Somerville is embracing ‘extreme street makeovers’ to make its roads safer for pedestrians and cyclists.
Courtesy of Planetizen
By Zachary Whalen
MASSACHUSETTS - In just a few days, Tufts Street in Somerville is going to get much harder to drive on: its wide, linear road will finish its transformation into a winding path with speed humps and artificially narrowed sections. While the changes may seem unorthodox, Somerville is purposefully filling this road with obstacles to slow down traffic and make the street safer for pedestrians.
The term “neighborway” describes roads where drivers move so carefully that kids can ride their bikes in the street. Somerville’s neighborways has not always gone over well with drivers, but the city has seen results from its embrace of pedestrian-friendly infrastrcuture: Somerville has not has a single traffic death in four years.
Read more:
https://www.planetizen.com/news/2026/10/138576-city-filling-its-roads-obstacles-intentionally
Detroit to transform waterfront with $2.2 billion investment
Courtesy of Planetizen
By Zachary Whalen
MICHIGAN - The Detroit River Conservancy is planning a $2.2 billion redesign of the city’s riverfront. The plan calls for developers to transform roughly 18 acres of unused parking lot space into civic spaces, and to build 935 units of mixed-income housing, Whitney Burney writes for ABC Detroit.
The redevelopment plan also calls for the demolition of several towers at Detroit’s Renaissance Center Campus to open up opportunities for riverfront development. Detroit residents have expressed interest in bringing more water-related activities to the riverfront, such as fishing and swimming.
Read more:
https://www.planetizen.com/news/2026/10/138546-detroit-transform-waterfront-22-billion-investment
Record-breaking wildlife overpass in Colorado brings 91% reduction in animal collisions
Courtesy of Planetizen
By Zachary Whalen
COLORADO - Before Douglas County opened North America’s largest wildlife overpass, vehicles were hitting one deer per day on Interstate 25. Nine months after the overpass’ completion, the area has seen a 91% decrease in wildlife collisions, Olivia Young writes for CBS.
The interstate also includes fencing to guide animals to the wildlife crossings, and five additional wildlife underpasses. The new overpass is 209 by 200 feet and provides safe passage for deer, coyotes, elk and even bears.
Read more:
https://www.planetizen.com/news/2026/09/138506-record-breaking-wildlife-overpass-colorado-brings-91-reduction-animal
AOAP, CMAHC Join Forces to Support the Model Aquatic Health Code
Courtesy of Recreation Management
The Association of Aquatic Professionals (AOAP) and the Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code (CMAHC) have announced a strategic partnership that makes CMAHC a subsidiary of AOAP, a change the two organizations say will strengthen the long-term sustainability and reach of the group that keeps the nation’s best-known aquatic health guidance up to date.
The Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) is a voluntary, science-based set of guidelines for preventing injury and illness at public aquatic venues, including pools, hot tubs and water playgrounds. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) created it at the request of health departments and the aquatics industry, and released the first edition in 2014. It covers the design, construction, operation and maintenance of public aquatic facilities, and it applies to venues run by schools, gyms, waterparks, hotels, apartment complexes and homeowners’ associations, among others.
Read more:
https://recmanagement.com/articles/156193/aoap-cmahc-join-forces-support-model-aquatic-health-code
Senate bill would ‘overhaul’ environmental permitting laws
Courtesy of Planetizen
By Zachary Whalen
Four U.S. Senators introduced the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026 on Sept. 30, which would “overhaul provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act, Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act and other permitting laws to accelerate energy and infrastructure projects and limit federal interference with approved projects,” Robyn Griggs Lawrence writes for Smart Cities Dive.
The 417-page act would make projects with no federal funding, or that replace lifeline infrastructure, exempt from NEPA reviews — including the repair and replacement of county bridges, roads and small sewer systems. The act would also place a one-year deadline on environmental assessment and a two-year deadline on environmental impact statements, as well as ensure that local governments are part of the NEPA review process.
Read more:
https://www.smartcitiesdive.com/news/what-the-senate-permitting-bill-means-for-local-infrastructure-projects/832493/
IMBA Announces Trail Accelerator Grants to Launch Trail Development Efforts
Courtesy of Recreation Management
The International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) announces the application period for 2027 Trail Accelerator Grant (TAG), open from Nov. 1 through Dec. 31, 2026. The program will award professional trail planning and design consultation services, and educational support for mountain bike / trail organizations. Selected organizations will be announced during the second quarter of 2027.
Entities that may apply include local, municipal, state, or federal government agencies, 501(c)(3) nonprofits that actively manage parks and trails, mountain bike / trail clubs, and IMBA Local Membership Organizations. This program will award projects that are ready to complete during 2027. Awardees will supply matching funds.
Read more:
https://www.imba.com/programs/trail-accelerator-grants
Study Shows Growing Injuries From Electronic Bicycles, Electronic Scooters With Differences in Injuries, Hospitalizations
Courtesy of Recreation Management
Electronic bikes and electronic scooter injuries among children and teens increased nearly four-fold at one California hospital between 2019 and 2025, according to research presented during the American Academy of Pediatrics 2026 National Conference & Exhibition in San Diego.
Most injuries resulted from an unprovoked fall or loss of control (71%). Upper extremity (53%), lower extremity (46%), and head (39%) were the most frequent injury locations. Despite an overall greater proportion of e-scooter injuries, e-bike riders experienced significantly worse outcomes than e-scooter riders across all injury severity measures, 17% experiencing a concussion; 48% a fracture; 26% needed surgery; and 27% required impatient admission.
Read more:
https://recmanagement.com/articles/156188/study-shows-growing-injuries-electronic-bicycles-electronic-scooters-differences
2027 NRPA Annual Conference: Call for Session Proposals
Do you want to share your knowledge and experience with thousands of other professionals? The call for session proposals for the 2027 NRPA Annual Conference is now open! We’re looking for speakers who can resonate with our attendees’ passion for parks and recreation and inspire even greater impact in communities nationwide.
Submit your proposal by November 30
Read more:
https://conference.nrpa.org/call-for-proposals
Crazy Creek launches the Boat Chair, US Coast Guard-approved Type IV throwable PFD
Courtesy of River Management Society
Crazy Creek Products announces the launch of the Boat Chair, a Type IV throwable personal flotation device engineered to double as a stable, comfortable seat. This breakthrough 2-in-1 product combines a U.S. Coast Guard-approved throwable PFD design for boats 16 feet and longer
Read more:
https://www.outdoorsportswire.com/crazy-creek-launches-the-boat-chair-us-coast-guard-approved-type-iv-throwable-pfd-and-chair/
