HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-PRNR-2019-12-09
PARKS, RECREATION AND
NATURAL RESOURCES
COMMISSION MINUTES
PRESENT:
Commissioners – (8) Roth (Chair), Freyburger, George, Hoffman, Leventry, Moeller, Sanders-Jauquet, Shelley
OTHERS PRESENT:
Common Council Liaisons – Brock, Kerslick
Financial Management Assistant – Swartz
City Forester – Grace
Deputy Youth Bureau Director – D’Alterio
EXCUSED: None
1. Call to order:
1.1. Statement from the Public: None
1.2. Commission Response: N/A
1.3. Agenda Review:
Add Julie Holcomb, Ithaca City Clerk, to discuss building security.
Pointed out all emergency exits and discussed emergency situations; fire, active shooter, bomb scare,
emergency spill, etc.
Evacuate the building as soon as possible in case of emergency. Looking to the Chairs and the Common
Council liaisons to lead an evacuation if necessary.
When exiting the building gather in a group in front of the Green Street Parking Garage to account for
everyone. Line up in front of the big number on the parking garage corresponding to the floor from which
you evacuated.
Emergency cards were given to Monika Roth and put in the lap top bag of the administrative support staff.
These cards are to be read at the beginning of each meeting.
The first aid kits are located on each floor in the janitor’s closet.
There is one fire extinguisher located on each floor.
There are no defibrillators in the building.
There may be fire drills in the future.
Train the Trainer event was suggested, Julie Holcomb will take that suggestion back to the Workplace
Violence Prevention Committee.
Add: Update regarding the new commissioners. The Mayor will appoint them at the January Council meeting.
(2) Presentation (See attachments) Feasibility Study – Potential trail project from downtown to Mulholland
Wildflower area, followed by discussion. See this link for more information: https://www.cityofithaca.org/640/Trails.
Kent Johnson, Asst. Transportation Engineer.
The Tompkins County Tourism Program funded the feasibility study to look at trail construction options and
costs. Looking for feedback on any missing considerations.
A new secondary water main, from Giles to Gateway Plaza, would be installed to run under a new bridge.
The project scope could include signage highlighting the area’s history – Native Americans, industry.
Concern was raised about whether this trail is a higher priority than other natural areas and trails in the city
that need attention. Safety was mentioned as a concern since there is no gorge safety staff.
Please provide feedback to the consultant by December 12th. The consultant is hoping to have the report
completed by December 20th. Feedback not included in the report will still be kept on file for future
consideration.
Upon completion of this feasibility stud y:
1. Decision-makers, City staff, the public, and other stakeholders will have enough information to determine if this
project should move forward, and, if so, what strategy should be initially pursued.
Date: December 9, 2019
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Common Council Chambers,
3rd Floor, City Hall
Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission
December 9, 2019
2
2. There will be sufficient clarity about the project scope and estimated cost that the City would be able to start
pursuing grants for construction funding assistance. Detailed design work and public participation activities would be
included at that time, which are not included in the scope of this feasibility study.
(3) Staff report – none.
(4) Old Business
4.1. Memorial Policy revisions to be submitted to BPW in January.
4.2. Recommendation to BPW to join the Town of Ithaca Deer Management program for Six Mile Creek watershed
(in the Town of Ithaca) – PRNR motion made at November meeting to be shared at BPW meeting on Dec. 17, 2019
by Jeanne Grace. Jeanne asked if there were any more comments. It was recommended to change the statement
to read:
Whereas, the Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources Commission determined at their meeting on November 14,
2019 that deer management is needed for Six Mile Creek Natural area to promote forest health and regeneration,
and that allowing the Town of Ithaca Deer Management Program to set up 2 stations in the Six Mile Creek Natural
area is reasonable measure [with conditions outlined in the Town’s 2019 Deer Management proposal code of
conduct] to reduce the negative impact of deer.
Motion: Based on the above amended statement, Tom Shelley made a motion for the PRNR Commission to insert
the new statement in the resolution to join the Town of Ithaca Deer Management program in Six Mile Creek Natural
Area, and Scott Freyburger second, all in favor.
4.3. Potential Tree Retention Policy Recommendations. Jeanne Grace is planning to go to the Planning and
Economic Development Committee meeting in January if there is room on the agenda.
Motion: Monika Roth made a motion to urge the Planning and Economic Development Committee to place this item
on their January agenda, Tom Shelley second, all in favor.
4.4. Park signage drafts review. Ellen Leventry passed around samples of signs with the various icons that indicate
the amenities and rules for parks; each sign would be customized to what is relevant in the particular park.
Comments: the icons are helpful for those that don’t speak English, but some of them are confusing as to the exact
meaning. It was recommended to spell out, “carry in and carry out” because the icon is confusing.
There is funding in the 2020 budget to purchase 3’ x 2’ signs for each park.
4.5. Art in Park policy – philosophy and criteria discussion. There will be discussion at the next Planning and
Economic Development Committee meeting as to how to proceed with the two sculptures proposed for Cass Park
and Baker Park. We will postpone the discussion of criteria for art in the parks to a future meeting.
4.6. Document management options – Box, Google Docs, Drop box – what is your preference, who will manage?
We will integrate the documents as one with the agenda, instead of separate attachments. Everyone seemed to be
comfortable working in Google docs. Tyler Moeller will help set up the folders. We can use the PRNR email as the
contact. Need to make sure everyone has permission to access google docs.
(5) New Business
5.1. Waterfront Design Guidelines – To be considered at Dec. 11 PEDC meeting, feedback is sought. Jeanne Grace
has submitted comments to Alex Phillips in the Planning Department that the landscape design guidelines be more
specific to the waterfront conditions and considerations . A key concern is protecting the water’s edge from erosion,
also avoiding runoff of salt, fertilizer and manure-based compost. Monika Roth asked that Commissioners take a
look at the design guidelines and send in comments to Alex Phillips by this Wednesday 12/11/19. We can also
endorse the suggestions that Jeanne Grace has submitted.
5.2. Black Diamond Trailhead in Cass Park – Proposal input. Jeanne Grace received a drawing from New York
State Parks proposing a trail head marker (kiosk) on City property in 2020. The location is in Cass Park, at the Black
Diamond Trail entrance, opposite the parking lot from the Children’s Garden. They are proposing a kiosk with four
panels on it, one side will be a waterfront trail map, one side will be a Black Diamond map, one side would be an
informational map and one side would be an interpretive panel. All maintenance would be done by the State Parks.
Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission
December 9, 2019
3
Cayuga Ski and Cyclery is donating a combo bike pump and tool station, so the kiosk will also serve as a bike fix it
station
5.3. Cayuga Lake Blueway Trail in Stewart Park (organized by County Planning Tourism Program). Jeanne Grace
shared the trail map. There are two trail heads, one is located in Stewart Park near the Cascadilla Boat House and
the second one is in Cass Park near the Treman Marina. They are developing a two sided kiosk that will give people
suggestions on areas to explore. It was suggested to put a warning sign on the map not to go near the fish ladder.
The City is in the process of buying an accessible dock for Cass Park and Blueway Trail is paying for the majority of
it per Jeanne Grace. The county (Nick Helmholdt) would like feedback on the Blueway Trail route.
Per Monika Roth asking for more time, with a new end time of 8:30 PM. No one opposed.
(6) Environmental reviews. Tom Shelley, Dan Hoffman
1. Project located at 415 College Ave. is in the process of moving through the planning board.
2. City Harbor Project - They rejected eliminating any of the crossings of the trail. They have started the process for
dredging.
3. Cornell University sold land adjacent to the Ithaca Falls natural areas, they are planning to build houses across
from Lincoln Street. There may be contamination issues on that site.
(7) November minutes – review / approve. Mickie Sanders-Jauquet made a correction that she was not at the
November meeting. Dan Hoffman also proposed changes to the minutes. Dan Hoffman made a motion to approve
the minutes with above changes, Tom Shelley second, all in favor.
(8) Member Announcements - None
(9) Next meeting – Monday January 13, 2020
(10.) Adjournment:
On a motion the meeting was adjourned at 8:25 PM.
