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16 <br />Freeway Park <br />Trail Surfacing <br />The choice of trail surface (i.e. bituminous, wood chips, mowed turf, gravel, etc.) affects use of the trail, cost <br />of trail construction, trail character, aesthetics and trail maintenance. Arden Hills residents want a variety <br />of trail surfaces. Based on responses to the public opinion survey, paved trails are the most popular trail <br />surface, although there is considerable interest in non-paved surfaces (401 paved responses to 351 non- <br />paved responses). The City should balance paved and unpaved trail surfacing. Trails along roads and trails <br />making cross community or inter-City connections should be paved as should major loop or access paths <br />within larger parks. Trails within natural areas and secondary trails should have a more natural surface (ag- <br />lime, gravel, wood chip or mowed turf). The Arden Hills Parks and Trails Plan (Figure D) and the individual <br />park renovation maps show the recommended trail locations and surface type. <br />Trail Maintenance and Replacement <br />Due to increased use, interest and expansion of trails, there is a need for a comprehensive trail maintenance <br />and replacement plan. This plan would include annual maintenance (crack sealing, plowing, etc.) and <br />scheduled pavement replacement. Winter walking is popular and there is more demand for snow plowing of <br />trails during the winter. Equipment is needed to allow plowing of trails for winter use. <br />Parks and Trails Signs and Identification <br />Trail identification is needed as none of the trails in the City have names. Individual trails within the City <br />should be given names and mile markers to help users find their way and assist with directions. This may <br />also help the City with maintenance and response to emergency situations. <br />New park signage is also needed. Existing park signs are too small or non-existent. A common sign design <br />should be developed and consistent parks <br />and trails identification signs should be <br />placed in the parks and along trail corridors. <br />A parks and trails system map was devel- <br />oped as part of the planning process. This <br />map should be reproduced on weather and <br />vandal resistant materials and displayed in <br />the City parks and at major trail entrances. <br />An overall parks and trails map will help <br />residents find parks and trails and connect <br />neighborhoods. Many residents are un- <br />aware of the existing parks and trails in <br />Arden Hills. This map could also be copied <br />as a handout guide for interested citizens.