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