Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 11/09/1995

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development.9 Over the last decade, Ramsey has had rapidly expanding residential growth because of its prinle location to the Minneapolis/St. Paul Metro Area while retaini.n.g much of its semi-rural natural character. Trail corridors can provide alternative~mc~._'L'j ,~.:~!e:: ':. 1.',~h are convenient and ef~cien~.~,~cans-of [,,~i. ,~i,~ tc~UALS ~m,' ~-improved air and water quality, reduced noise pollUtion, and improved citizen health. At the same tim een space that trail corridors provide Clan enhance residents' connection with nature. Trails help fulfill the goal of a balance recreational system by providing opportunities for all ages and abilities, while providing natural resource p~tection including ha~tat and local migration routes for wildlife, residental green space, and buffers between homes. Lastly, trails can foster a sense of community by facilitating interaction among ,~users. Maintaining and increasing non-motorized travelways ,a,e essential in protecting Ramse¥'s quality of life and economic vitality. Since it is impossible or not economically viable to provide all recreational opportunities within each recreation district, an adequate system of trails and neighborhood streets should provide access to recreation within Ramsey and to adjdining communities. With these dbjectives in mind, the following policy statements can be made regarding trail corridor developme_nt: 1. Trail developmelat shall minimize opportunities for conflict among trail user types and vehicles through standardized, economical signage such as pavement markings and designated routes. 2. All residents should have reasonable access to Ramsey's trail system with a minimum of thorough-fare crossings. 3. Each significant [State and County Highway roadway should have a paved shoulder designated for non-vehicular tr ~ansportation as a minimum. Parallel treadway separated by curb and boulevard is desirable in the long term. 4. The City of Ramsey shall establish pedestrian and bicyclist safety as a key priority in traffic control enforcemen[ programs. 9 This public concern ifor trail development was first identified in a 1987 survey. Four out of five respondents ranked a trail system as!most desired park development priority. Their second and third choices were tennis courts and skating rinks. Ano~er survey completed in the spring of 1995 had comparable re.suits.