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Delta Ponds Trail 2.4.4 Accessibility The City's extensive network of hard-surface shared -use paths currently provide a number of recreational options for users with limited mobility, but accessible soft- surface trail options are currently limited . The paved Willamette River and Fern Ridge Paths for example, provide highly accessible routes into outstanding natural areas and viewpoints. By contrast, most of the existing soft-surface trails in Eugene's system can be challenging or are not a feasible option for some users due to a variety of factors such as slope, width, poor drainage, poor surfacing, or the presence of steps, rocks, and roots. Due to the nature of the terrain in some areas, there is limited potential for accessibility. For example, much of the existing Ridgeline Trail network is located in an area where topography requires steep trail grades or steps and limits potential tread width. Other trails in the system may have a suitable grade, but are not currently surfaced adequately for all season accessibility by wheelchairs, or may have tripping hazards such as exposed roots or drainage dips. By nature, soft-surface trails are not able to provide the highest level of accessibility. However, adding segments of carefully graded and surfaced "barrier-free trails" to the City's trail network would expand recreational options for many users with mobility limitations . The best example of an existing "barrier-free trail" is the one-mile Delta Ponds Interpretive Trail that was constructed in 2012. This 6-foot wide trail is carefully graded to avoid steep climbs or side slopes and is surfaced with highly compacted gravel to create a smooth and solid surface that can accommodate most users, while still maintaining the aesthetic and experience of a non-paved trail. A guiding principle of the Trails Plan is to add additional barrier-free trail options to the system over time. 2.4.5 User Groups Served There are currently three primary categories of users that are found on Eugene's trail network. These include pedestrians (walkers and hikers), runners, and mountain bikers. To help understand the use patterns, participation and preferences, the City conducted a random sample survey. The survey indicated that walking is the favorite activity for approximately three quarters (74%) of the users, running is the favorite activity for 16%, and biking is the favorite activity for 10%. No respondents indicated that non-motorized boating was their favorite trail activity. Key findings from the survey are discussed in section 3, and the entire survey including questions is available in Appendix C. 2.5 Land Use Planning and Permitting Issues Related to Trails Because many of Eugene's parks lie outside of the city limits and urban growth boundary (e.g. Wild Iris Ridge and Suzanne Arlie Park), the City is typically required to go through a permitting process with Lane County government prior to the construction of any major new trails or related facilities . This can often be a time consuming and costly process. The City will be working with the County to determine ways to help streamline this process and reduce costs. Page 18 Eugene Trails Plan -2018