I o w a D e p a r t m e n t o f T r a n s p o r t a t i o n T r e e s F o r e v e r I S U L a n d s c a p e A r c h i t e c t u r e E x t e n s i o n I S U E x t e n s i o n C o m m u n i t y a n d E c o n o m i c D e v e l o p m e n t Summer 2014

PocahontasLandscape Architect and Intern: RDG Planning & Design - Jen Cross, PLA, ASLA and Anne HundleyRecreational Trails

510TH ST

240T

H A

VE

ELM AVE 520TH ST

230T

H A

VE

3RD AVE NW

2ND AVE NW

4TH AVE NW

NE

6TH

ST

220T

H A

VE

225T

H A

VE

1ST AVE SW

3RD AVE NE

5TH AVE NW

2ND AVE SW

4TH AVE NE

3RD AVE SW

NW

7TH

ST

NW

4TH

ST

NW

2N

D S

T

2ND AVE NE

RAILROAD ST

NE

1S

T S

T

NW

3R

D S

T

NE

5TH

ST

NW

9TH

ST

NW

8TH

ST

1ST AVE NW

S M

AIN

ST

SW

7TH

ST

N M

AIN

ST

SW

2N

D S

T

SW

6TH

ST

6TH AVE NW

SW

4TH

ST

NW

12T

H S

T

SW

1S

T S

T

FRONT AVE

1ST AVE NE

SW

5TH

ST

4TH AVE SE

NW

13T

H S

T

NW

5TH

ST

5TH AVE SE

NE

4TH

ST

PRAIRIE ESTATES DR

SUNSET DR COURT SQUARE

4TH AVE SW

NE

2N

D S

T

NW

6TH

ST

NW

10T

H S

T

HU

DS

ON

ST

BENEKE ST

SW

3R

D S

T

SE

3R

D S

T

CLE

AR

VIE

W D

R

N M

AIN

ST

520TH ST

NW

13T

H S

T

220T

H A

VE

RAILROAD ST

1ST AVE NE

230T

H A

VE

225T

H A

VE

NE 4TH

ST

530TH ST

County

C37County

C37County

C37

4

4

3 3 3

0 0.55 1.10.275 milesN

Map Source: Iowa Department of Natural Resources, “Natural Resources Geographic Information Systems Library,” accessed April 2014, http://www.igsb.uiowa.edu/nrgislibx/.

8A

View East, Proposed Rosenberg Park Trailhead

View East, Existing Conditions at Rosenberg Park

Pocahontas is an active community and most of the pedestrian circulation

occurs on existing streets with few routes that connect throughout the

community. During the special places mapping assessment, committee

members noted that there are no existing trail routes. Creating a cohesive

trails plan to be developed in multiple phases both as an on-street and

dedicated trail system is a top priority for the community. Creating a unique

trailhead for the trail system with interpretive signage at key locations

is needed for visitors. In the future, these trails may be able to connect

to the Three Rivers Trail, which stretches through a large portion of the

state of Iowa. Three locations for a trailhead are identified at Princess Park,

Rosenberger Park, and the High School Athletic Complex.

Two types of trails have been proposed. Creating an on-street trail

system with a striped lane and pavement markings would be a first

step to establish a few designated loops throughout the community.

The city streets have large rights-of-way, with parking on both sides

of the street. Parking would be restricted to one side of the street,

opposite to where the designated trail lane is present. Crosswalks at

major intersections and highways would need to be included in this

phase of implementation as well.

In order to complete safe and accessible loops, easements or

property acquisition is required. These loops will also travel through

major thoroughfares. Where the right-of-way does not allow for a

dedicated bike lane, a sharrow should be included to indicate that

bikes may be present with current vehicular traffic.

In addition to creating recreational trail routes, way-finding signage

should be incorporated to make information accessible to any

location or mode of transportation. The signage would have four

key components: a trailhead interpretive sign, a smaller trail way-

finding sign, a trail route marker, and a pole-mounted vehicular

sign. All signs on trail routes and vehicular roadways should display

reflective finishes to increase visibility during any time of day.

Recreational Trails Plan

I o w a D e p a r t m e n t o f T r a n s p o r t a t i o n T r e e s F o r e v e r I S U L a n d s c a p e A r c h i t e c t u r e E x t e n s i o n I S U E x t e n s i o n C o m m u n i t y a n d E c o n o m i c D e v e l o p m e n t Summer 2014

PocahontasLandscape Architect and Intern: RDG Planning & Design - Jen Cross, PLA, ASLA and Anne HundleyPrincess Park and Trail Signage

8B

Princess Park has been an icon for the community for decades

and is a popular stopping point for travelers. The city is currently

upgrading the park with new tepee, walking paths, seating, and

plantings to create a welcoming atmosphere to residents spending

time at this park. Currently visitors who would like a photo with

the princess need to cross Highway 3 without a crosswalk. Creating

a designated crosswalk with a flashing pedestrian signal is one

improvement to increase pedestrian safety. In addition, creating

a pull off on the south side of Highway 3 and a new sidewalk will

allow visitors to stop and avoid vehicular conflicts.

The prominence of the location lends Princess Park to be one of the

trailheads in the community. The placement of an interpretive sign,

limestone seating, and artistic bike racks will provide information

and art for all to enjoy.

Way-finding signage is essential to every community. It highlights

areas of interest to visitors and residents and shows a sense of

pride and cohesive design throughout the town. Signage for the

Community of Pocahontas is shown above with a pole-mounted

directional sign, interpretive kiosk, and trail marker. These signs

can be scaled according to the location, but should follow MUTCD

(Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices) guidelines for text and

arrows depending on the speed and type (pedestrian or vehicular)

of traffic. The signs should have 3M reflective finishes to add

nighttime visibility.

Flashing Pedestrian Signal

TePee

Pocahontas Icon

New Paved Parking Lotand Drive

New Vehicular Pull Off

Trailhead Kiosk

Pedestrian Crosswalk

Trailhead Kiosk City Amenity Mileage Marker Pole-mounted Sign

Pocahontas Co. Fairgrounds

Princess Park

Courthouse

Princess Park

Library

TRAILS | INFORMATION

ELBERT PARK

Information Kiosk

Limestone Seating

Art Racks

HIGHWAY 3

NE 6T

H ST

REET

Proposed Princess Park Concept Plan

N