Date of Award

12-2025

Degree Type

Creative Project

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning

Committee Chair(s)

Daniella Hirschfeld (Chair)

Committee

Daniella Hirschfeld

Committee

Jake Powell

Committee

Shannon Belmont

Abstract

This thesis presents a qualitative case study of public engagement in the Wellsville Trails and Active Transportation Plan, developed in Wellsville, Utah—a small municipality with limited staff and resources. Drawing from planning literature on effective community participation, the study evaluates outreach strategies based on their reach, feasibility, and replicability. Outreach strategies in the plan’s development included surveys, stakeholder meetings, a public open house, digital tools, and informal conversations. While early outreach efforts, such as the interest survey and personal invitations, generated meaningful input, the process fell short in sustaining engagement, reaching underrepresented groups, and maintaining consistent communication. The analysis highlights both the value of relationship-based outreach and the constraints small towns face in implementing best practices. Lessons learned emphasize the need for ongoing engagement, tailored communication, and institutional support. This case contributes to the broader field of planning by offering practical insights for communities seeking to design realistic and context-sensitive engagement strategies in small towns with limited staff and resources.

Comments

This thesis often refers to the Wellsville Trails and Active Transportation Plan, adopted by Wellsville City in 2024. This plan, if the hyperlink breaks, can be requested through Cache County Trails & Active Transportation or Wellsville City in Utah.

Download

Share

COinS

Copyright for this work is retained by the student. If you have any questions regarding the inclusion of this work in the Digital Commons, please email us at .