Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 02/12/2015

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Project Need and Intent The Mississippi Skyway pedestrian bridge will provide a critical direct pedestrian and bicycle connection between the City of Ramsey's 400 -acre pedestrian -oriented COR development, the Ramsey Northstar Station, Ramsey Park & Ride and the resources associated with the Mississippi River and attendant regional amenities. Currently, Trunk Highway 10 (TH 10) and the parallel BNSF Railway Company and Metro Transit Northstar Commuter Rail railroad corridor are barriers to safe pedestrian and bicycle access between The COR and park and trail systems associated with the river. At its heart, the project is about overcoming boundaries to safe bicycle and pedestrian circulation while expanding and enhancing multi -modal transportation, economic development and recreational options to promote a livable, vibrant region and community. Regional Amenities and Connections The Mississippi Skyway provides the connection between regional amenities creating an effective nexus between housing, transportation, employment and recreation. The Mississippi Skyway will link existing and future public investments with a single project, enhancing the value of each. Mississippi River The Mississippi River, known as America's Treasure, is a vital ecological feature on a global, national, and regional scale. The stretch of river from Ramsey and Dayton down through the Twin Cities area to Hastings is designated as a National Park entitled the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area (MNRRA). The river within Ramsey is also a part of the State's Wild and Scenic River system. Additionally, the river with in MNRRA is one of two nationally designated water trails in the United States. A prominent part of the MNRRA is the 273 -acre Mississippi West Regional Park in Ramsey, which includes an existing trail from the river to the touchdown point of the proposed skyway. The master plan for the park forecasts an interpretive center to compliment the native plant community restorations and recreational river access. Regional Trail Connections The Mississippi River Regional Trail from Mississippi West Regional Park to Anoka will be complete in the Spring of 2015. This trail is also designated US Bikeway #45 with attendant trail connections to the entire Metropolitan Park and Trail system. The Mississippi Skyway will also allow the Central Anoka County Trail to be re -aligned through Ramsey's COR to the Mississippi River Trail and Mississippi West Regional Park. The Central Anoka County Trail will provide several direct regional connections to: Bunker Hills Regional Park Coon Creek Regional Trail Cities of Anoka, Blaine and Coon Rapids park and trail systems City of Ramsey's 50 miles of trails Rum River Central Regional Park The Center of Ramsey referred to as The COR The City of Ramsey, with the Metropolitan Council, has envisioned a multi -modal town center entitled 'The COR' with access via commuter rail, car, bicycle, and on foot. The COR development is a planned 400 acre mixed-use and transit - oriented development site located north of TH 10 between CSAH 83 and CSAH 56. In the next years, the site is projected to add 6,550 people and 2,830 jobs. The COR includes a mix of residential housing choices for people of all incomes. Establishing parks and creating quality recreational and open space opportunities remains a high priority for the City.The CITY OF RAMSEY 2030 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE identifies the need to "Create vehicular and non -vehicular linkages to neighboring communities and between city neighborhoods, trails, recreation, work and shopping" as a component of their future planning checklist. This project serves to continue to develop non -vehicular modes of transportation, and link all of the area's transportation systems in the spirit of that goal. Ramsey Northstar Commuter Rail Station and Park & Ride The Ramsey Northstar Commuter Rail Station and Park & Ride facility, equipped with publicly available Electric Vehicle charging stations, provide accessible, affordable and quick transit access to the larger metro region. The station is adjacent to The COR and will be seamlessly connected to the Mississippi Skyway pedestrian bridge, enhancing ridership and accessibility. Opened in November 2012, the Northstar Station provides a 35 -minute ride to the region's largest job center, downtown Minneapolis. Furthermore, at the Northstar's terminus at Target Field Station in downtown Minneapolis, Blue Line light rail transit connections are available to the airport, Mall of America, and scattered employment sites in Minneapolis neighborhoods. The Green Line provides additional access to the University of Minnesota, Downtown Saint Paul, and many Saint Paul neighborhoods. The Mississippi Skyway will expand access to these publicly funded investments. i 1 Mississippi Skyway OverTH10 Preliminary Engineering Report December 2014