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<br />40. Accessibility: <br />Currently, this area is utilized by walkers who have created an unofficial, unpaved path. <br />However, it has an extremely steep grade and is not accessible to persons with disabilities. <br />The proposed trail will be constructed with a grade and cross slope that is in compliance <br />with Federal ADA regulations. This proposed trail is the missing link to a fully <br />accessible/ADA compliant recreational trail connection from Perry Park to Tony Schmidt <br />Regional Park. The existing arterial trails leading through the railroad underpass and to <br />Tony Schmidt Regional Park are all accessible to people with disablitities. After a field <br />visit and evaluation of the site, staff determined a location to construct a trail that would <br />allow us to meet ADA requirements. The grade in Perry Park is extremely challenging <br />and therefore, the route chosen is the most feasible location. <br /> <br />41. Public Need for and Benefit of Project: <br />This proposed recreational trail is a missing link to a key regional connection within <br />Arden Hills and Ramsey County. The trail will provide an aesthetically pleasing <br />experience for all those who utilize it. Both Ramsey County Parks and Recreation and the <br />City of Arden Hills continue to be proactive in developing a comprehensive trail network. <br />Ramsey County recently completed a Regional Trail Network Vision (available on their <br />website at www.co.ramsey.mn.us). Their vision is to create a network of regional trails <br />that provide safe pedestrian and bicycle transportation routes linking communities and <br />neighborhoods within and adjacent to Ramsey County. The proposed trail from Perry <br />Park to Tony Schmidt Regional Park is one link that will add to this network vision. <br /> <br />The existing unofficial (unpaved) foot path has a very steep grade and does not provide a <br />safe passage from Perry Park to Tony Schmidt Regional Park. Currently, the grade is <br />difficult to climb. Walkers and hikers can easily lose their footing and slip or falL Bikers <br />and persons with disabilities are unable to utilize this unofficial foot path. The proposed <br />trail will resolve this safety issue by constructing a trail with a solid, smooth surface and <br />an improved grade. The proposed recreational trail will not only provide a safe regional <br />connection, but will also provide safe year round recreation use for walkers, hikers, and <br />bikers. <br /> <br />Ramsey County recently finished construction of the Tony Schmidt Underpass trail that <br />leads to the proposed trail location. The Tony Schmidt Regional Park Master Plan has <br />recently been completed and numerous future improvements have been identified. The <br />timing to construct this trail would be ideal in the near future, in order to establish this <br />regional connection. <br /> <br />The City of of Arden Hills has a Comprehensive Parks, Trails, and Open Space Plan that <br />includes a long list of trail and park improvements and developments. The funding for <br />park and trail projects has become challenging due to lack of funding. The City of Arden <br />Hills is almost completely developed. Therefore, our Park Fund has a depleting balance <br />and alternative funding sources must be explored in order to complete the City's vision. <br /> <br />42. Community Commitment to Trail Use: <br /> <br />Page 7 <br />