PINNACLE PEAK TRAIL CONSULTATION, City of Scottsdale,
AZ:
(Query: can we make a popular but difficult front-country trail safe
for equestrians?)
Following a bid process during the Spring of 2001, in which particular
effort was made to locate consultants with our special qualifications,
we were hired by the City to conduct a comprehensive evaluation
of the Pinnacle Peak Trail in northern Scottsdale to determine if
and how it could be made safe, especially for equestrian use. (Should we have link to actual bid proposal?)
The City has a strong emphasis upon recreational trails.
One result of that commitment was a contract just let for a substantial,
staffed trailhead facility at the Peak, to open in the Fall of 2001. To emphasize solid, safe, sustainable design for the trail, in keeping
with this impressive trailhead, our consulting contract required
errors and omissions insurance.
Pinnacle Peak is a magnificent natural feature with dominant rock
formations, visible from great distances, popular with rock climbers,
and on which a difficult 1.75 mile trail has been sculpted.
The Peak is surrounded by several beautiful golf courses and upscale
estates, and in fact the existing trail location was financed by
one of these developers. The City wants to feature this natural
resource as a destination for residents and visitors, and have demonstrated,
here and elsewhere in Scottsdale, that trails are vital infrastructure
making the area more livable and attractive.
(Photos of peak, and of me on the trail, and of surrounding area
from trail.)
Since it had originally been an equestrian route, naturally there
was interest in continuing this aspect, despite some opposition
among wealthy homeowners nearby. Over the years, there have
been sincere efforts, by volunteers primarily, to upgrade the trail
with some excellent rockwork and drainage structures. But
nonetheless it remains quite narrow and steep, with over 50 switchbacks,
and with numerous boulders which force traffic to the outside creating
unsafe conditions. Consequently, it has been closed to all
users while this study consultation takes place. The hope is that
whatever improvements we recommend can be implemented so the trail
will be ready for use when the trailhead facilities open later this
year.
(A few shots of the most difficult areas and how we propose to
alter these to improve safety; obviously, we will want some shots
of same areas after the changes are made)
As part of our evaluation, we brought in Phoenix resident Jan Hancock,
an equestrian expert who is completing a book about design aspects
of equestrian trails. She has agreed that, if we can
make the horse-friendly modifications proposed, the trail would
be suitable for experienced users.
(Photo of Jan on horse on trail, along with contact info)
We have carefully analyzed the situation, provided a detailed cost
estimate of proposed reconstruction work, along with an illustrative
photo essay, and been present to set this before various decision
making bodies within the City, including the Park Commission and
City Council. Our primary contact person has been Scott Hamilton,
Trail Coordinator for the City, whose contact information is listed
below.
(Photo of Scott and possibly one at presentation session)
Once these approvals occur, we expect to be a prime candidate to
accomplish the construction work, most likely under a design/ build
contract. (After the changes are made, we can write an appropriate
update about the process of making those modifications)
Elsewhere on our website, for those interested especially in the
kinds of changes proposed to improve equestrian access, we provide
specific details. Also, there is information about how to obtain
Jan Hancockšs new book.
(Link to a section with equestrian trail specifications, and info
on how to get Janšs book) (Contact info for her and Scott)
