News : Work continues on Garrison area transportation enhancement study

On March 12, Garrison residents participated in a focus group workshop as part of the Iowa’s Living Roadways Community Visioning Program. The focus groups are part of an input-gathering process underway to identify transportation needs and opportunities for enhancements in Garrison.

During the focus groups, participants identified on a map places where traveling around Garrison is difficult, as well as areas that are considered assets. After reviewing the maps, participants went outside and took photos with a GPS-enabled camera of areas that had been identified earlier in the day. The photos that were taken were then uploaded to an online map where residents can visually see the areas identified.

Nearly sixty people participated in the workshop to give additional information to the steering committee. Discussion & pictures taken by participants identified needs as safety for pedestrians, condition of streets, loss of neighborhood and park trees. Assets included the recreation trail and opportunity to view wildlife.

Community residents can view the photos that were taken during the focus groups at www.communityvisioning.org and clicking on the link next to “Transportation Assets and Barriers Maps for the visioning communities.” Once there, filter the community to “Garrison,” select “Focus Group” as the workshop and click “Reload.”

The next step in the process will be a goal-setting meeting on Tuesday, May 17 6:30pm at the fire station. During this meeting, the Garrison Visioning Committee will review the information they have gathered and identify priorities for the transportation enhancement plan for Garrison.

To learn more about participating in the visioning process, please call Garrison Teresa Meyer Community Primary Contact at 319-640-0119 or Patty Reisinger, Trees Forever field coordinator, at 319-350-4185.

The Iowa’s Living Roadways Community Visioning Program is sponsored by the Iowa Department of Transportation in partnership with Iowa State University Extension Landscape Architecture and Trees Forever.

---

Reminder: Vinton Today is in the midst of our annual fundraiser. Please take a moment to do what you can to help keep Vinton Today online! Donate by sending a donation to: Vinton Today Fundraiser, P.O. Box 7, Vinton, IA 52349 or you can donate via PayPal, by clicking on the link HERE.