OutdoorNebraska

43 S U P P LY O F O U T D O O R R E C R E AT I O N Community Trails NGPC asked communities in our recreation questionnaire to document how many miles of different trail surfaces exist within their communities. Table 3.4 shows the miles of different types of surfacing for trails within each region of the state. Again, the Metro region has more miles of trails than any other region given the larger population. One reason is because urban areas are becoming more trail-centric because of the benefits associated with trails and quality of life. Trails and quality of life have a direct relationship with one another. User preferences show that there's a positive correlation among mental, physical, and social aspects of life in communities that have trails and connect people with outdoor recreation compared to those that do not. Even rural communities close to urban areas are focusing more on trail development as they can connect nearby amenities. The Northeast and South Central regions follow the Metro region for the most trail miles. Concrete trails appear to be the most popular type of trail surface created in communities, followed by natural and limestone trails. This information can be helpful for communities planning to invest and procure funding for trails with surfacing that match the specific preference of the intended users. Surveying community members can be very beneficial when deciding to invest in a trail (or any outdoor recreation amenity) because it ensures a holistic approach is taken in making decisions that account for the intended user. As mentioned in the Statewide Trails section, trails are a great way to connect the public to outdoor recreation services and amenities. Communities should consider investing in trails that encourage residents to experience the outdoor features they offer at a very personal level. Sometimes recreation planners miss the mark when it comes to providing an intimate user experience. One of the ways to overcome this is to get public input early on in the planning process and visit the potential site location to create a more personal experience and gain support from potential users. Type of Trail in Miles Region 1 Region 2 Region 3 Region 4 Region 5 Region 6 Region 7 Total Concrete Trails 293.8 24.72 61.92 61.43 28.69 9.9 2.2 483 Asphalt Trails 8 0.85 0.8 4.25 5.4 - 1.2 21 Limestone Trails 32.99 4.25 10.75 22.5 5 0.5 6.6 83 Natural Trails 44 47.8 6 10 7.5 5.1 2.5 123 Water Trails - - 2.8 2.3 15 - - 20 ATV/OHV Trails - - - - - 1 - 1 Total Miles of Trail 382.34 78.42 81.37 79.2 52.84 14.4 10.5 699.07 Table 3.4: Community Trails in Miles Source: Nebraska Game and Parks Commission 2020 surveys, Internet searches, personal contact, and existing data. Did you know that trails are tied to higher property values and opportunities for children to recreate safely?

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