Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 03/09/2017

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Park and Recreation Commission 5. 5. Meeting Date: 03/09/2017 By: Mark Riverblood, Engineering/Public Works Information Title: Recommend the Pursuit of a MN DNR Grant from the Local Trail Connections Program Purpose/Background: Trott Brook Trail Connection—Background on the Proposed Boardwalk As the Commission may recall,the recommendation to satisfy Park Dedication for the Brookfield 4th Addition in 2013,was to accept approximately$46,000 in cash,with the intention to construct a boardwalk connection from the existing trail in Brookfield to Variolite Street-if additional funding could be secured by a grant. (Details are included in the Park and Recreation Commission's October 2013 case, on the city's website.) The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Local Trail Connections Program is accepting proposals in March 2017,for projects like the Trott Brook trail connection referenced herein. The following is a summary of the DNR's Local Trail Connection Program: "This program is intended to accelerate local trail connections to planned and existing state trails and other public facilities, not to create significant new recreation trails. Its primary purpose is to complete connections between where people live (e.g. residential areas within cities, entire communities)and significant public resources (e.g. historical areas, open space,parks and/or other trails). Grants are awarded for the acquisition and development of connecting trails and for removal of barriers that impede full access to these facilities. Historically,priority has been given to projects that seek to develop residential connections to state and regional facilities and to link existing trail systems. The Local Trail Connections Program depends on local communities and their local government representatives to provide inspiration,planning and commitment, as well as the local matching financial requirement, to make these trail projects a reality. Local governments complete the acquisition an d/or projects and are reimbursed for a portion of the acquisition and/or project actually completed. The program was first funded in 1993 and has funded 213 trail projects statewide to date." The DNR competitive grant program matches 75%of project costs up to $150,000. The project's anticipated construction cost is estimated at>$267,000 of which a$150,000 may be reimbursable by the DNR(if awarded the grant). Attached is the City's Priority Trail Map,with the project area circled with a dotted line. Also attached is the proposed trail and boardwalk extension shown in a red and yellow dotted line in relation to the Brookfield plat. Notification: Observations/Alternatives: Additional information will be presented at the meeting. Funding Source: Park Trust Fund+DNR Trail Grant Funds. Recommendation: