A year ago, or so, I was walking through the Panhandle and noticed that someone had created a “creative” twist in the path on the way to the playground. It seemed awkward, at best. I wondered what purpose it served.
Perhaps the boulder placed within the bend was meant to remind us of the gold seekers of the 1800’s crossing over the Sierras?
It didn’t take long for the people of the neighborhood to vote their disapproval with their feet.
This Summer, the path in the Panhandle got a new surface, but this flaw was not corrected. However, someone in the parks service did observe it’s use and has sprinkled wood mulch on top of the user-formed pathway.
We won’t have long to see what happens when the rains begin.
Also curious that the new path surface is completely flat and is not porous. A lot of other municipalities are using permeable pavings to prevent flooding, and in cases where impervious surfaces are employed, they are often curved or slanted so that rain runs off. Neither were used in the Panhandle. Probably not a big deal this year, but this path always gets new contours and potholes due to all the ancient tree roots running beneath. In a year or so, it will be puddles and mud-holes again.
Which is not great design, but I know the neighborhood pet duck (link tk) won’t mind a bit.
Here’s a great read by Kurt Kohlstedt at 99percentinvisible.com on how designers sometimes fail to see the best solution to meet users already established habits.
Least Resistance: How Desire Paths Can Lead to Better Design