Debbie Swartz
Financial Management Assistant
Monika Roth
Chair - Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission
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Begin New
Trail
Bridge 1
Existing
Stair
Access
Bridge 2
Bridge 3
South Trailhead
Proposed Parking
Existing
Ramp Access
North
Trailhead
Spur 1
Spur 2
Existing
Parking
0 250 500125
Feet
Legend
Waterway
Parcel Boundaries
Streets
Point of Interest
Trail Sections
Section 1
Section 2
Section 3
Section 4
Section 5
Bridge
Existing
Trail Element
Mineral Soil Tread
Boardwalk
Pedestrian Path Extension
Aggregate Tread
Bench Cut with Aggregate
Turnpike
Short Span Bridge
Six Mile Creek Trail
Conceptual Alignment Overview
Ithaca, New York
Prepared for the
City of Ithaca by
NORTH
THE HISTORY CENTER
OF TOMPKINS COUNTY
MULHULLAND
WILDFLOWER PRESERVE
WELL'S FALLS
(BUSINESSMAN'S LUNCH)
SIX MILE CREEK
SIX MILE CREEK TRAIL
FEASIBILITY STUDY REPORT
Prepared for:
The City of Ithaca, New York
Prepared by:
Penn Trails LLC
DRAFT
1
Table of Contents
Background & Vision ......................................................................................2
Study Purpose ................................................................................................3
Site in Context ................................................................................................4
History ........................................................................................................4
Environmental Opportunities and Constraints .............................................6
Surrounding Land Use & User Profile ..........................................................7
Geology and Soils ...........................................................................................9
Environmental Impacts .................................................................................10
Conceptual Design .......................................................................................11
Methods ...................................................................................................11
Managed Use and Designed Use Parameters ...........................................12
Recreational Benefits ................................................................................13
Users .......................................................................................................13
Maintenance and Emergency Access .......................................................13
Tread ........................................................................................................13
Structures .................................................................................................14
Utilities .....................................................................................................14
Proposed Trail Alignment ..............................................................................15
Existing Section: Ithaca Commons to Pedestrian Path ...............................15
Section 1: Existing Pedestrian Path to Bridge 1 .........................................15
Section 2: Bridge 1 to Bridge 2 .................................................................16
Section 3: Bridge 2 to Bridge 3 .................................................................16
Section 4: Bridge 3 to Existing Ramp Access ............................................16
Section 5: Existing Access to South Trailhead ...........................................17
Preliminary Opinion of Cost ...........................................................................22
Trail Statistics ...........................................................................................22
Notes on the Preliminary Opinions of Cost ................................................22
Glossary .......................................................................................................23
References ...................................................................................................26
DRAFT
2
Background & Vision
In June of 2019, the City of Ithaca sought a feasibility study for a trail route to connect two sections of the
existing Six Mile Creek Trail, a route that extends from the Six Mile Creek Natural Area to Cayuga lake
via a collection of pathways of varying character. To the west, the trail connects Ithaca Commons to the
Cayuga Waterfront Trail and beyond to the Black Diamond Trail and Taughannock Falls State Park. To
the east, the trail connects to the South Hill Recreation way, with future connections to the Gateway Trail,
Buttermilk Falls State Park, the Fingerlakes Trail, and the 4,600 mile long North Country National Scenic
Trail. A conspicuous gap in this system is the Six Mile Creek Gorge itself.
In February 2016, Cornell University graduate and City of Ithaca intern Matt Garron authored the Six Mile
Creek Trail Work Plan. That document outlines the major goals for the connector:
The trail will boost the economic activity of downtown Ithaca by increasing Ithaca’s draw as a hub
for unparalleled trail-based recreation. Moreover, it will encourage health and wellness of residents
while reducing car dependency by delivering multiple entry points to the greater trails network.
For these goals to be realized, the trail itself must be safe, accessible, beautiful, educational, and function
to connect the existing assets of the surrounding trail system and the amenities in the City of Ithaca.
Among these attributes, accessibility is the primary challenge this project faces. This section of the trail
is complex due to its proximity to Six Mile Creek and the steep gorge topography, which requires three
long span bridge crossings, and careful attention to alignment to maintain accessible running grades
throughout. This report documents the feasibility of constructing a trail with these desired characteristics,
outlining major challenges and specific areas for future study, and presenting an analysis of the potential
costs for this project by detailing every foot of the alignment and trail structures that are recommended to
achieve the project goals.
The Six Mile Creek Work Plan
authored by Matt Garron in 2016.
DRAFT
3
Study Purpose
The purpose of this study is to gain a more complete understanding of the challenges and opportunities
facing the Six Mile Creek Trail in order to facilitate decision-making, funding, permitting, design, and
implementation of this project.
The goals of this report are:
• To determine the most advantageous alignment for the trail that facilitates a unique user-
experience while following Universal Accessibility guidelines for trails.
• To determine the most appropriate trail elements and structures that would make up the trail itself.
• To develop cost estimates for engineering, design, and construction of the trail.
• To identify areas that require further study and analysis.
DRAFT
4
Site in Context
From its origin as a wintering place for the Native Americans that inhabited the area prior to European
contact, to its eventual conveyance from Robert H. Treman to the City of Ithaca, the site has a long
history of human influence. With his gift to the City, Treman envisioned a permanent park and trail that
functioned to connect the City to its natural resources and generate tourism.
The 2016 Work Plan explored the site history and context in great detail, and the following report heavily
references that document.
History
Pre-European contact, Ithaca was controlled by the Cayuga nation, and the Six Mile Gorge area was
known to have been utilized by local populations. There is a flat area on the North side of Six Mile Creek,
surrounded by steep cliff walls and only accessible by crossing the stream, that has been known as the
“Old Indian Campground.” This is a known settlement location, where communities were believed to have
wintered due to the sheltered topography and orientation of the site.
In 1917, Robert H. Treman gifted the land to the City for the purpose of establishing a permanent park for
recreational and tourism.
“Treman championed Six Mile Creek as the premiere gorge in the area. Resting on Treman’s gift
to the city was the agreement that the tract be “set aside irrevocably for a park.” The area near
Six Mile Creek Gorge was known as Six Mile Glen Park. Treman’s vision included a hiking trail at
this distinctive natural area that connected to Ithaca’s other hallmarks, including easy access to
downtown and Cornell University. He was certain that the coupling of a park at Six Mile Creek and
Ithaca’s other noted features was the key to drawing tourists to the area.” (Garron, 2016)
“You know how greatly interested I am in the development of the ravines around Ithaca, and I want
to do all I can to cooperate with the citizens in the development of Six Mile Creek as a playground
and park reservation. I sincerely believe it can
be made a very attractive feature of the city,
and hope that the present interest that is being
developed may continue.”
- Robert Treman, in a letter to the Board of
Commerce. Published by the Ithaca Journal on
September 20, 1916 (Garron, 2016)
Throughout the early 20th century, the park was
heavily used by residents of Ithaca, with historic
photographs and news stories documenting it’s use
for recreation and community celebrations. Artifacts
still remain from the history of use in Six Mile Creek
Gorge. Old stone and concrete foundations can
be found at various locations where structures once “Community Day” in 1917. (Garron, 2016)2
DRAFT
5
stood. At the south end of the proposed trail alignment, a
staircase remnant that was part of a toboggan slide in the
1930’s illustrates how the site was used by the community
according to the vision of Treman.
“…the city schools opened a toboggan slide in the
1930s near Van Natta’s Dam. With an incline of 110
feet and sleds going at about 25 mph, it was designed
to be a place for city children to enjoy their sleds (and
keep them off the city streets, maybe). Staff members
from the schools, on the scene to supervise, started
the sleds at the top and kept the children in line. The
slide was open after school weekdays from 3:30 p.m.
until dark and then on weekends as well. There is no
report on its duration, but one day it too was gone.”
(Dieckmann, 2002)
There is a platform remnant of this toboggan slide still
present on the site, and while there are few opportunities for
structured community use of the site today, the Mulholland
Wildflower Preserve and Wells Falls remain popular locations
for tourists and community members alike as they seek to
enjoy Ithaca’s natural environment.
“In keeping with Treman’s vision, the trail will join the two greatest parts of Ithaca: our vibrant,
walkable downtown and Ithaca’s beautiful iconic scenery. This attraction will give Ithacans and
visitors an ideal entry point to the already vast network of stunning trails throughout Tompkins
County. There is a recently built Creek walk that begins at the Ithaca police station and connects
to the Gateway Plaza. The proposed trail would build on the existing Creek walk, connecting
downtown to the Mulholland Wildflower Preserve, while providing a relaxing atmosphere full of
stunning landscapes along Six Mile Creek. A recreational trail that connects to downtown is a
great way to ensure that as development in the city continues, future residents will have access to
Ithaca’s natural beauty.” (Garron, 2016)
“Three reservoirs were built on Six Mile Creek between 1892 and 1911, all three
relied on post-glacial gorges to support the dams. The first reservoir was a
mill dam called Van Nattas, it is located at the Giles St. stream crossing. Van
Nattas dam was purchased by the Ithaca Light and Water Company to bolster
original water sources. More water was required as demand grew, and in 1902
the 30 foot dam was built upstream of Van Nattas in a second gorge. Finally,
to acquire more storage and reduce the cost of pumping water, the 60 foot
dam (Potters Fall Reservoir) was constructed in 1911. Sediment loading of the
Potters Fall Reservoir led to construction of Silt Dam above Burns Rd. This
dam serves as a pre-settling basin.” (City of Ithaca, New York, n.d.)
