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DESIGN Design is the process that adds specific details to turn your plan into reality. It can be difficult understanding what level of design your trail needs. Level of trail design varies widely; much depends on the intended use and type of trail you are seeking. Revisit the questions you considered when creating your project proposal. Focus on your larger context considerations and your support capacity. These will help you determine the level of expertise you should seek for your design process. The design should define the trail user experience, including specifications based on the experience goals, access details, supporting facilities, signage, etc. The terrain and yearly weather cycle should also be considered. A simple trail can be designed by knowledgeable lay persons but a professional design, especially one done by someone with trail building experience, will often yield the best results and be the most sustainable. An engineer specializing in trails must be utilized if one of your trail goals is to meet ADA standards. They will have the expertise to design a trail to the specifications of ADA. Trails involving crossings of roadways, railroads, significant waterways, or challenging terrain, are situations where you should utilize a professional to design your trail. An improperly designed trail involving those crossings could be hazardous to users and open your organization up to litigation if an accident were to occur. Trails for specialized equipment like mountain bikes, ATVs, dirt bikes, etc., need to be designed by someone who is trained in trail design and has experience specific to your desired trail type. Take the time to research consulting firms and ask for previous project experience, examples, and references. It will be worth the extra time searching for the right trail designer for specialized trail types. They must understand not only the capabilities of the equipment but also that of the various user skill levels to design a well-thought-out trail. Look again at your project proposal considerations. What levels of user are you planning for? A novice will not enjoy a trail designed for someone considered an expert, and an expert may be disappointed if the trail doesn't offer enough challenge. Well planned trail systems for specific use types can be designed to offer features for a variety of skill levels. User experience desires should be addressed within your public participation. It is also important to consider how you will prevent unpermitted usage, such as motorized use of a non-motorized trail. What design considerations can be made to naturally prevent issues from arising? Federal Funds and Design Designing a project involving federal grant funds will add steps to your project timeline. Your design and project scope of work will undergo a review process as directed by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). This considers impacts to things such as threatened and endangered species, historically or culturally sensitive areas, environmental justice, and water pollution, just to name a few. Meet with your grant administrator before beginning your project to ensure that you meet requirements. There may be additional costs involved. A sign marks the Riverfront Trail in Norfolk. 24