The first pilot program is a rubber sidewalk near East 41st Street and Kenwood Avenue made of recycled tires. "Over the next year, the city - along with partners at the University of Missouri-Kansas City Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, Gunter Construction and Rubberway - will study how the material (which is similar to a running track) holds up in the snow, ice, rain and to heavy foot traffic." (Keegan). The material is slightly more expensive but could eliminate the need to cut down trees with disrupting roots which can be up to $7,000 a tree.
The second pilot program involved moving hazards that caused uneven slabs of concrete from the sidewalks. "In a matter of weeks, Precision Concrete Cutting Midwest eliminated 500 hazards in the Waldo area near East 73rd and Cherry streets." (Keegan). The project, reported to be inexpensive and successful, created a smoother surface for wheelchairs and strollers.
The final project involves UMKC students mixing fiberglass and concrete, located by the first pilot program.
