Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 03/10/2005

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MISSISSIPPI !;LIVER REGIONAL TRAIL By: Mark Riverblood; Parks & Utilities Supervisor CASE # / Background: Beginning in December of 2004, and Concluding this past month, the Cities of Anoka and Ramsey partnered with Anoka County Park Department to prepare a feasibility study to examine existing and proposed trail connections soUth of Highways #1.0 and #169. As the Commission is aware, not only is there a multitude of benefit for connecting the two Cities, this trail is within the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area (MNRRA), a unit of the National Park Service, and has been identified as apotential Regional Trail Route, as part of the Metropolitan Parks system - which includes Mississippi ' West Park. Further, there is the potential to connect the south and north sides of the highway in the municipal center portion of the Town Center. This feasibility is in part intended to move forward with receiving this regional trail distinction. Observation: The purpose of this case is to receive park and Recreation Commission acceptance.of this study and recommend that it be forwarded to 'City Council for their consideration. Mr. Nick Eoloff, Park Planner for Anoka County Parks willPresent additional information 'at the meeting. Below is an excerpt from a communiqu~ that provides additional detail: "Part of this study also included reviewing the feasibility of constructing a trail through Kings Island along the :Mississippi River. The consultant has prepared a draft report 6f the trait alignment. At the March, 2005 Anoka County Parks and Recreation Committee meeting, the draft was presented for the Committee's review. The Committee accepted the draft report and supported the proposed alignment. Additionally, the Committee requested that the draft report be forward to the Cities of Anoka and Ramsey for their review and comment. The draft report identifies the proposed trail alignment and any alternative alignments that are practical and feasible. The trail corridor study is broken into five segments, with descriptions of alignments and costs estimates for each." This study is an element of the Master Trail Plan and upon Commission and Council approval will be integrated within the plan. The Commission is also being asked to recommend City Council pass a resolution supporting regiOnal status for the aforementioned trail. Commission Action: Based upon discussion/Motion to recommend:City Council support the Mississippi trail within Ramsey for regional trail status by resolution. Reviewed by: Parks/Utilities Supervisor P & R:03/10/05 Copies' to: Mr. Nick Eoloff, Park Planner/RLA