trail lengths to accommodate for everyone. Descriptions of the trail types and
trail lengths are found in the Legend above.
Programs Formed Through Adventure Racing
Adventure races are events that will only take place at certain times of the year so the network and
masterplan need to be multi-functional. In addition to adventure racing and the proposed kayak and
canoe launches, a number of other programs and important facets will be introduced to the area.
Kayak, canoe, and bike tours and rentals can now take place in Coraopolis. This can consist of merely
day trips or hourly guided trips that will help bring people into the area. Kayak, canoe, and bike
rentals will be offered to provide community members and visitors with the necessary equipment.
Also, adventure racing introduces a number of events and activities that can take place in Coraopolis.
These events include Jr. adventure racing camps, adventure racing academies which teach the basic
and necessary skills of the sport, adventure within programs which are sessions combining Nature,
Adventure, & Yoga that can help bring people together and provide them with something to do, and
site use by Robert Morris University Students, faculty, and the woman’s rowing team. In addition, the
proposed Jr. Adventure Camp found on board’s 3 and 4, can serve as an area to hold festivals, events,
and outdoor ceremonies.
Hiking = 2 Miles
Mountain Biking = 1.25 Miles
Road Biking = .6 Miles
Kayaking = 1.7 Miles
Total Mileage = 5.55 Miles
This Race is built for the beginner adventure racer or simply a short course for experienced racers to compete in on a weekend. It is a combination of five different trails along with a looping kayaking route. The
course starts near Sewickley Bridge and works its way through Coraopolis on the road bike course.
After reaching checkpoint 2 in Coraopolis the race continues along the Ohio River upstream offering beautiful views and fascinating sites. Checkpoint 3 is where the race transitions to the water where racers will kayak around Neville Island to the opposite side of the Ohio River. Here racers will experience hiking through
forested mountains where they can see a different perspective of the river and the surrounding landscape.
The race concludes with a short kayaking journey to the finish located at the tip of Neville Island.
ADVENTURE RACING
Proposed Adventure Races
“Racing to Coraopolis” : Intermediate
level Race
Hiking = 3.6 Miles
Mountain Biking = 3.3 Miles
Road Biking = .8 Miles
Kayaking = 3.2 Miles
Total Mileage = 10.9 Miles
Compared to the previous race, this race is almost double in length and is not recommended for the beginner adventure racer. The race starts off on foot on Neville Island and works its way over the Neville Island
Bridge where it connects to the existing Montour Trail. Racers will venture through the proposed Sports &
Athletics Complex upon its completion and continue through a series of trails until they reach checkpoint
3 where they will transition to biking. Racers will bike a short portion of the Montour Trail where they will
connect into the road bike trail and two other trails. Once racers reach checkpoint 4 they will kayak upstream on the Ohio River to the opposite side where they will complete a hiking trail loop. Finally, racers
will kayak back down the Ohio and around Neville Island ending up at the proposed Adventure Camp site
in Coraopolis which is shown on Boards three and four.
Race for the “True” Adventurist
Hiking = 5.5 Miles
Mountain Biking = 6.6 Miles
Road Biking = .8 Miles
Kayaking = 3.25 Miles
Total Mileage = 16.15 Miles
This race is definitely not for the beginner due to its length, combination of trail types and the necessary skills
including rappelling, orienteering, and climbing that are needed. The race starts off near the Dashields Locks &
Dam and meanders through mountains and hills providing racers with scenic views. Here racers will challenge
their orienteering skills due to the informal path they are provided with. Once they find their way, they will end
up back on the Ohio River where they will kayak upstream, complete a short loop trail and jump back into the
kayak paddling around Neville Island upstream towards the Emsworth Dam. Again their orienteering skills will
be challenge as they venture to the Montour Trail and eventually the road bike trail. Finally they will work their
way through two more trails ending up in Coraopolis.
*These are only three example races formed by the overall trail and kayak network. There are an endless amount of races that can be
formed. Also, the proposed network and adventure races will cut through private property and roads requiring proper ownership in
order to implement the system.
TRAIL DESIGN
Proper Techniques
Trail Design
Design Techniques Needed To Create A Successful + Sustainable Network
Side Hill Design
To help eliminate erosion trails will be placed along contours in the “side” of the hill. Side hill trails force water to flow over the path instead of down
the path causing runoff and potential disasters like erosion. This also makes it easy to adjust the percentage of the grade in tight areas where the slope
might be steep. One problem with side hill trails is they require more work to build. Side hill trails can be constructed in two types: partial bench and full
bench treadways illustrated in Fig. 1 and 2. Full benches are preferred, but can not always be implemented due to certain conditions. A partial bench is
constructed by cutting into the hill and forming the tread with the fill on the down hill side.
Fig. 1: Example of a full bench treadway
Correct side hill trail that runs parallel with the contours
allowing water to flow over the trail and down the mountain.
Switchbacks
Switchbacks are simple, short trails that follow a zigzag pattern in
order to move people up steep slopes. These should be kept to
a minimum because they can lengthen the route, create erosion
hazards, and can be boring at times. One problem that occurs
with switchbacks is shortcuts or desire lines forming. This is ok
for the informal trails, but the more formal trails should have designated paths to provide direction. One technique to eliminate
desire lines is to hide the paths ahead by clusters of vegetation or
fallen trees or create wider loops within the switchback.
