“Linear Park” is Local AIA Vision
In the ongoing tradition of community service, the Wilmington Chapter of the American Institute of Architects is on the cusp of presenting its vision to the city of Wilmington and interested government agencies a plan for adapting the historic trolley line as a continuous dedicated multiuse trail connecting downtown Wilmington to Wrightsville Beach. Having experienced the dangers of cycling from Wilmington to Wrightsville Beach first hand, I was eager to discuss the “vision” with reigning AIA Wilmington president John Wojciehowski.
According to Wojciehowski, the idea was kindled under the imagination and leadership of former AIA Wilmington president Phillip Humphreys late in 2006 in advance of AIA 150; a national celebration in 2007 commemorating the 150 year anniversary of the AIA. A key element to the success of AIA 150 was a national mandate for local chapters to give something back to their respective communities. Noting that there are already sporadic bike trails in the nearly 7 mile trolley right of way and understanding the public desire for a connection to Wrightsville Beach, The Trolley Trail “vision” was designed to inspire local authorities to focus on developing a 5-10 year plan to provide this much-needed infrastructure. Among the stated goals of the vision are a reduction in the use of automobiles, health benefits, direct connectivity between existing city parks and consequently, greater bike and pedestrian accessibility to destinations such as the Cameron Art Museum (Grove Project: The Problem of the Cameron) and UNCW. Notable parks that would be connected by the Trolley Trail include Hugh McRae Park, Empire Park, Wrightsville Beach Park and Dramtree Park. The Trolley Trail would intersect the Cross City Trail (http://www.capefearcyclists.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=31&Itemid=2) creating a network of trails in multiple directions. The local AIA has worked extensively with local agencies to finalize its proposal. Government partners include City of Wilmington Planning, New Hanover County Planning, the Wilmington Historic Commission and the local Department of Transportation.
As is true with any great public enterprise, the Trolley Trail vision clearly has some obstacles to overcome. The problems begin with the fact that the historic trolley line right of way only extends from the intersection of Castle and 17th St. to Bradley Creek. Connecting the head of the trolley right of way to downtown Wilmington proper would involve making Castle St. an “alternative transportation corridor.” Capitalizing on its popularity among antique collectors, Castle St. offers the opportunity to be a major hub within the Trolley Trail network directly connecting the trolley right of way to the east with the Riverwalk to the west by way of Dramtree Park. Crossing Bradley Creek is a far more precarious hurdle since there is currently no bridge wide enough for a dedicated pedestrian lane. Therefore, only two options remain. The first is to build a dedicated pedestrian bridge over the creek and the second is to have the D.O.T. include a pedestrian lane in any future plans to replace the existing aging motor vehicle bridge. Neither of these scenarios is ideal and will likely prevent a speedy completion of the project, but Wojciehowski remains optimistic that there will be adequate momentum to propel the vision forward.
The final form of the Trolley Trail proposal will be a volume of paper documents which will be accessible to the public via www.trolleytrail.org. The organization’s website already contains a wealth of information about the project. Costs incurred in assembling and delivering the final proposal have been offset by generous contributions from local businesses including Network Community Wireless, Mellow Mushroom, Gallery of Oriental Rugs, Lumina Station, Pomegranate Books, Alpha Counseling Center, Wilmington Yoga Center, Alternate Phone Systems and Massengill Electric and Construction.
In addition to its Trolley Trail “blueprint”, the local AIA offers community outreach programs to promote understanding and interest in the architectural profession. Past outreach programs have included sponsorship of high school design competitions and summer introductory architectural programs in conjunction with the Family & Neighborhood Institute (FNI) geared toward young children. This year’s high school design competition will culminate with an award ceremony on Saturday May 17th at 10:00 am at the Cape Fear Museum.
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