Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 04/12/2018

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Existing Regional Trails Mississippi River Regional Trail Coursing along America's most renowned river, the Mississippi River Trail winds its way from the headwaters within Lake Itasca State Park in Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. A 3,000 mile system of bicycle -friendly roads and multi -use pathways, the Mississippi River Trail is referred to as a "string of pearls" connecting ten states, the cities of Ramsey, Minneapolis, St. Louis, Memphis, New Orleans, and myriad towns between. In addition to being a Regional Trail within the Twin Cities metro, this trail is also United States Bikeway #45 within the entirety of Minnesota —connecting 700 miles of existing shouldered highways, low -use roads and off -road paths for bicyclists. While in place in Minnesota, trails to the south are actively being constructed and routes defined. Once complete, USBR 45 will continue south along the Mississippi River to Louisiana —then the U.S. Bicycle Route System will encompass more than 50,000 miles of riding connected to Ramsey. A key improvement benefitting the utility and safe access to the Mississippi River Regional Trail in Ramsey, will be the completion of the pedestrian bridge over Hwy #10 discussed below. Need Exhibit Central Anoka County Regional Trail The Central Anoka County Regional Trail is an outstanding recreational (and transportation) amenity for Ramsey residents, and connects them via trail to broad swaths of the county. This includes Bunker Hills Regional Park to the east, with sections planned to be completed that will link the Rice Creek Chain of Lakes near Lino Lakes and Centerville, and on to Washington County. Approximately 19 miles of this 26 mile trail are in place today. City of Ramsey 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update Parks, Recreation, Trails, and Open Space Chapter Page 19of30