The Treman Park toboggan slide in
1937. (Ithaca Journal, 1937)DRAFT
6
Environmental Opportunities and Constraints
From the northernmost, downstream end of the Six Mile Creek gorge, the proposed alignment passes
through forested slopes populated with a combination of high-quality large diameter native trees and
dense invasive plants like Japanese Knotweed and Tree of Heaven. After the first crossing, the landscape
character becomes flatter as the alignment sits on a streambank plateau. With fewer invasive plants, the
west side of the creek passes beneath a stand of large oaks. The second crossing takes the alignment
to the most pristine portion of the trail on the east side of the creek, currently inaccessible except by
crossing the stream. This area boasts large sycamores and other large diameter native trees, with a
more open and “park-like” character. The lower stream bank shelf affords convenient views of the stream
with greater distance from vehicle noise. The third crossing brings the alignment to the current high-use
area of Wells Falls. While the trailhead area does receive high numbers of visitors, the alignment area
just after the crossing will highlight the several very large sycamores present in this area that likely go
unnoticed by most visitors.
The combination of the natural features,
varied plant communities and novel
stream views, and industrial remnants
along the trail alignment will make for
a unique user experience with many
opportunities for interpretation.
While Six Mile Creek is the most obvious
feature in the gorge, its presence is
the most obvious challenge facing
a potential alignment in the gorge.
While the creek is dammed in several
locations and water level is sometimes
low enough to cross the stream on foot,
seasonal rainfall brings the water level
up significantly. This is evidenced by the
amount of debris throughout the gorge.
Because the Van Natta Dam is located
just upstream of the lower end of the
proposed alignment, it obstructs debris
that might flow from farther upstream
in the watershed. Even still, large piles
of trees illustrate the potential force and
flow of the water through the creek.
To protect the longevity of the trail
and associated structures and reduce
maintenance costs over time, it is critical
that the trail alignment avoid high water
areas as much as possible.
Streambanks in the gorge are made
Top: Typical stream character of Six Mile Creek.
Bottom: A storm sewer outflow and resulting erosion
in the Six Mile Creek gorge.
DRAFT
7
up of soft alluvial loam. The stream alignment has shifted significantly over time, causing these banks to
simultaneously erode in some areas and build up in others. Because of the soft, dynamic nature of the
subgrade trail elements have been selected that allow for the movement of water, and to promote some
structural stability that prevents movement from typical settling patterns.
Some portions of the gorge receive outflow from municipal storm sewers. In three locations in particular,
these sewer outlets discharge from large diameter pipes, with outfalls of approximately 30 feet. This
outfall contributes water velocity, compounding the eroding force of the water during storm events.
These discharges appear to flow almost continuously, indicating a source other than stormwater,
possibly from springs. Regardless of the source, the three discharges have carved tributary gorges to
the creek, requiring short span bridges in some locations and other trail structures in others. It is highly
recommended that the City of Ithaca seek hydrologic and stream restoration expertise to mitigate the
erosion in these areas if possible.
Surrounding Land Use & User Profile
Previous reports have documented the surrounding
demographics and importance of the Six Mile Creek
trail link through the gorge, finding that the trail will
improve downtown economic activity, benefitting both
visitors and residents.
“In 2010, Chmura Economics and Analytics
released a profile of visitors to Tompkins County,
New York4 for the Tompkins County Legislature‘s
Strategic Tourism Planning Board. They found
that 82% of all overnight visitors to Tompkins
County are leisure travelers. If these overnight
visitors have more activities within reach, they are
more likely to extend their stay in town, leading to
more dollars they will spend in Tompkins County.
Ithaca’s booming downtown and the growing
number of hotels in the urban core are creating a
higher demand for recreation.” (Garron, 2016)
With 42% of Ithaca’s visitors making a trip to the
downtown Commons area (Garron, 2016), this trail
provides a unique opportunity for users to experience
both Ithaca’s urban center and it’s natural features
within easy reach – possibly spurring visitors to
seek more similar recreational opportunities in the
surrounding area.
Aside from visitors, permanent residents will benefit
from this trail as well. Whether for commuters or
locals looking for a recreational opportunity, the trail
Excerpt from the Greater Southside
Steering Committe 2006 goals.
(Garron, 2016)
DRAFT
8
is ideally situated to provide easy access without the need to drive or have a high level of fitness or
hiking experience. For this reason, the proposed alignment has been designed using Universal Access
principles. The proximity of this trail to a large population of user’s means that it is important to ensure
that the widest variety of users can use the trail safely and comfortably.
It is important to not just think about physical capability when considering access:
“Ithaca’s Southside is an historically African-American neighborhood situated along Six Mile Creek
southwest of downtown Ithaca. In 2006, The Greater Southside Steering Committee collaborated
with the City of Ithaca and Cornell to develop neighborhood-based planning goals for Ithaca’s
Southside. One of priorities of the plan involved creating a linear park along Six Mile Creek. The
Southside Community Center is only one-third of a mile from the existing Creek walk, providing
Southside residents with close proximity to the Six Mile Creek Trail.” (Garron, 2016)
This is an important connection and opportunity for the City of Ithaca to provide access to a historically
underserved population. According to a National Recreation and Parks Association report, four
factors influence park use the most. Park access, park distribution, park facilities, and park conditions.
Nationwide, “Disparities in park distribution and park access exist across communities particularly
in neighborhoods that largely consist of low income and racial/ethnic populations (NRPS, n.d.).” By
addressing all four highlighted factors, the proposed Six Mile Creek Trail is a step towards outdoor access
equity in inclusion.DRAFT
9
Geology and Soils
To be added.
DRAFT
10
Environmental Impacts
To be added.
DRAFT
11
Conceptual Design
Methods
Penn Trails conducted an extensive field site analysis to inform this report. Field work was conducted in
early November 2019 and was comprised of approximately 72 hours on site.
For purposes of this report and for preparing the Preliminary Opinion of Cost, Penn Trails has
recommended the trail design and structures that are most appropriate to facilitate trail corridor passage
through environmentally sensitive areas while defining trail character, adhering to principles of universal
access, and enhancing user experience. Formal planning, design, and permitting will determine the
extent to which these structures must be utilized.
The conceptual trail corridor and related structures have been field verified. For the purposes of this
report, trail corridors (and limits of disturbance) are assumed to be 20’.
HEC-RAS information provided by the City of Ithaca was utilized to project the water surface during a
100-year flood event and site proposed bridge abutment locations.
Parcel Lot Boundaries as depicted are based on Thompson County GIS data as provided and may not be
accurate or reflect true survey boundaries.
The linear trail route, control points, and significant features have been GPS data recorded using
a Trimble Geo 7X. Shape files, photographs, KMZ file (Google Earth), PDF file and a feature data
spreadsheet file were provided to the City of Ithaca as a result of this work.
Penn Trails Principal Larry Knutson
accessing the east side of Six Mile
Creek using a canoe during field work
in November 2019.
DRAFT
12
Managed Use and Designed Use Parameters
Penn Trails adheres to the PA DCNR definition of a Trail as “a route designed, designated, or constructed
for recreational pedestrian use or provided as a pedestrian alternative to vehicular routes within a
transportation system.”
The above resource, along with other contemporary, sustainable trail planning and design resources,
have been utilized to develop the Managed Use and Design Parameter recommendation.
The Six Mile Creek trail is designed to be a recreational, pedestrian-only trail that is Universally Accessible
for as many linear feet as possible. While a range of trail types are specified, each one is designed to
facilitate an experience for the greatest proportion of user while keeping in mind maintenance access and
needs, as well as potential future growth and use of the site.
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50% of the trail
2%
5% or less
8.33% Universal Access BMP
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• Aggregate bed, non-woven geotextile layer, Driving
Surface Aggregate tread.
• Uniform, firm, and stable for universal access
• Constructed surfaces such as decking meet ADA 2010
Design Standards
60"
60"
No protrusions in tread material > 1"
No obstacles extending into path of travel, including trees,
signage, and utilities
3%
8 Feet
7-10 Feet
24 Inches
Per formal design standards
DRAFT
13
Recreational Benefits
This conceptual trail design provides a user friendly, universally accessible, sustainable, and
environmentally sound recreational pedestrian trail within the Six Mile Creek gorge. The proposed Trail
Management Objectives (TMOs) will support properly designed and constructed trails that respond to the
site in a way that is engaging for users and protects the sensitive surrounding landscape.
Users
Trail user types have been identified as pedestrians by the City of Ithaca. This includes walkers, hikers,
joggers, children’s strollers, and wheelchairs. All trail treadways are a minimum width of 60”.
Maintenance and Emergency Access
Because a portion of the alignment is being built overtop a water main, and because significant portions
of the site are inaccessible except by means of the proposed trail, it is recommended that the trail be
designed to withstand occasional small vehicle (ATV) traffic. While the City of Ithaca indicated that
vehicle traffic for maintenance or emergencies would be a rare occurrence, even periodic use by vehicles
has the potential to damage a trail that is not designed appropriately. Accommodations for vehicle use
do not impact the cost appreciably since the
desired trail width is already wide enough to
accommodate an ATV. Allowing for vehicles
in the design mainly influences the size of
aggregate specified for the tread and bed.
Tread
For the trail, an aggregate tread commonly
referred to as DSA (Driving Surface Aggregate)
is recommended. This aggregate is similar to
the 3/8s Universal Access Trail Tread (UATT)
aggregate as shown in Universal Access Trails
and Shared Use Paths: Design, Management,
Ethical, and Legal Considerations (Golstein and
Knutson, 2014) but with a slightly larger top
stone size, it is suitable for anticipated vehicle
maintenance traffic. Properly constructed and
maintained, it is the most appropriate accessible
and sustainable surface for the proposed
Managed and Designed Use. It is well suited to
the hydraulics, drainages, and soil conditions
encountered within this trail corridor.
Potential users of a Universal Access trail
represent a wide range of individuals and
abilities. (Wolf Goldstein and Knutson, 2014)
Graphic
representation
of the gradation
present in typical
DSA. (Penn State,
2018)
DRAFT
14
Structures
Static boardwalk on helical piers, modular boardwalk, short bridge spans, and turnpike (elevated
aggregate trail retained on both sides) have all been recommended where necessary to respond to
seasonally wet areas while maintaining the environmental integrity of the site. These structures present
opportunities to define the character of the trail while adding variety to the user experience. Penn Trails
recommends maintaining a 6’ treadway width on the entire trail to accommodate future increase in use
and maintenance access
If possible, it is recommended that short span bridges be designed in conjunction with Cornell Civil
and Environment Engineering Assistant Professor Greg McClaskey. If Cornell students are capable of
designing these bridges, it may save in design cost and provide a real-world design opportunity for future
engineers.
Utilities
A planned secondary water main installation is proposed to be installed beneath the trail. While this utility
is an opportunity in that disturbance will already impact the area when the pipe is installed, it is also a
constraint in that it limits the allowed curvature of the trail alignment in Sections 1 and 2, will require
Bridge 1 to withstand additional load, and may result in the destruction of some trees within the corridor
area that would otherwise be able to be utilized as features and control points for the trail alignment.
Examples of trail
elements specified
in the Six Mile Creek
conceptual trail design.
Clockwide from top left:
modular boardwalk,
at-grade aggregate
(either excavated and
crowned/outsloped
or bench cut and
outsloped depending
on the cross slope
of the existing
topography), static
boardwalk on helical
piers, turnpike.
DRAFT
15
Proposed Trail Alignment
The Six Mile Creek trail has been segmented into five sections. These sections represent logical breaks
in the trail at crossings, and in one case, where the character of the trail changes significantly due
to running grade challenges. These sections allow for the trail cost to be considered by section for a
possible phasing plan. The total length of new proposed trail is approximately 3,845 feet.
Existing Section: Ithaca Commons to Pedestrian Path
The North trailhead is located at the History Center for Tompkins County. Utilizing a variety of existing
routes such as sidewalks and street crossings, the trail alignment passes through Ithaca Commons,
crossing E Green Street and connecting to an existing stone dust pedestrian path.
Section 1: Existing Pedestrian Path to Bridge 1
Beginning at the north end of the trail, the trail head extends the existing pedestrian stone dust path
for approximately 400 feet. For a more stable wearing surface, DSA is recommended instead of stone
dust. Where the trail meets the edge of the existing parking lot, an at-grade aggregate trail (with a
crowned or outsloped tread profile depending on the adjacent topography) continues for approximately
200 feet, maintaining a rolling character on contour, until it transitions to Bridge 1 with a landing. A spur
breaks away from the aggregate trail, with mineral soil tread switchbacks leading to the 100-year flood
water surface at the lowest point. This spur is meant to facilitate stable user access to the waterway for
recreational opportunities such as water play and fishing. By providing this access, desire lines that erode
the sensitive streambank area can be minimized and users are encouraged to experience the stream.
Existing Section
trail character.
Section 1 site
character.
DRAFT
16
Section 2: Bridge 1 to Bridge 2
This section begins at Bridge 1, meandering through the forested area. Due to the active soil conditions
and high moisture levels, elevated, retained aggregate trail is specified for the entire length. This allows
water to pass beneath the trail tread. In one location, the trail must pass over a significant channel formed
by stormwater discharge. A short-span bridge (approximately 41 feet) is recommended here. Section 2
end with a landing and transition to Bridge 2.
Section 3: Bridge 2 to Bridge 3
Bridge 2 terminates near a natural hillside in the topography, transitioning to a static boardwalk supported
by helical piers. This boardwalk transitions to at-grade aggregate trail, with sections of turnpike and
modular boardwalk (on low profile wood or stone abutments) weaving through the wooded area. A
spur guides access towards the waterway. A second short-span bridge (approximately 46 feet) is
recommended to cross a gully. This portion of the alignment sits closer to the streambank edge, affording
excellent views of the water and taking advantage of the slightly more stable soil conditions. Section 3
terminates at a landing and transition to Bridge 3.
Section 4: Bridge 3 to Existing Ramp Access
Due to the calculated 100-year water surface level, Bridge 3 is specified at a location farther east than
originally desired by the City of Ithaca. See the Bridge narrative for a thorough explanation. From Bridge
3, the trail alternates from turnpike to boardwalk on helical piers to traverse the extremely hydrologically
Section 2 site
character.
Right: Looking
upstream
towards Bridge
2.
Section 3 site
character.
DRAFT
17
active landscape. An existing stormwater outlet drains water to this low-lying area, and without an obvious
watercourse, the entire bank is impacted by small flows that appear to change course frequently. Turnpike
has been specified in areas without active water flow, and boardwalk ahs been specified in areas with
obvious drainage activity. Section 4 ends at the existing narrow ramp access.
Section 5: Existing Access to South Trailhead
While a steep ramp already exists and provides pedestrian and emergency access to the Wells Falls
area, this ramp is failing, narrow, and too steep to provide Universal Access. The City of Ithaca indicated
that a preferred secondary alignment to provide Universal Access on the steep slope slightly to the west
was desired. Thus an alignment consisting of bench-cut at-grade aggregate tread with retention and
boardwalk on helical piers has been specified. By utilizing structures, retention, and existing topography,
the alignment carefully traverses the sensitive slope, maintaining running grades that adhere to Universal
Access principles. This alignment section is the most complex, and it is recommended that further
geotechnical study be undertaken to confirm the stability of the slope and suitability for the specified
structures. Section 5 terminates at the top of the slope on Giles Street, where a few parking spaces
are proposed for handicap and maintenance access. In addition to the proposed new alignment, it is
recommended that the City of Ithaca take steps to rehabilitate the existing ramp, as it is currently unsafe
due to slope erosion and may fail in the near future.
Section 4 site
character.
Right: Surface
water forming
channels.
Section 5 site
character
illustrating
steep slopes.
