UNT Dallas 2020 Master Plan

CHAPTER 2 CAMPUS CONTEXT AND EXISTING CONDITIONS
EXISTING PEDESTRIAN CIRCULATION
Perimeter Sidewalks
Sidewalk connections to the campus from
the surrounding community are limited or
incomplete, except for a dedicated path along
University Hills Boulevard. Several "desire lines"
where sidewalks do not exist can be observed
in worn grass patterns, suggesting the need for
increased campus-neighborhood connectivity.
Campus Core
There are numerous pedestrian pathways
within the campus core, and a network of
ADA-compliant pathways and ramps facilitate
accessibility. The compact nature of the existing
campus core allows for short walking distances
between most campus destinations, compared to
many campuses. Figure 2.8 illustrates a five- and
ten-minute walk distance from the campus core,
and reveals that most of the site can be reached on
foot, within ten minutes. With continued campus
growth, it will be critical to maintain this compact
development pattern to maximize convenience,
integrate open space, and preserve campus land for
future needs.
DART Pathway
The DART pathway is a continuous pedestrian route
from the campus core to the UNT Dallas station.
While the route is less than a quarter mile, stakeholder
feedback suggested that there is a general perception
that the distance is much longer. As the campus
develops, new facilities and spaces between the
campus core and the station should mitigate this
perception.
Concerns about pedestrian safety have been
expressed, particularly with respect to nighttime travel.
In response, the university provides courtesy escorts
between the campus core and the DART station and
adjoining UNT Dallas parking lots, actively promoting a
safe and secure campus environment.
(Top) DART pathway. (Bottom) Runyon Creek Trail. (Source:
Page)
Trails
Completed in 2020, the 2.7-mile Runyon Creek Trail
connects the campus to the Singing Hills Recreation
Center, Camp Wisdom DART Station, and Five Mile
Creek Trail to the north. The trail passes through
a roughly 60-acre nature conservation park—the
Runyon Creek Park—to the east of the campus. A
nature observation platform is being constructed
in the eastern area of the campus as part of the
trail extension project. Collectively, these features
improve the quality of life for the campus population,
as well as the broader community, and will continue
to be an essential recreational resource.
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UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS DALLAS