Community Visioning - Scranton, IA

JBC Landscape Architects guided Scranton through a community visioning process aimed at enhancing transportation corridors, celebrating local history, and improving pedestrian and recreational connectivity. Working closely with the steering committee, Trees Forever field staff, and ISU partners, the team gathered input through focus groups, surveys, and assessments of circulation patterns, community parks, existing sidewalks, and key historic features, including Scranton’s notable position along the Lincoln Highway. That input shaped a cohesive set of concepts addressing both daily mobility needs and the community’s long-term goals.

The steering committee identified several priority areas: creating a connected trail and sidewalk network linking all four parks, improving park amenities, addressing high-speed traffic at key crossings, revitalizing Main Street with streetscape and safety enhancements, and highlighting the iconic water tower through a new community space. These focus areas guided the development of detailed concepts that strengthen recreational access, elevate the town’s historic character, support local gathering spaces, and enhance pedestrian comfort throughout Scranton.

The resulting report presents coordinated improvements across the community, including trail and sidewalk upgrades, park enhancements, downtown streetscape strategies, wayfinding and signage updates, and a new public space at the water tower. Presentation boards documented these recommendations, offering Scranton a clear, actionable vision for long-term connectivity, community identity, and reinvestment.