Postcard-sized handouts providing details of two upcoming NEWP events open to the general public drew a lot of attention at the Fox Cities Greenways annual meeting Jan. 25 at Pullman’s restaurant in Appleton.
Greenways exists to promote and support development of trails and greenspaces throughout the Fox Valley region. By its very nature, the organization’s goals can only be advanced by effective collaboration with all the communities in the area. The annual meeting reflected the strong partnerships that contribute to its success.
The NEWP display promoted our March 23 World Tour Paddling Film Festival at the UW Oshkosh-Fox Cities Perry Hall and and the annual Paddler Workshop and Gear Swap April 13 at The Bar on Lynndale, 2435 W. Nordale Drive, Appleton.
The more than 100 people attending the annual meeting were treated to a behind-the-scenes briefing by Appleton Director of Public Works Danielle Block on the redesign of College Avenue through downtown. The city is testing the replacement of what were four lanes with one lane in each direction, a center left-turn lane and dedicated bicycle lanes.
Block received many comments from those present, but not what she’s used to hearing. The plan was heavily criticized before it was implemented as a pilot project. This roomful of bicyclists and walkers showered her with praise for installing a design with additional safety measures for bicyclists.
“The beauty of this project is its only paint,” Block said, and the budget for the pilot study was only $136.000.
Traffic studies have shown that what was predicted to be a two-minute delay with only two through-traffic lanes, has turned out to be 30 seconds.
While none of it involved paddling, the airing of the controversial plan drew a lot of people who were able e to catch NEWP’s message in the back of the room. NEWP President Jeff Mazanec and Membership Committee Chair Angie Lent staffed the display. They said there was particular interest in the upcoming film festival.