Minutes - Parks and Recreation Commission - 04/13/1995

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give a good overview. The narrative will be an important component of our comprehensive plan. The 1991 plan is still useful, but it is outdated due to development, etc. Commissioner Skinner commented on the seven different trails, and inquired how many more there are. Mr. B°°s stated that the number depends on what is defined as significant trails; there may be a couple more. He explained the importance of trail continuity. The grid system has to be taken into consideration and the importance of trails being linked together. Commissioner Henn suggested that trails should loop, for example, they should have a beginning, an end, and a destination. She felt that's how they should be grouped. Mr. Boos stated that we have talked about where the trails are going, who would use them, etc. He questioned if there should be a great deal of discussion/narrative about habitat. Commissioner Henn inquired who these comments are for. Mr. Boos replied that the comments are meant as narrative so we do not have to always explain everything. The narrative would be in the comp plan and would be given to new residents, etc. Commissioner Cook felt that the environment should be described. Commission Osborn commented that if the trail is five miles long, etc., the environment would change (e.g. it could go from a densely wooded area to an unwooded area). Mr. Boos agreed and suggested a map that would show that. Commissioner Cook stated that 153rd trail is basically landscaped - a rest area. It's more of a controlled environment, whereas the one in Northfork is going to be of natural environment. It will offer a natural/passive activity - not just a way to get from one place to the next. Mr. Boos questioned if the emphasis should be on purpose. Commissioner Cook felt it should be. He suggested letting people know what will be there so they can plan activities accordingly. He felt it would be helpful in the hands of the public, letting them know what's available. He added that trails are an aesthetic value also. Commissioner Skinner felt that with a site location map, people could see what's available, not just read it. He commented on trails adjoining other cities, such as Elk River. Mr. Boos stated that Elk River is very confident they could do a trail head near Jarvis Street which Ramsey residents would have access to. Commissioner Henn inquired if Elk River would have a trail going to that trail head too. Mr. Boos stated that Elk River is a little bit behind Ramsey as it pertains to trails. They are working on equestrian trails now. They are eager to do a trail along the Mississippi River. Commissioner Cook inquired if there is a chance to get a bridge across the river to connect with the Hennepin County Trail/Park system. Park and Recreation Commission/April 13, 1995 Page 5 of 9