Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 09/12/1996

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Local Governments Issues ,Session-Anoka Count. Parks System Plan Identified August 15, 1996 "ISSUES LIST" These 1. 10. 11. 12. issues relate to TRAILS: There is need to continue county/community networking to promote the planning of greenways and trail corridors. Trails planning should include all units of government to identify general trail corridors. As corridors are identified, direct cooperation between involved agencies is needed to address local residents concerns and to follow through on the specifics of the plan. Anoka County should "champion" the idea of greenway and trailway corridors. Individual cities should also promote the idea and work towards implementing the objectives of the plan. Trails are multi-purpose. They can provide oppommities for recreation, areas for natural resource protection and link non-motorized commuters. When trailplanning begins there will be a need'to designate trails to identify wh/ch uses are most appropriate in certain areas. Snowmobile trails exist on many of the highway right-of-ways. Each agency should promote the "Benefits of Trails" to their residents. When trail planning begins safety measures will need to be established, especially along roadways. There is a need for more cooperation from the County Highway Department to establish trails on highway right-of-ways. Funding sources for these projects should be examined. Because trail development will include a variety of areas; i.e. along river and streams, along highways, near riparian areas, there is need to identify alternatives to some development standards that are currently to restrictive. Trails planning should include all communities. A framework to receive and address resident comments and concerns will need to be established. Anoka County should promote the idea of greenways. There is a need to inform and educate the public, the agency staff, and elected officials.