DRAFT
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Detail 1
Detail 3
Detail 2
0 500 1,000250
Feet
Map Index and Details Legend
Map Index
Waterway
Streets
Point of Interest
Trail Sections
Section 1
Section 2
Section 3
Section 4
Section 5
Existing
Bridge
Trail Element
Mineral Soil Tread
Boardwalk
Pedestrian Path Extension
Bench Cut with Aggregate and Retention
Turnpike
Aggregate
Short Span Bridge
Six Mile Creek Trail Conceptual Design
Detail Map Index
Ithaca, New York
Prepared for the City of Ithaca by
NORTH
DRAFT
Pleasant
St StewartAveSchuylerPlColumbia StElston PlHudson S
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James St
E State St
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Begin New
Trail
Bridge 1
Existing
Stair
Access
Bridge 2
Spur 1
0 200 400100
Feet
Six Mile Creek Trail Conceptual Design
Detail 1 of 3
Ithaca, New York
Prepared for the City of Ithaca by
NORTH
DRAFT
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nePl
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Existing
Stair
Access
Bridge 2
Bridge 3
Spur 2
0 200 400100
Feet
Six Mile Creek Trail Conceptual Design
Detail 2 of 3
Ithaca, New York
Prepared for the City of Ithaca by
NORTH
DRAFT
ValentinePlGi
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s
S
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Bridge 3
South Trailhead
Proposed Parking
Existing
Ramp Access
0 200 400100
Feet
Six Mile Creek Trail Conceptual Design
Detail 3 of 3
Ithaca, New York
Prepared for the City of Ithaca by
NORTH
DRAFT
22
Preliminary Opinion of Cost
Trail Statistics
Notes on the Preliminary Opinions of Cost
Each Preliminary Opinion of Cost (POC) is based on previous projects and/or current trail construction
cost calculations of similar projects and/or general inquires within the industry. Quantities are based on
the measurable data developed for the City of Ithaca Penn Trails LLC, as of the issue date of this report.
Each preliminary opinion of cost includes a 15% construction contingency and a 15% project
management contingency.
Included POCs are intended for use in guiding project design and budgeting. Additional materials and
material quantities may be revised once formal designs have been completed. Penn Trails LLC cannot
and does not guarantee that opinions of cost will not vary from future construction costs. Additionally,
this estimate does not include stormwater management facilities or Post Construction Stormwater
Management BMPs, as permitting requirements have not yet been determined. Utility locations have
not been identified and it is unknown if any utility relocations are necessary. Temporary and Permanent
easements may be necessary for completion of the proposed work. Costs associated with any such
easements are not included in the included POCs.
Trail Section Total Linear
Feet
Path
Extension
At Grade
Aggregate
Turnpike Boardwalk Mineral
Soil Tread
Short Span
Bridge
Existing Section 1832
Section 1 605 405 200
Section 2 567 526 41
Section 3 892 536 219 90 47
Section 4 367 91 277
Section 5 701 17 427 257
Bridge 1 189
Bridge 2 210
Bridge 3 150
Section 1 Spur 164 164
Section 3 Spur 66 66DRAFT
23
Glossary
Boardwalk: An elevated footpath, walkway, or causeway built with wooden planks that enables
pedestrians to cross wet, fragile, or marshy land.
Modular Boardwalk: A low elevation, light construction boardwalk built in 10-foot sections and placed
on dry stone abutments or sonotubes.
Clearing Limit: The area over and beside the trail tread that is cleared of trees, limbs, and other
obstructions.
Clearing Height: The height of the clearing limit measured vertically from the trail tread.
Clearing Width: The width of the clearing limit measured perpendicular to the trail.
Cross Slope: The percentage of rise to length when measuring the trail tread from edge to edge
perpendicular to the direction of travel.
Grade (Percent Grade): Grade can be expressed as a percent or an angle. Percent is easier to
understand. Percent grade equals the rise (elevation change) divided by the run (horizontal distance)
multiplied by 100.
Clearing: The clearing limit determined to be appropriate to accommodate the Managed Uses of a trail.
Clearing Height: The minimum clearing height determined to be appropriate to accommodate the
Managed Uses of a trail.
Clearing Width: The minimum clearing width determined to be appropriate to accommodate the
Managed Uses of a trail.
Cross Slope: The cross slope determined to be appropriate to accommodate the Managed Uses of
a trail. Target cross slope that is determined to be appropriate over most of a trail to accommodate its
Managed Uses.
Maximum Cross Slope: The steepest cross slope that is determined to be appropriate based on the
Managed Uses of a trail and that exceeds the target cross slope of the trail.
Design Grade: The trail grade determined to be appropriate to accommodate the Managed Uses of a
trail.
Target Grade: The trail grade that is determined to be appropriate over most of a trail to accommodate
its Managed Uses.
DRAFT
24
Junction: An intersection of multiple trails. While it may contain seating or wayfinding signage, a junction
is not as developed as a trailhead.
Landing: A transition area from trail to structure.
Outslope: An outsloped trail is a trail with a cross slope. An insloped trail tips toward the uphill side while
an outsloped trail tips downhill. Both types of cross slope allow water to flow off the trail.
Passing Space: Where the clear tread width of a trail is less than 60 inches, passing spaces allow for
users traveling in opposite directions or at different speeds to bypass on another.
Trail: The PA DCNR definition of a Trail is “a route designed, designated, or constructed for recreational
pedestrian use or provided as a pedestrian alternative to vehicular routes within a transportation system.”
Shared-Use Path: Defined as “a route providing on off-road means of transportation and recreation
for multiple types of users, such as pedestrian and bicyclists.” The generally recognized Pennsylvania
authority for designing and constructing a universally accessible Trail, used by Penn Trails, is Universal
Access Trails and Shared Use Paths Design, Management, Ethical, and Legal Considerations, November,
2014 PADCNR
Short Pitch Maximum: The steepest grade that is determined to be appropriate based on the Managed
Uses of a trail, that generally occurs for a distance of no more than 200 feet, and that does not exceed
the maximum pitch density.
Shoulder Clearance: The minimum horizontal and vertical clearance of obstructions (for example,
removal of bicycle pedal or motorcycle peg bumpers) immediately adjacent to the trail tread that is
determined to be appropriate to accommodate the Manages Uses of a trail.
Maximum Pitch Density: The maximum percentage of a trail with grades that exceed the Target Grade
and that are less than or equal to the short pitch maximum, which is determined to be appropriate based
on the Managed Uses of the trail
Design Surface: The trail Tread surface, defined in terms of surface type, surface protrusions, and
surface obstacles, that is determined to be appropriate to accommodate the Managed Uses of a trail
Surface Type: A characteristic of the design surface expressed in terms of material type, grading,
compaction, and roughness of the trail tread.
• Native: A surface composed of soil, rock or other naturally occurring materials found on or near
the trail.
• Firm: A surface that is not noticeably distorted or compressed during the seasons for which it is
managed, under normally occurring weather conditions, by the passage of a device that simulates
a trail user in a wheelchair.
• Stable: A surface that is not permanently affected by normally occurring weather conditions and
able to sustain normal wear and tear caused by the uses for which the trail is managed between
planned maintenance cycles.
DRAFT
25
Surface Protrusions: Trail tread imperfections, such as rock, roots, holes, stumps, steps, and
structures, that are within the acceptable range of tread roughness and challenge level for the trail and
that do not obstruct the Managed Uses of the trail.
Surface Obstacles: Trail tread imperfections, such as rocks, roots, holes, stumps, steps, downed logs,
and structures, that are beyond the acceptable range of tread roughness and challenge level for the trail
and that obstruct one or more Managed Uses of the trail
Tread Width: The tread width determined to be appropriate to accommodate the Managed Uses of a
trail.
Turnpike: Turnpikes are used to elevate the trail above wet ground. The technique uses fill material
from parallel side ditches and other areas to build the trail base higher than the surrounding water table.
Turnpike construction is used to provide a stable trail base in areas with a high water table and fair- to
well-drained soils.
Turn Radius: The minimum horizontal radius required for a Managed Use to negotiate a curve (for
example, a switchback, climbing turn, or horizontal turn) in a single maneuver.DRAFT
26
References
City of Ithaca, New York. (Accessed 2019) Six Mile Creek Watershed. http://www.cityofithaca.org/301/
Six-Mile-Creek-Watershed
Cornell University Archives. (1929) “Toboggan Slide and Beebe Lake.” Archives picture collection, #13-
6-2497. Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections, Cornell University Library. Retrieved from: https://
digital.library.cornell.edu/catalog/ss:548977
Dieckmann, Jane. (2002) Ithaca of Old a True Winter Wonderland. Ithaca.com. https://www.ithaca.com/
visit_ithaca/ithaca-of-old-a-true-winter-wonderland/article_2fef0ae9-dfd4-5f31-9a1e-adc2340a09c8.html
Garron, Matt. (2016) Ithaca Work Plan [PDF]. Retrieved from http://www.cityofithaca.org/
DocumentCenter/View/10245/Six-Mile-Creek-Trail-Work-Plan
The Ithaca Journal. (January 27, 1937). Ithaca “Little Late Placid” With Winter Sports Devices”
National Recreation and Park Society. Parks and Recreation in Underserved Areas [PDF](n.d.) Retrieved
from https://www.nrpa.org/uploadedFiles/nrpa.org/Publications_and_Research/Research/Papers/Parks-
Rec-Underserved-Areas.pdf
Penn State Center for Dirt and Gravel Roads (2018). Driving Surface Aggregate (DSA) Handbook.
