BFJ Planning led a team to study the feasibility of a +/- 20-mile shared use path that extends north-south in Rockland County in proximity to the Hudson River. This effort was catalyzed by the County’s interest to invest in recreational outdoor amenities/infrastructure since the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as to improve local quality of life and regional draw for visitors and tourism. Toole Design played a major role in evaluating path alignment options emphasizing design and connection opportunities related to environmental, built environment and social considerations. Toole Design also led the effort to estimate path demand/trip potential. Sub-consultant Urbanomics analyzed socio-economic characteristics and demographics, as well as tourism trends on the regional and County levels. Urbanomics projected the economic impacts of the path to further the understanding of its feasibility and communicate these benefits to the stakeholders and general public.

A central component of gauging path feasibility was careful coordination and outreach with each municipality located along the path in order to assess key challenges and opportunities for path alignment and design. Initial outreach with municipal leaders was followed by community-based workshops and stakeholder engagement to inform nuances of path alignment and design. Maximizing connectivity to other recreational and tourist destinations and to trip generators enhance functionality and economic impact of the path.