Community Visioning - Varina, IA

JBC Landscape Architects guided Varina through a community visioning process centered on improving transportation corridors, elevating community character, and supporting long-term economic vitality. Working with Trees Forever field staff and Iowa State University partners, the team engaged residents and stakeholders through surveys, focus groups, and assessments of circulation patterns, sidewalks, and community amenities. This collaborative approach helped the community pinpoint where safety, connectivity, and overall visual quality could be strengthened to better serve residents.

Through these conversations, the steering committee identified several priority areas: enhancing the sidewalk system, improving pedestrian safety, updating signage and wayfinding, and exploring opportunities for economic development. These community goals informed a coordinated set of concept plans, including walking trail opportunities, recreational amenities, sidewalk upgrades, signage strategies, and visual quality improvements along key corridors.

The resulting report provides Varina with a clear and actionable path forward. It that supports safe mobility, reinforces community identity, and aligns future improvements with local aspirations. Presentation boards documented the recommendations in detail, giving Varina a practical roadmap for phased implementation and the pursuit of future funding.