Steve Brock Steve Brock

Pavement research

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Cool Pavement and Urban Heat: Summary for Canyon Country, CA

This summary explores the impact of pavement on urban heat, safety for pets, and possible alternatives to traditional asphalt and concrete, with a special focus on Canyon Country, CA.

1. Heat Absorption by Pavement

  • Pavement (especially asphalt) absorbs and retains more heat than natural surfaces due to low albedo, high thermal mass, and lack of evapotranspiration.

  • Temperatures on asphalt can reach 130–150°F on hot days, posing burn risks to humans and pets.

2. Impact on Dogs

  • On an 82°F day in Canyon Country, surface temperatures can exceed 130°F.

  • It's recommended to avoid walking dogs during peak sun hours and instead use shaded or grassy routes, or protective paw coverings.

3. Environmental Effects

  • Pavement stores and radiates heat, contributing to the urban heat island effect.

  • It also warms the soil beneath and slows nighttime cooling, increasing ambient heat retention.

4. Cool Pavement Coatings

  • Reflective coatings can be applied directly over existing asphalt, reducing surface temperatures by 10–15°F.

  • Cost-effective: approximately $40,000 per mile, compared to $150K–$750K per mile for full sidewalk replacement.

  • Lasts 5–7 years and can be reapplied without repaving.

5. Local Cost Estimate

  • For the estimated 0.5-mile loop around Medley Ridge Drive and the connecting segment of Lost Canyon Road:
    → Approximate cost: $20,000 for reflective cool coating.

  • This could enhance pet safety and reduce neighborhood heat without major construction.

6. Other Alternatives Studied

  • Materials and designs include:
    • Permeable pavement
    • Recycled plastic roads
    • Geopolymer concrete
    • Grasscrete/turf pavers
    • Bio-based (e.g., hempcrete)

  • These aim to reduce heat retention, lower emissions, or improve drainage and cooling.

7. Local Options for Shade and Safety

  • Dog-friendly shaded trails in Canyon Country include:
    • Placerita Canyon Park
    • Whitney Canyon Open Space
    • Central Park Trail

  • These offer cooler, more comfortable walking alternatives.

  • Recommendations: walk early/late, avoid midday heat, hydrate, and protect paws.

Conclusion
Cool pavement coatings offer a fast, affordable, and low-disruption solution to improve neighborhood comfort and combat heat retention. For both pet safety and climate resilience, applying reflective surfaces along key neighborhood stretches (like Medley Ridge Drive) could be a meaningful step toward healthier, more walkable communities.

Let me know if you'd like this broken up into sections for a website or grant proposal, or if you'd like help designing a community action plan based on this summary.

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