HomeMy WebLinkAboutSki Grant In Aid
Park Commission
Date: 4/20/09
Item: 4
ITEM: Consideration of a resolution in support of Sunfish Lake Park as a participant in the
Minnesota DNR cross--county ski GIA program and a resolution in support of a Capital
Improvement Project Grant Application to the cross-country ski GIA program for the construction
of an information kiosk.
REQUESTED BY: Carol Kriegler, Project Assistant
_______________________________________________________________________
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Sunfish Lake Park was at one time Minnesota DNR Grant-In-Aid Ski Trail. Apparently about 10
years ago, the city stopped being an active participant. Carol Kriegler has verified the city’s
status with the DNR and requested consideration of reinstatement. While the DNR is no longer
taking on new participants, they have expressed a willingness to reinstate Sunfish Lake Park into
the program.
Grooming of Sunfish Park trails is contracted to Washington County. The county is an active
participant in the GIA program with the Lake Elmo Park Reserve receiving a reimbursement of
about $8,000.00annually for their trails. The county has agreed to assist in the record keeping of
the trail grooming that occurs at Sunfish Lake Park.
SUMMARY AND ACTION REQUESTED:
The Parks Commission is being asked to consider resolutions in support of Sunfish Lake Park as
a participant in the Minnesota DNR cross--county ski GIA program and a resolution in support of
a Capital Improvement Project Grant Application to the cross-country ski GIA program for the
construction of an information kiosk.
The GIA program provides limited funds to trails owned and operated by both private trail
organizations and local units of government. Trail administration, development, and maintenance
costs are divided with the GIA program paying 65 percent of these costs and the local club or
sponsor providing the remaining 35 percent. Winter trail grooming costs are divided with the GIA
program paying 90 and the local sponsor paying 10 percent. Record keeping by the local
sponsor is required by the local sponsor.
Reimbursable trail maintenance costs include:
Trail grooming (90%)
Parking lot maintenance
Parking lot and driveway snow plowing
Signs / trail map reproduction
Portable toilet rental
Trail mowing
Tree and brush removal
In addition, the program offers capital improvement grants that are reimbursable at 100%. The
commission is being asked to consider a resolution in support of a Capital Improvement Project
Application for the construction of an information kiosk to be located at the trailhead of Sunfish
Lake Park. The proposed kiosk would provide a central location for the posting of general
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information to assist users in their ability to use the trail in a safe and enjoyable manner.
Information that could be posted includes a trail map, rules and regulations, emergency and
general contacts, and interpretive information. The kiosk would also be used to demonstrate the
city’s strong commitment it its recycling program. The use of recycled plastic lumber to construct
the kiosk has the potential to reinforce the value in recycling. Cost of the kiosk is estimated at
$2,000.
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