Laserfiche WebLink
Metadata
Document management portal powered by Laserfiche WebLink 9 © 1998-2015 Laserfiche. All rights reserved.
RICE CREEK NORTH REGIONAL TRAIL MASTER PLAN | 30 <br />Bituminous Trails <br />The looped trail located in the central segment of the Rice Creek North Regional Trail was often mentioned <br />throughout public engagement as a favorite feature of the park. People enjoyed being able to walk around a <br />section without having to cross a major intersection or double back on the same trail segment. As a result of this <br />new in park bituminous trail is proposed in the north segment along with additional bridge structures to create <br />another major loop. There may be some sections of this trail that will require a boardwalk to be built in order to <br />create a full loop due to wetlands and other soil types not suitable to traditional trail development. <br />Another significant stretch of bituminous trail that will be constructed is the 1.5 mile long trail extending from <br />the existing wildlife corridor to Highway 96. This trail will be constructed within a 150’ corridor that will follow the <br />western edge of AHATS property and the eastern edge of Rice Creek Commons. This trail would be developed <br />in conjunction with Rice Creek Commons as the grading of land ties the two projects together. <br />Off Road Cycling <br />Off road cycling and trail riding have continued to gain in popularity throughouth the metropolitan region. In <br />addition to adult riders schools are creating more and more off-road cycling clubs and leagues, such as the <br />Minnesota High School League, to introduce riders of all abilities at a younger age. Statewide there are over 60 <br />high school clubs in MN, with around 25 clubs in the Metropolitan area. In addition to feedback gathered as a <br />part of the Rice Creek North Regional Trail Master Plan there was also a demand placed on off road cycling heard <br />during public outreach for the 2018 System Plan. Currently no county facility other than Battle Creek & Indian <br />Mounds Regional Park housed off road cycling trails. Rice Creek North presents an ideal situation to implement <br />off road cycling trails because it is a linear stretch of land with ample space for multiple trail systems. Although <br />there is not the same level of topography as what is present in Battle Creek providing trails for multiple skill levels <br />throughout the Ramsey County parks system is ideal. Rice Creek North would provide beginner to intermediate <br />level trails focused on a more laid back flow trail style. <br />The trail corridor would also be a good location for fat tire winter biking due to the flatter topography. Fat tire <br />biking has been identified as a recreational component that is currently missing in the Ramsey County system <br />which has public support. <br />Cross Country Skiing <br />Cross country skiing was another area of recreational demand that was greatly supported throughout public <br />engagement efforts. The central section of Rice Creek North Regional Trail has been identified as the location for <br />a premier cross country ski destination in coordination with the redevelopment of Building 189. Approximately <br />12 miles of natural surface trail is planned to create a hiking/cross country skiing loop that will connect into <br />a future cross county ski trail system. This will be accomplished by working in conjunction with AHATS and <br />supported by the Minnesota Amateur Sports Commission. The natural surface will give users the opportunity to <br />walk and ski through restored prairies and Rice Creek wetlands. <br />A staging area for cross country ski races, meets, and for use by recreational skiers is also proposed as a component <br />in the outdoor recreation area. This space may include start gates, a timing booth, ski repair and waxing stations, <br />space for temporary outdoor seating, and other components suitable for a premier cross county ski destination. <br />There is a shared vision between the county, the Minnesota Amateur Sports Commission, the City of Arden Hills <br />and other public partners to gain future potential access to the Arden Hills Army Training Site. This potential <br />access would greatly expand the possibilities for future trail expansion and aid in the creation of a destination <br />cross county ski and outdoor recreation site. Ramsey County is committed to keeping an open dialogue with <br />the Army and National Guard with the ultimate goal of developing a network of trails that may be accessed via <br />the Rice Creek North Regional Trail.