Trailscape: Natural Surface Trail Design and Construction

Trailscape, a Division of Martin & Associates for the planning and building of Natural Trails. To see our presentation on Trails add Value! Click here

Natural Trails: 4 X More Popular than Golf, 6% of the Cost

What if there was a way to transform your buyers from today's mode of "How can I get the best price," to "How can I get this home for my family?" If you succeed it is most likely because your offering is not only unique in the market, but speaks to the heart. One way to do this is to provide a place to take a walk, run or ride that encourages them to connect with nature.

It is not a niche market that desires trails; it is an under-tapped mass market. Brooke Warrick of American Lives surveys potential home buyers. This is what they found:

1. 92% Want Low Traffic Areas

2. 79%Want Walking and Biking paths

3. 78% Want Natural Open Space

4. Only 22% want a golf course within the community.

There are very few things in this world on which almost 80% of people agree yet the development community seems to be missing this one. Maybe it is because we are builders and developers; the idea of minimally improving a space just does not excite us. This is a clear case of less is more. A well designed trail that carefully undulates and meanders only minimally alters the land but maximizes value.

What we have found is that many trails adjacent to development were not designed to the preferences of the potential buyers; they are simply left over fire roads and deer paths from past eras. Certainly better than nothing but not close to the potential draw that could be developed. A trail that is too steep, eroded, unsafe, or boring will not get the use that well designed trails will attract..

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