TOUR: Trinity River Vision

January 12, 2013

Our class met with Shanna Cate, the Planning and Development Director for the Trinity River Vision Authority. From their website: "The Trinity River Vision Authority (TRVA) is the organization responsible for the implementation of the Trinity River Vision (TRV) - a master plan for the Trinity River in Fort Worth, Texas. It is underway now - connecting every neighborhood in the city to the Trinity River corridor with new recreational amenities, improved infrastructure, environmental enhancements and event programming. The TRV will create Trintiy Uptown, a vibrant urban waterfront neighborhood, expand Gateway Park into one of the largest urban-programmed parks in the nation and enhance the river corridor with over 90 user-requested projects along the Trinity Trails."

Citizens of Fort Worth have repeatedly stated that they want a waterfront and better access to the river.  The city's current levee system, built after a devestating flood in 1949, is three stories high and has been a barrier to access.  And as population and development increased, vast amounts of impervious surfaces have caused runoff and stormwater management problems for the river.  The Trinity Uptown development will bring the public infrastructure needed to solve these issues.

Photo from TRVA

Trinity Uptown will include commerical development, boating and water activities, river walk and canals, riverfront dining and entertainment, a town lake and boardwalk, and higher learning.

Photo from TRVA

The Trinity River Vision project plans to be a model for sustainability as well.  Through smart design and implementation, a sustainable community will result.  One such way the vision plans to apply proper sustainability practices is by designing for density.  By way of mixed-use zoning, the project will promote a live, work, play environment.  

Photo from TRVA

Sustainability practices will also be implemented by focusing on elements that reflect good quality of life, such as canals, lakes, walking trails, public plazas, ball fields, and ecosystem restoration.










Photo from TRVA

Transportation is a big issue when it comes to sustainability.  The circulation network designed will create an urban, walkable grid which will maximize the connectivity for vehicles, pedestrians, public transportation, and bicycles.  The roads and bridges will be constructed to accommodate a future mass transit system.  The waterways within the development will also be used for transportation purposes.

 

 

Another aspect of sustainability this project will entail is promoting good health.  Twenty-seven miles of trails will be in place for recreational use.  The usable waterways will be great for boaters, and new park facilities will be created so that the public can enjoy the outdoors.

 



Green building and sustainable contruction methods will be very important.  Low-maintenance landscaping, reuse of materials for construction of public infrastructure, flood gates for water quality control, innovative storm water management, and incentives for construction of LEED certified buildings will be among the practices at Trinity Uptown.

 

Set for a 2021 completion date, the city, residents, and the TRVA are excited about what this development will bring to the city.

 

 

 

 

 

The revitalization of Gateway Park (left) will not only restore the park's ecosystem and provide quality flood control, but it is likely to spur economic development around the park.  The park will be an important connection between the neighborhoods of the east and southeast of Fort Worth to the Trinity River.

 

 

 

 

Positive transformation of the Trinity River has already begun and proven to be what residents want.  The ability to access the river adds to the city's sense of community.