Retrieved from: https://www.dirtandgravel.psu.edu/sites/default/files/General%20Resources/DSA/DSA_
Handbook_2018_03.pdf
Wolf Goldstein, Debra Esq. and Larry Knutson (2014). Universal Access Trails and shared Use Paths:
Design, Management, Ethical, and Legal Considerations. Pennsylvania Land Trust Association. Retrieved
from: https://conservationtools.org/library_items/1345/files/1242
DRAFT
City of Ithaca
February 2016
Six Mile Creek Trail
Background
This document was prepared by Matt Garron. I am a graduate of Cornell University with
Bachelors of Science Urban and Regional Studies from the City and Regional Planning
Department. I developed this work plan for an internship with the City of Ithaca. The internship
was part of a public-private partnership between Cornell University, the City of Ithaca, and local
developer, Mack Travis.
Prior to becoming a student at Cornell, I was involved with a number of community
organizations in San Francisco, where I helped develop winning strategies for several successful
local campaigns, including coauthoring and winning San Francisco’s Paid Sick Leave
Ordinance, the first legislation of its kind in the United States.
The following document was prepared based on input from the following:
JoAnn Cornish, Director, City of Ithaca Planning & Economic Development Division
Erik Whitney, Assistant Superintendent, City of Ithaca Department of Public Works Water &
Sewer Division
Tim Logue, City of Ithaca Director of Engineering
Gary Ferguson, Executive Director of the Downtown Ithaca Alliance
Additional assistance and acknowledgements:
George Frantz
Janet Edwards
S i x M i l e C r e e k W o r k P l a n | 1
CONTENTS
Executive Summary ....................................................................................................................................................... 2
Historical overview........................................................................................................................................................ 3
The Final Piece In Completing Treman’s Goal ............................................................................................................. 5
Vision for a Trail Downtown & Tourism Benefits ........................................................................................................ 7
Trail Map ....................................................................................................................................................................... 8
Effortless Access To The Greater Trails Network ......................................................................................................... 9
Commemorating Ithaca’s Native American History and Heritage of the Cayuga Nation ............................................. 9
Benefits to Residents and Ithaca’s SouthSide Neighborhood ...................................................................................... 12
Economic Benefits ....................................................................................................................................................... 13
Health and Wellness .................................................................................................................................................... 13
Encouraging Sustainability .......................................................................................................................................... 14
Commuter’s Trail ........................................................................................................................................................ 14
Continuing the Work Already Started ......................................................................................................................... 14
Visualizing the Bridge Crossings ................................................................................................................................ 15
Phase 2 of Replacing the 1903 Water Main................................................................................................................. 15
Funding Benefits of Joining the Water Main and Six Mile Creek Trail ...................................................................... 17
Endorsements .............................................................................................................................................................. 18
Supporting Reference Documents ............................................................................................................................... 18
Possible Funding Sources or Cost Reductions............................................................................................................. 20
Estimated Costs ........................................................................................................................................................... 20
Endnotes ...................................................................................................................................................................... 21
2 | S i x M i l e C r e e k W o r k P l a n
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This document is a work plan for the development of the Six Mile Creek Trail, a public-private
partnership involving developers, the City of Ithaca Planning Division, and the Department of
Public Works. The trail will boost the economic activity of downtown Ithaca by increasing
Ithaca’s draw as a hub for unparalleled trail-based recreation. Moreover, it will encourage health
and wellness of residents while reducing car dependency by delivering multiple entry points to
the greater trails network.
The Six Mile Creek Trail will be a pedestrian connector trail that links Ithaca’s vibrant
downtown core with the greater trails network of Tompkins County. The first phase of the trail,
known as the downtown Creek walk, began in 2006, starting from behind the Tompkins County
Public Library and continuing through to the History Center of Tompkins County. The Six Mile
Creek Trail is the second phase of the trail and will follow the creek upstream beneath the walls
of the glacially carved gorge to the Van Natta’s Dam, forming a critical link from downtown to
the Mullholland Wildflower Preserve and the South Hill Recreation Way.
The trail will be built on top of a new water main that replaces the current water main built in
1903. The first phase of the water main was built in 2006 underneath the existing Creek walk,
but cannot be used until this second phase is completed. On top of the water main, the trail will
be made of crushed bank run to give it a smooth, hard finish or a compacted stone dust may be
used.
The Six Mile Creek Trail will benefit local businesses because it weaves the scenic creek into the
fabric of downtown as an amenity for all to enjoy. Additionally, residents of South Hill, East
Hill, and the growing Collegetown Terrace area will benefit through new commuting
opportunities to downtown. Similarly, residents of the Greater Southside area and downtown will
be a skip and a jump from this picturesque natural area. Furthermore, everyone who visits
downtown Ithaca, will gain admission to a seemingly never-ending series of spectacular
landscapes in the greater trails network. If provided with funding, this second phase of the Six
Mile Creek Trail and second phase of the 1903 water main replacement will begin construction
as soon as 2017.
S i x M i l e C r e e k W o r k P l a n | 3
HISTORICAL OVERVIEW
In the early 20th century, the Six Mile Creek Trail was a remarkable park, with significant
importance to Ithaca’s residents. At a time when Ithaca was still working to discover its tourism
advantages, Robert H. Treman gave the City of Ithaca his land at Six Mile Creek in order to help
develop Ithaca’s narrative as a destination for extraordinary natural beauty. Treman championed
Six Mile Creek as the premiere gorge in the area. Resting on Treman’s gift to the city was the
agreement that the tract be “set aside irrevocably for a park.”1 The area near Six Mile Creek
Gorge was known as Six Mile Glen Park. Treman’s vision included a hiking trail at this
distinctive natural area that connected to Ithaca’s other hallmarks, including easy access to
downtown and Cornell University. He was certain that the coupling of a park at Six Mile Creek
and Ithaca’s other noted features was the key to drawing tourists to the area.2
“Community Day” on May 15, 1917 was sponsored by the Ithaca Board of Commerce.
Photo taken by S.L. Sheldon, courtesy of the general photo collection, History Center in
Tompkins County.
4 | S i x M i l e C r e e k W o r k P l a n
“Community Day” on May 15, 1917 was sponsored by the Ithaca Board of Commerce.
Photo taken by S.L. Sheldon, courtesy of the General Photo Collection, History Center in
Tompkins County.
You know how greatly interested I am in the development
of the ravines around Ithaca, and I want to do all I can to
cooperate with the citizens in the development of Six Mile
Creek as a playground and park reservation. I sincerely
believe it can be made a very attractive feature of the city,
and hope that the present interest that is being developed
may continue.
Robert Treman, in a letter to the Board of Commerce. Published by
the Ithaca Journal on September 20, 1916.
S i x M i l e C r e e k W o r k P l a n | 5
THE FINAL PIECE IN C OMPLETING TREMAN’S G OAL
In keeping with Treman’s vision, the trail will
join the two greatest parts of Ithaca: our vibrant,
walkable downtown and Ithaca’s beautiful iconic
scenery. This attraction will give Ithacans and visitors an
ideal entry point to the already vast network of stunning
trails throughout Tompkins County. There is a recently
built Creek walk that begins at the Ithaca police station
and connects to the Gateway Plaza. The proposed trail
would build on the existing Creek walk, connecting
downtown to the Mulholland Wildflower Preserve, while
providing a relaxing atmosphere full of stunning
landscapes along Six Mile Creek. A recreational trail that
connects to downtown is a great way to ensure that as
development in the city continues, future residents will
have access to Ithaca’s natural beauty.
Map photo courtesy of the History Center in Tompkins County, S-174-a, Page 89.
Ithaca Journal article dated April 26,
1917. Courtesy of the History Center
in Tompkins County, S-174-a, Page
90.
6 | S i x M i l e C r e e k W o r k P l a n
A closer view showing the area of the proposed Six Mile Creek Trail. Map
photo courtesy of the History Center of Tompkins County, S-174-a, Page
89.
Ithacans gathered during a talk on Community Day,
May 15, 1917. Photo taken by S.L. Sheldon,
courtesy the General Photo Collection, History
Center of Tompkins County.
People walking across Six Mile Creek on Community
Day, May 15, 1917. Photo taken by S.L. Sheldon,
courtesy of the General Photo Collection, The
History Center in Tompkins County.
S i x M i l e C r e e k W o r k P l a n | 7
VISION FOR A TRAIL D OWNTOWN & TOURISM BE NEFITS
With close proximity to downtown, the trail will be an ideal amenity, connecting the
heart of downtown to a scenic creek trail along Six Mile Creek. By providing direct access to the
expansive network of trails, residents and tourists alike will be able to experience both our
vibrant, walkable downtown and enjoy Ithaca’s natural beauty.
