09-15-20-PTRC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Parks, Trails & Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes September 15, 2020 Page 2 Staff Liaison Vaughan explained that the Mounds View High School Trail would close the gap on Lake Valentine Road between Valentine Park and the high school. It would also extend along Old Snelling to County Road E2. Public Works Director/City Engineer Blomstrom noted the scoring was based on population density within one mile of the project. The appeal submitted asked Met Council to reconsider safety. Once scores are finalized they will determine funding allocation between the different categories which will determine how far down the list they will go. Further discussion ensued regarding MRTUA, Safe Routes to School and other grant opportunities. B. Rice Creek North Regional Trail Master Plan and Building 189 (This Item was discussed after Item 4B) Chair Straumann explained the attachment was a document from Ramsey County outlining the Master Plan for the Rice Creek Regional Trail. The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners voted to move the Plan on to the Council. Committee Member Beggin said it has been a long process with the first meeting being in 1993. They are trying to provide new and unique recreational opportunities on the property. They are discussing 12K of cross-country skiing within the Arden Hills section and another 10-12K in the north section, and expand near Irondale to about 10K. Mountain biking has also been looked at on those trails. Rice Creek was rerouted to its original state and canoes and kayaks can be used on the Creek. A landing has been discussed at the beginning and end. Building 189 has been talked about being made into a trail head center with a variety of amenities/activities. Chair Straumann gave further explanation on cross-country skiing in the area. Committee Member Poelzer suggested binoculars would be a good thing to add to the list of rentable items. Along with flyers identifying plants and trees. Chair Straumann reviewed the photos of the area. Committee Member Beggin said there is a huge area that could be used for parking and staging events, along with an area next to the building. There is also room for a solar farm. Chair Straumann continued to review the Master Plan including the Two-Level Trailhead and Administrative Center proposed for Building 189. Council Liaison David Grant mentioned that a Master Plan needed to be submitted to the Met Council before you could apply for funding so this was an important document. Further discussion ensued regarding storage, lockers, the gym area, snowmaking and trail lighting.