Smoky Hill River Renewal Project Survey Results Available Online

Public opinion results are back for a portion of the Smoky Hill River renewal project.

According to the City of Salina, survey results from the design charrette held September 26–28, for the area of the Smoky Hill River Renewal Project from north of Iron Avenue (North Channel and Founders Park) and south of the YMCA (South Channel), have been published online at www.salina-ks.gov/riverrenewal.

The survey, which was completed by 305 individuals, asked for preferences on concepts and features presented at the September 28 public meeting.
Nearly 78 percent of individuals liked concepts such as a shared use path for bicycles and pedestrians, a canoe/kayak launch ramp, and park space with a shelter/pavilion near the Elmhurst Blvd. and South Delaware Ave. area (west side of Bill Burke Park).

Nearly 76 percent of individuals liked concepts such as a river overlook, a shared use path for bicycles and pedestrians, additional parking space, and a canoe/kayak launch and landing area near the YMCA area.

76 percent of individuals liked the idea of a step down canoe chute, step pools, terraced seating, river overlook areas, walkways, and seating areas near the area of Founders Park (just north of Iron Ave.).

To control the flow of the river, 31 percent of individuals preferred restoring the Western Star Mill dam and 69 percent of individuals preferred installing step pools.
77 percent of individuals liked concepts such as a naturalized prairie, climbing boulders, a pump track, hiking/biking trails, and a canoe discovery trail at Lakewood Park.

When thinking of proposed ideas across each segment, the following responses were provided by individuals:

70 percent of individuals preferred canoe/kayak launch ramps
78 percent of individuals preferred boardwalks
71 percent of individuals preferred shelters/pavilions
78 percent of individuals preferred river overlooks
55 percent of individuals preferred an iconic monument/wayfinding element
80 percent of individuals preferred a shared use path (pedestrian/bike)
61 percent of individuals preferred a step down canoe chute
65 percent of individuals preferred terraced seating
68 percent of individuals preferred a canoe discovery trail
43 percent of individuals preferred a pump track
75 percent of individuals preferred a naturalized prairie
83 percent of individuals preferred hiking/biking trails
65 percent of individuals preferred constructed wetlands
72 percent of individuals a preferred YMCA trail space

A public meeting presenting refined concepts will be held in October of 2018. Specific questions regarding the Smoky Hill River Renewal Project should be directed to Martha Tasker, City of Salina Utilities Director, by emailing [email protected] or calling (785)309-5725.