Dan explained to the group that when Walkable Communities leaves, there will be a skeleton for the community to begin building a comprehensive plan. After a display of slides, Barbara Gray and Karen Swirsky presented a report on their visit to schools. Eighth graders wanted more places to go. Fourth grade students would build hospitals and be able to go to the library.

The audience was invited to write down a word or phrase which represents how they would like Maple Valley to be described in twenty years. Phrases including friendly, safe, peaceful, and family oriented dominated the comments.

The audience was broken into groups and asked to discuss their favorite cities. They then presented the results to the audience.

Group 1 suggested a concept or plaza be developed which will gives character to the community. They suggested the town center be separated from the main arterial, State Route 169.

Group 2 liked Boulder, Leavenworth, Jackson Hole, San Francisco, and Seaside. These places are walkable, with trails systems and green belt areas. They liked small shops with awnings and they enjoyed the themed activities of some areas, such as the weekly hangings in Jackson Hole. They would like areas for senior citizen and youth activities and gathering places.

Group 3 listed Whistler, Black Diamond, Coupville, and Sun River as favorite towns. They liked the freeways to be separated from play areas. They felt the pride of some of these communities showed.

Group 4 suggested an architectural theme be developed for Maple Valley and that rural charcter be retained. They discussed transit and trees.

Group 5 said they liked West Seattle because it fosters a sense of family. Shops are within walking distance. La Jolla and Montreal was mentioned because these cities are well lit. This community should consider lighting so people feel safe at night.

Group 6 Portland, Minneapolis, and Hyde Park, Utah. Their most common theme was small streets, pedestrian friendly, and low traffic speeds. They mentioned the Department of Transportation here tends to want to move traffic as fast as possible. Trees are assets that should be preserved.

Group 7 listed the Maple Valley of 1967 as a favorite place, as well as Carmel, Vermont, Kirkland, Newport, and Oregon. They like communities which are vibrant, walkable, convenient, safe, secure, slower paced, and have trails and cultural opportunities. They like lakes, good schools, and focal points within the community.

Group 8 liked Auburn, Olympia, Portland, and Capri, Italy. Themes were pedestrian friendly, pocket parks, buildings with character, bus systems, narrow streets, being walkable and being safe because a lot of people are there. A central district not on the main highway should be developed.

Facilitated and recorded by Walkable Communities Inc. Site produced by WebTown Technologies. E-mail comments to Gregory J. McCormick        AICP, Director of Community Development.