Access Improvements to the Frontenac K&P Trail

This project improves access to the trail for those who have disabilities and provides rest areas which supports additional use by seniors and trail users with mobility challenges. In addition to improving access, this infrastructure will improve the quality of the facility for all users by encouraging enjoyment of the trail and facility with rest facilities and higher quality access points. Accessible recreation infrastructure is difficult to find in rural communities and as such, the Frontenac K&P Trail is a significant community asset in Frontenac County.

This project includes the following elements:

• Upgrades to the Verona Trailhead: This includes leveling, grading and paving of the parking area, installation of benches and picnic tables, and providing barrier free access to the K&P Trail from the parking area. Design work has been completed, and estimates for the parking area upgrades have been provided.
  
  
• Improved accessibility at gated locations: Rehabilitation of 26 gate structures to ensure adequate width and level access for users with mobility devices, strollers or electric wheelchairs. Additional signage indicating permitted trail uses will also be installed
  
  
• Road Crossing Improvements: Signage and minor infrastructure changes will be used to improve visibility of trail crossings and trail users.
  
  
• Edge Protection: As required by the AODA Design for Public Spaces regulation, edge protection should be installed along the edge of the trail in places where there are steep drop offs or water to prevent trail users of all abilities from injury.
  
  
• Rest Areas / Park Benches: These areas will be developed throughout the Frontenac K&P Trail, with a focus on settlement areas where seniors and users with mobility challenges are most likely to access and use the Trail. This includes benches and enough off-trail space to support persons using assistive mobility devices. The Frontenac Regional Active Transportation plan recommends placement of benches every 500-1000 meters. Shelter areas will be placed at strategic locations along the trail that are more remote and isolated from settlement areas and other amenities. These areas are to ensure the safety of trail users from dangerous weather conditions.
  
  
• Trail Counters: In order to provide consistent reporting data over time on the use of the trail, automated trail counting infrastructure will be installed at consistent intervals along the trail and near busy access points.