Van Natta’s Falls and the old hydropower plant. Photo by Matt Garron.
8 | S i x M i l e C r e e k W o r k P l a n
TRAIL MAP
In 2009, when Labella Associates, P.C. was working on restoration of the Columbia Street
Pedestrian Bridge, they also designed a conceptual layout of the trail. The 2006 Six Mile Creek
Walk can be seen in red at the Gateway Plaza. The yellow dotted line area at the Gateway Plaza is
where the Creek walk will be extended. The orange stars are the proposed locations of the bridge
crossings. Labella proposed two options for the location of
Bridge 1: The first is at the end of the Gateway Plaza
parking lot, and the second option allows visitors to walk
part of the trail before crossing to the south side of the creek.
Just before the Columbia Street Bridge there is a short ditch
about five feet deep and ten feet wide that sometimes fills
with water and might require a small bridge for crossing
while the creek’s water level is higher.
Bridge 1
Bridge 2
Bridge 3
Small Bridge
A short trench will require a small bridge.
Photo by Matt Garron.
S i x M i l e C r e e k W o r k P l a n | 9
EFFORTLESS ACCESS TO THE GREATER TRAILS N ETWORK
The Six Mile Creek Trail brings Tompkins County’s vast network of breathtaking trails
to downtown Ithaca. The trail begins directly across the street from the Commons at the
underutilized Creek walk. From the Creek walk, the Six Mile Creek Trail will connect the end of
the Gateway Commons parking lot along the creek to the Mullholland Wildflower Preserve and
the South Hill Recreation Way allowing for trail users to connect to the Black Diamond Trail.
With the Black Diamond Trail nearing completion, it is time to begin work on the next
trail in the network. The Six Mile Creek Trail is an outstanding choice because it builds a
downtown connection to the incredible collection of trails that all of Tompkins County has
worked so hard to develop. This central link will ensure that everyone who lives in or visits
downtown will gain admission to a never-ending series of spectacular landscapes across the trails
network.
COMMEMORATING ITHACA ’S NATIVE AMERICAN H ISTORY AND
HERITAGE OF THE CAYUGA NATION
The Native Americans who historically lived in Ithaca spent their winters along the Six
Mile Creek Trail. The area where they would settle has been known as “Old Indian
Campground” and is located on the north side of the creek at the proposed location of bridge 3.
This section, inaccessible without crossing through the stream, is already flat and is an ideal
clearing for a trail. The area is relatively undisturbed by humans, yet it is a naturally wide and
flat plane, ideal for promenading.
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Often referred to as the “Old Indian Campground,” this area along Six Mile Creek is an ideal clearing for a
trail. This photo was taken on the north side of the creek, facing southeast. Photo by Matt Garron.
As mentioned on page 33 of the 1974 Ithaca Waterways study, “an historic marker
should be erected on the site with a brief commentary about the Cayuga Indians.” In order to
ensure that Ithacans and visitors observe the most accurate and respectful commemoration, it is
recommended that the Cayuga Nation is involved in the historic marker that recognizes them and
their ancestors. Indeed, this is a unique opportunity for the City of Ithaca to celebrate its Native
American past.
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The “Old Indian Campground” facing northwest. Photo by Matt Garron.
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BENEFITS T O RESIDENTS AND ITHACA’S SOUTHSIDE
NEIGHBORHOOD
Ithaca’s Southside is an historically African-American neighborhood situated along Six
Mile Creek southwest of downtown Ithaca. In 2006, The Greater Southside Steering Committee
collaborated with the City of Ithaca and Cornell to develop neighborhood-based planning goals
for Ithaca’s Southside3. One of
priorities of the plan involved
created a linear park along Six Mile
Creek. The Southside Community
Center is only one-third of a mile
from the existing Creek walk,
providing Southside residents with
close proximity to the Six Mile
Creek Trail.
The trail will create an
intimate link for downtown, South
Hill, the growing Collegetown
Terrace area, and the Greater
Southside area. Furthermore, this is
a unique opportunity to give
residents of the urban core access to
a breathtaking natural area. The Six
Mile Creek Trail will give residents
of these neighborhoods several entry
points to this serene picturesque
ravine.
S i x M i l e C r e e k W o r k P l a n | 13
ECONOMIC BENEFITS
Ithaca's Business Improvement District, the Downtown Ithaca Alliance (DIA) highlights
the completion of the Six Mile Creek Trail as a pivotal action in the Downtown Ithaca 2020
Strategic Plan. The plan contends that the development of the trail is a critical piece in shaping
downtown as the hub of trail activity. The DIA puts forward that the development of this
exciting walkway would benefit both local residents as well as Ithaca's visitors.
In 2010, Chmura Economics and Analytics released a profile of visitors to Tompkins
County, New York4 for the Tompkins County Legislature‘s Strategic Tourism Planning Board.
They found that 82% of all overnight visitors to Tompkins County are leisure travelers. If these
overnight visitors have more activities within reach, they are more likely to extend their stay in
town, leading to more dollars they will spend in Tompkins County. Ithaca’s booming downtown
and the growing number of hotels in the urban core are creating a higher demand for recreation.
42% of Ithaca’s visitors pay a visit to the downtown Commons area and with the addition
of new hotels downtown, that number is likely to grow. If we can give them more reasons to
come downtown, the more they will spend at local businesses. By providing close proximity to
recreational activities like trails, we can potentially increase their likelihood of extending their
stay.
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
In the United States, obesity has reached an all-time high. This is largely related to
inactivity, with 55 percent of adults failing to achieve the level of activity that is recommend by
health experts5. Inactivity also contributes to higher risks of diabetes, heart disease, and strokes6.
According to the Center for Disease Control released the New York State Nutrition, 26.7% of
New York adults surveyed in 2013 recounted that they had not participated in any leisure time
physical activity during the past month7. In 2008, the Office of the State Comptroller reported
that $7.6 billion was spent annually on adult obesity-related medical expenses (81% of which
was paid by Medicaid and Medicare)8, which the NYS Department of Health attributes to a
combination of physical inactivity and poor nutrition.9 By 2012, those costs rose to $11.8 billion
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annually.10 The City of Ithaca can help fight physical inactivity by providing easy access to a
recreational trail through an entry point in the heart of downtown.
ENCOURAGING SUSTAINA BILITY
Once Ithaca’s trail network starts downtown, it can reduce dependency on vehicles that
emit greenhouse gasses. By connecting to the South Hill Recreation Way and the Mulholland
Wildflower Preserve, this trail will improve pedestrian access from downtown to the existing
network of nearby trails. Ithacans can begin their hikes from their homes, tourists can being their
hikes from their hotels, and fewer cars will be needed to access the picture-perfect landscapes
surrounding the heart of the city.
COMMUTER’S T RAIL
The Ithaca Comprehensive Plan calls for increasing transportation choices, including
investing in pedestrian infrastructure.11 Residents of South Hill and of the growing housing
complex of Collegetown Terrace will be able to use the trail to walk downtown. Additionally,
the trail will advance the comprehensive plan’s objective to promote equitable access to
alternative forms of transportation such as walking.12
CONTINUING THE WORK ALREADY S TARTED
In 2006, the City of Ithaca engaged in a public-private partnership with Mack and Carol
Travis, the owners of the four acre Gateway Plaza project to develop the Six Mile Creek walk
with attractive protective fencing. The Creek walk is a delightful, yet underutilized strip along
Six Mile Creek that terminates at the end on an easement donated by the Travises.
S i x M i l e C r e e k W o r k P l a n | 15
VISUALIZING T HE BRIDGE CROSSINGS
The bridge crossings may be cable stayed wooden deck bridges, creating a similar
aesthetic to this wooden suspension bridge goes over Fall Creek at the north end of the F.R.
Newman Arboretum at Cornell Plantations. Photo by Mack Travis.
PHASE 2 OF REPLACING T HE 1903 WATER M AIN
In 1903, the Ithaca Water Co. completed a water main that brings water down the hill
from the Van Natta’s Dam following State Street to downtown. The same year, the city was hit
by a massive typhoid epidemic, which affected a total of 1350 people, killing 85, including both
locals and university students. The epidemic was generally attributed to unsanitary conditions
during the construction of the Van Natta’s dam. In response, Ithacans voted for the city to take
control of the water system to ensure that they received cleaner, safer water. On August 19th of
1903, the City of Ithaca completed construction of its own water filtration plant and began
supplying water to Ithacans. That same water treatment plant has served Ithaca for over a
hundred years and is in the process of being replaced with a new water filtration plant set to be in
service in September of 2016.
