|
Shadow Hills–In the early 90's SHPOA undertook a campaign to encourage homeowner's to allow development of areas along the street and in front of their homes for use by recreational interests. We coined the term "safety path" to define this area so that all would recognize it's use for numerous recreational activities such as walking, jogging, equestrian use and/or even people with baby strollers.
The results were certainly surprising as well as educational and informative. We found that those that did not have a horse did not necessarily say no to this multi-use trail concept while those that did have horses did not feel compelled to say yes. This included professional boarding facilities.
When most recently the homeowner's association once again posed this question, it received one very thoughtful letter that delineated the most common concerns. For example: manure on trails as well as paved surfaces in front of homes, unsightly railings and dust. It was curious how other equestrian neighborhoods deal with these issues. The trails committee contacted representatives from the Bridle Trail Estates in Simi Valley, the equestrian neighborhood of Hidden Hills, and our own local Shadow Hills Estates. We learned that these concerns could be addressed in various ways.
Here is some of the feedback we received. Many options exist for railing for what will fit a given individual area and can be employed. Railing on narrow streets for example, or on trails only 3 to 4 feet in width may not be appropriate. Railing can be used to emphasize a trail to make it more attractive. Railing can be used both on the curbside or the house side of the trail to protect it from encroachments. Landscaping could be used to define a trail border.
The issue of dust is effectively addressed with the application of decomposed granite. On our own McBroom Street, the 3 foot DG unimproved trail treatment presently serves as an effective dust retardant for residents. At this time we want to emphasize that trails along existing properties cannot be uniform in application and can be attractively adjusted to our individual frontages. Would you consider giving some thought to another "safety path" project? Next issue: Road Apples-Love 'em or Leave 'em.
| 