Agenda 04-14-2026; 3 - Draft Orange County Trails Plan

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Guiding Principles These six guiding principles for the Orange County Trails Plan reflect recurring themes that arose during public engagement, discussions with the steering committee, and alignment with project leadership. 4V REFLECT LOCAL CHARACTER ADVANCE ACCESS&EQUITY Trails should seamlessly integrate into the All Orange County residents—regardless of age, surrounding landscape and reflect the unique ability, income, or location—deserve safe and identity of each community they pass through— convenient access to outdoor exploration.The from rural to urban and everything in between—to trail network should prioritize connectivity to foster a stronger sense of identity and place across historically underserved areas, promote inclusion, Orange County. and ensure diverse community needs are met. O a ��A PRIORITIZE USER SAFETY EXPAND TRAVEL OPTIONS Safety is essential for encouraging trail use. To be effective, the trail network should provide Thoughtful trail design with universal access, viable alternatives to vehicle transportation and adequate visibility, clear wayfinding, and safe encourage more active modes of travel, like biking crossings should be at the forefront to keep or walking, by connecting key points of interest pedestrians and cyclists safe and comfortable. across the county. 1 � - L CULTIVATE COMMUNITY WELLNESS DESIGN FOR LONGEVITY The trail network should help build a happier, Trails should be designed and constructed using healthier community by supporting physical best practices that promote long-term resilience, activity, mental health, and social well-being ease of maintenance, and adaptability, allowing through opportunities for recreation, relaxation, the network to evolve as the county grows and and connection with nature. community priorities change over time. 38 1 Draft Orange County Trails Plan