What is the program?
The Trail Towns Accelerator Program supports trail-side communities or neighborhoods in assessing, providing, and planning trailhead access and attractions, prioritizing safety improvements.
Who can participate in the program?
A community or neighborhood who is located alongside a trail. In the past, the program has worked with economic development offices, city council members, trail associations, small business owners, city administrators, and chamber of commerces.
What is required?
- A representative of the community or neighborhood to be a decision-making position
- A fiscal match of at least $1500 to be committed to additional infrastructure via grant funding, in-kind contributions, fundraising efforts, or allocated city funds.
What are the program goals?
- Identify a designated, safe, connected, and clearly communicated route from the trail to town.
- Educate community representatives and residents on how to harness the trail as an asset.
- Coalesce facilitation findings, assessments, and other community plans to identify opportunities to foster trail town culture, safety, and access.
- Provide recommendations, resources, and, as available, funding for trailside initiatives and needed infrastructure.
