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AUTHORIZE MASTER TRAIL PLAN By: Mark Boos, Parks/Utilities Supervisor Background: As the Committee is aware, most existing trails have been built in small increments and, as part of other development activity - including residential subdivisions, new road construction, or commercial/industrial development. As these areas are built out, the City may need to be more aggressive in terms of trail development in the areas without trails or in providing rail connections to meet resident expectations. Currently, a 1999 estimate of Ramsey's trail system is as follows: Existing Proposed Off Road Urban 3.8 12.3 On Road A 24.2 8.1 On Road B 9.3 24.1 Multi-purpose 4.6 32.2 The attached typical sections provide an elevation view with dimensions of the above descriptions. It should be noted that the "On Road A" trail is not really a trail but a paved shoulder. This shoulder is probably not always safe for children and seldom pleasant in terms of a recreational experience as compared to "On Road B" trails. Discounting the paved shoulders, Ramsey has 17.9 miles of existing trail and 68.8 miles of proposed trail. The trail system shown on the Commission's Park and Trail Plan map is probably the minimum required for Ramsey. (Ultimately, the City, in some instances, may need to have trails on both sides of roadways as other communities do.) The existing segments are appreciated and well used, and the majority of residents desire more trails and increased connections. Ramsey's Park and Recreation Commission and staff agree that a Master Trail Plan should be developed to complement the Commission's Park and Trail map. This plan, prepared with the assistance of a consulting and engineering firm, will address a number of different issues, most notably trail construction costs and funding recommendations. Observations: The following statements are offered in support of proceeding with a Master Trail Plan: If the property east of Lake Itasca and north of 153rd Avenue, as well as the Central Park expansion, is acquired (in addition to the smaller proposed neighborhood park expansions), Ramsey's park system acreage will be adequate for the future. The trail system, however, is at most, less than 26°A complete. Park system development funding is currently available from interest earnings from the Landfill Trust Fund, Park Dedications, Charitable Gambling, and to a degree, the General Fund. The trail system's only funding source is Trail Fees from residential development. G:iuserslCity ,57tared FileMGENDA COUNCIL & COMMISSION1Finance Comml2OOlklunelMasterTrailPlan.doc 06/21/01