Quality of Life and Connectivity Master Plan 2018
The City of Jonesboro has many positive attributes, a thriving collage, an extensive healthcare system, a robust industrial and manufacturing sector, and steady population growth. However, compared with the national averages, Jonesboro's citizens have a relatively low income and health issues associated with inadequate opportunities for physical activity. The City of Jonesboro is currently vehicular oriented and lacks safe multi-modal active transit access, such as well-defined pathways for pedestrian and cyclist. The Jonesboro Quality of Life and Connectivity Master Plan 2018 proposes a city-wide connectivity network which has the potential to create a positive impact on issues currently faced within the community.[Q1]
The Jonesboro Quality of Life and Connectivity Master Plan 2018 calls for an active transit network which builds off existing trails and past studies and plans. The network consists of five main connective corridors which radiate from the Downtown Hub towards public parks and a regional loop trail called Red Wolf Way creating a unified and connected system improving access to safe multi-modal active transit city-wide.[Q2]
A regional twenty-six-mile loop trail, which utilizes existing rail and utility right of ways, is proposed to encircle Jonesboro and transects four main public parks including Northside Park to the north, Allen Park to the southeast, Craighead Forest Park to the south, and Joe Mack Campbell Park to the northwest. Gateways at the intersections of the corridors and the regional loop trail occur close to the park systems providing potential entry and exit points with recreational opportunities and parking.[Q3]
The Jonesboro Quality of Life and Connectivity Master Plan 2018 is to further transform Jonesboro into a destination and desirable city for its citizens, improving the health and financial well-being of the population. The plan also strives to provide a missing ingredient of alternative transit options to draw younger families and professionals who favor walkable, city core living and amenities to support such lifestyles. With the implementation of this Master Plan, the City of Jonesboro has the potential to become a regional hub for cyclist groups connecting to Memphis and other towns and cities in the region.[Q4]