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There is also a need to replace the 1903 water main that runs down State Street. The City
has already completed construction of the first phase in replacing the 1903 water main. In 2006,
when the City was building the downtown Creek walk, it laid down the water main underneath
the walkway starting from behind the Tompkins Public Library, which continues through to the
Gateway Plaza, and terminates near the start of the Six Mile Creek Trail. The second phase of
constructing the 1903 water main replacement will be built directly underneath the Six Mile
Creek Trail, just as the first phase lies underneath the downtown Creek walk.
A major benefit of constructing the water main in conjunction with the Six Mile Creek
Trail is to ensure that the city has access to the new infrastructure. Not only would the new water
main be more structurally sound and safe, but it would be easier to maintain if it accessible
through the Six Mile Creek Trail because city workers would have easy access to make repairs.
Political difficulties can arise when the city has to go through people’s backyards to access
public infrastructure. However, because the new water main will be easily accessible to city
workers, the Department of Public Works would be able to walk or drive down the Six Mile
Creek Trail to the section of the water main that needs maintenance or repair.
The new water main would follow the exact path of the Six Mile Creek Trail from the
new water filtration plant and eventually connect to the Creek walk at the Gateway Plaza. The
Six Mile Creek Trail would be a path laid on top of the new water main, just as it is at the Creek
walk.
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This water main under the Columbia Street Pedestrian Bridge is a visual example of what the new water
main would look like. Photo by Matt Garron.
FUNDING BENEFITS O F JOINING THE WATER MAIN AND S IX
MILE CREEK TRAIL
1. The construction costs will be reduced if both projects are built concurrently because
the Six Mile Creek Trail will be on top of the new water main.
2. Additionally, by joining the two projects, the City of Ithaca will have greater
opportunities when applying for grant funding. Laurie Moore of the New York State
Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (NYS OPRHP) Southern Tier
Region stated that the construction costs incurred from the water main can be counted
as matched funds when applying for Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) grants.
All CFA grants require that applicants find outside funding that will be matched by
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the NYS OPRHP. Because the two projects are joined together, the funding used for
the water main will be able to count as matched funding for the requested grant
funding of the Six Mile Creek Trail. However, the two projects must be completed
during the same grant application year. This is a huge benefit because the City of
Ithaca would be able to use the construction costs of the water main replacement and
use those costs as matched funding for CFA grants such as the Environmental
Protection Fund (EPF) or the Recreational Trails Program (RTP).
ENDORSEMENTS
The impacts of the trail will greatly benefit the downtown stakeholders, residents that live
downtown as well as those that live near the proposed trail.
SUPPORTING REFERENCE DOCUMENTS
A Six Mile Creek trail is a recommendation of the Downtown Ithaca 2020
Strategic Plan. It provides an outstanding recreational opportunity for
people who live in downtown as well as in the neighborhood abutting Six
Mile Creek gorge. It is a potential travel route for residents to access
downtown. And, it could be an amazing tourist amenity that helps our
visitors easily access one of our natural assets directly from downtown. The
DIA is most interested in seeing this project progress.
Gary Ferguson, Executive Director of the Downtown Ithaca Alliance
The Six Mile Creek Trail would be a great amenity for all of us and all of
downtown. It would provide easy access from downtown to a unique
natural area, The Mulholland Wildflower Preserve. The trail would allow
Ithacans and visitors alike to experience the special beauty of this place and
would showcase the importance of nature tourism to the local economy.
Frost Travis, Travis Hyde Properties
S i x M i l e C r e e k W o r k P l a n | 19
Comprehensive Plan (2015) – The trail is shown as a “Planned Trail” on the Ithaca
Parks, Natural Areas, and Trails map in Appendix C.
Ithaca Waterways Study (1976) – On page 33, the study calls for the development
NYS Local Waterfront Revitalization Program: Cayuga Lake Waterfront Plan
Final Report (December, 2004) – Section D3, Map 20-B, pages 88, 97, 122. The
document identifies the Six Mile Creek Corridor as a Recommended Waterfront project
on Map 20-B. On page 122, it is proposed that there be Six Mile Creek Corridor
Improvements. The document states, “Six Mile Creek connects the City Reservoir,
Mullholland Wildflower Preserve, the downtown, and Inlet Island while passing through
residential neighborhoods in the City. Plans are being considered for a trail to connect
these destinations along this scenic natural corridor and to improve fishing and access to
the creek.” Additionally, Policy 1.4 on page 88 says to “Maintain and enhance natural
areas.” Police 12 on page 98 gives the recommendation to “Enhance visual quality and
protect outstanding scenic resources.”
City of Ithaca Trails Master Plan Draft (2015)
Tompkins County Trail Strategy Paper (2014) – identifies the trail as action item
“D4” on page 9.
Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce Wayfinding Plan (2014)
Downtown Ithaca Alliance Strategic Plan (2010)
Southside Flowering Neighborhood Plan (2003)
NYS Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) (2003) – A
primary program goal of the 2003 SCORP on page 3-42 is to “Advance the development
of a statewide system of interconnected trails and greenways and provide access to
them.” The Six Mile Creek Trail is a critical link in connecting the greater trails network
in Tompkins County.
Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan 2014-2019 (2014)
Downtown Design Plan, Ithaca New York. The document was prepared for the City of
Ithaca while Benjamin Nichols was mayor. It was prepared by Roger Trancik, FASLA
Urban Design Consultant.
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POSSIBLE FUNDING SOU RCES OR COST REDUCTI ONS
Environmental Protection Fund Grant at the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation
and Historic Preservation (NYS OPRHP) Southern Tier Region
RTP Grant at the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
(NYS OPRHP) Southern Tier Region
Upstate Revitalization Initiative (URI)
Natural Areas Commission for volunteer help with trail work.
Park Foundation for Feasibility study grants
Tompkins County tourism grant
Piggybacking off of the water main project.
ESTIMATED COSTS
The estimates below were performed by the City of Ithaca Engineering Department.
Cost Estimates Cost Description
$94,000 Edging, sub-base and walking surface from downtown to
Mulholland Wildflower Preserve (4,700 feet of 5’ wide trail)
$525,000 For three pre-fabricated bridges (Possibly wooden structure, not steel)
$15,000 Mobilization
$15,000 Interpretive Signs and misc expenses
$649,000 Subtotal
$64,900 10% Design fee (Change to 25% or $162,250 if using federal aid)
$64,900 10% Construction Inspection
$129,800 20% Contingency
$908,600 Total (Change to $1,005,950 if using federal aid)
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ENDNOTES
1 Kammen, Carol. (2008, June 21). Six Mile Creek Park came as gift in 1917. Ithaca Journal.
2 Kammen, Carol. (2008). Ithaca: a brief history. Charleston, SC: History Press. On Pages 82 and 83, Kammen
describes Treman’s belief that developing Ithaca’s scenic advantages was vital to boosting tourism and that
developing Six Mile Creek was ideal for connecting these features.
3 City of Ithaca (2006). Southside Flowering Neighborhood Plan.
4 Chmura Economics and Analytics (2010). Profile of Visitors to Tompkins County. Retrieved on 22 December, 2015.
http://www.tompkinscountyny.gov/files/tourism/docs/ExecutiveSummary2010.pdf .
5 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2000). Healthy people 2010. 2nd edition. Washington, DC: U.S.
Government Printing Office. http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/hpdata2010/hp2010_general_data_issues.pdf.
6 Smart Growth America and National Complete Streets Coalition. Benefits of Complete Streets. Retrieved on 11
November, 2015. http://www.smartgrowthamerica.org/documents/cs/factsheets/cs-health.pdf.
7 Centers for Disease Control. Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity: Data, Trends, and Maps. Retrieved on
January 20, 2016. https://nccd.cdc.gov/NPAO_DTM/LocationSummary.aspx?state=New%20York.
8 Office of the State Comptroller (2008). Preventing and Reducing Childhood Obesity
In New York (October 2008). Retrieved on December 22, 2015.
9 New York State Department of Health. Priority Area: Physical Activity and Nutrition. The Burden of Physical
Inactivity and Nutrition. Retrieved on 20 January, 2015.
https://www.health.ny.gov/prevention/prevention_agenda/physical_activity_and_nutrition/.
10 Office of the State Comptroller (2012). Soaring Health Care Costs Highlight Need to Address Childhood Obesity
(October 2012). Retrieved on December 22, 2015.
https://www.osc.state.ny.us/reports/obesity_and_child_obesity_10_23_12.pdf.
11 City of Ithaca Planning Division (2015). Plan Ithaca: A Vision for Our Future Comprehensive Plan (September 2015
Draft).
12 Ibid.