Improper trail running up the mountain or
perpendicular to the contours allowing water to erode
away the trail.
Fig. 2: Example of a partial bench treadway
Key Facets for a Strong Trail:
- No erosion/Leaf litter on path
- Narrow treadway
- Dry/Well Drained
- Use of plant life
- Simple design
- Varied Grade
TRAIL IMPLEMENTATION
Flagging
Trail Construction Process
The first step in construction is a process known as flagging. Colored flags will be used to mark the proposed
trail system before the excavation process starts. In order to distinguish the different trails within the system
different colored flags will be used. Flagging should be
taken very seriously seeing how this will be where the
final trail will be placed and trees will be removed. This
step will help determine the placement of switchbacks
and side hill trails within the system.
In addition, this is the time where minor changes can
be made because of nature’s ever changing environment. Patience will be needed to tweak the system so it
works as it is proposed and the goals and different trail
types are achieved. Flagging will be used to eliminate
as many obstacles as possible on the easy trails while
keeping environmental impact to a minimum. Once
the initial flag line is installed it will be reviewed to
insure trails are going in the proper place and problems
are kept to a minimum.
Example of a
waterbar using a
fallen log to direct
the water off of
the trail.
Clearing + Excavating
Trail Signage + Markers
After the flagging process is complete, clearing and excavation will
begin. Clearing is the process of cutting down vegetation in order to
make room for a trail. Treads will be constructed in respect to where
the flag line is placed. Once the treads are complete one simple step
is in order that can easily be forgotten. Humus and leaf litter along
with native seed will be spread along the newly constructed trail system. This will help eliminate erosion problems that could occur and
help revegetate the trails .
Finally, the trail system will be finished off with a series of signs and
markings to direct visitors through the system while keeping them
safe and to inform people on the numerous trails in the network. At
all of the proposed ten launch points signage of the network map
and surrounding destinations will be provided.
This step will also be used to implement “erosion prevention”
schemes. These will include coweeta dips (dip in the trail creating a V
shape), and bleeders or waterbars (small ditch, tree or rock diverting
water off of the trail) as shown in the diagrams below .
In addition to signs, two different types of trail markings will be
used called blazes and posts. These blazes are simply 6 inch by 2
inch white paint rectangles painted on trees along the trail to show
direction. They will be placed at eye level so they are easy to see
and placed roughly every 50 to 100 feet along the trail. The advanced trails will use some blazes to guide adventure racers when
they are orienteering through vegetated areas. Post markings will
also be used to guide people through. Posts will be placed roughly
100 to 200 feet apart to help guide visitors along various trails.
Tools Needed for Trail Construction
- Lopping Shears
- Saw
- Fire Rake
- Hazel Hoe
- Shovel
- Bucket
- Rock Bar
- Ax
- Pulaski
- Pick Mattock
- Sledge Hammer
- Webbing Loop
The most effective
method to
eliminate erosion
is the coweeta dip
as depicted here.
Simple rectangular
blazes placed directly
on existing trees. The
bottom blaze can
be moved to the left
or right indicating
a turn ahead and a
third rectangle can
be added to show the
start or end of a trail.
CORRIDOR MASTERPLAN
Adventure Camp + Riverfront Trail
N
*Plan Not to Scale - Refer to Board 3 in
Masterplan Set for Detailed 50 Scale Plan
The main launch zone is constructed of a number of pieces that are designed to
be multi-functional. The overall design is a Jr. Adventure Camp adjacent to the
main public launch point. The plan extends the Montour trail through the site
connecting it to the proposed waterfront design down river.
The adventure camp harnesses all the necessary tools and zones to teach kids
the proper skills to become adventure racers. These include: kayaking/canoeing,
mountain biking/cycling, hiking + orienteering, rock climbing and rope and
rappelling skills.
trail to allow visitors to experience the majestic Ohio River, a playground and obstacle
course, tables + benches for visitors to use, and a pollinator garden which introduces
a number of bugs, insects, bees, + butterflies along with beautiful colors. The site as a
whole can be used for events, festivals, picnics, and other outdoor activities. Although
it is set up as a “Jr. Adventure Camp”, if one didn’t know that is what the design was
focused around they would think it is a functional park revitalizing the community and
reclaiming the river.
In addition to the adventure camp zones, the area was designed to be used by
everyone so it had to be a multi-purpose site. The design features a riverfront
*For demonstration woodland and pollinator garden plant palettes refer to boards 3 & 4
in the master plan boards. Also, included is an explanation of precedents for the site.
DETAIL ADVENTURE CAMP PLAN
A Closer Look Into The Center of the Camp
*Plan Not to Scale - Refer to Board 4 in
Masterplan Set for Detailed 20 Scale Plan
RECLAIMING THE RIVER + REORIENTING THE COMMUNITY
Site Sections + Perspectives
River Front Trail
Launch + Rental
Obstacle Course + Rock Wall
Camp Center
*Sections Not to Scale - For scaled and detailed sections refer to boards 3 &
4 in the master plan boards.