The Columbia Tap Trail - Measuring Heat Island Effect and Air Quality Discrepancies

This research project studies the communities around the Columbia Tap Hike and Bike Trail, which crosses through East Downtown and Third Ward. Using community feedback to propose improvements along the trail, this project is intended to highlight some of the many benefits that urban infrastructure can provide. This project includes working with a group of people and nonprofits to create a pocket park along the trail, where we will be using this research to aid in its design and implementation. This research is intended to show how quality urban infrastructure can be created through community engagement, partnerships, and collaboration. The goal of this research project is not only to improve the conditions of the trail for the community that lives around it but to also become an informational source that shows the importance of public spaces and health-based infrastructure.