4/26/2000 Agenda & Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

• Elizabeth Nelson 2669 Scotland Court #205 Mounds View,MN 55112 April 25, 2000 Dear Elizabeth, I wanted to respond to you regarding your follow-up letter regarding the Silver Lake trail system. Over the past week I have done some investigating into the trail and the history that led up to the decision to pave the remaining portions. During these investigations I have learned the following: A) The idea to pave the remaining pathways at Silverview Park was posed at a spring 1999 Parks Commission meeting. The idea was met with broad based enthusiasm,primarily because the commission thought that this work would make the park and the path more appealing and user friendly. B) Upon the initial idea to use newly allocated park dedication funds to pave the remaining sections of path,representatives of the city first met with the management of Scotland Green and the association members from the townhomes on the north side of the lake. This walk through meeting exp- lained where the pathways would run and how the surrounding land would be kept. The question of opposition or suggestion was posed to both groups. There was none. In fact Scotland Green was very pleased with the plan and offered to move any items necessary, including the playground equipment (property of Scotland Green, not the city). C) On April 30th, 1999 the City Council approved a public hearing to address any issues regarding the paving of the remaining pathways. D) On May 13th, 1999 the Parks Department sent out a memo to the residents living in the area surrounding Silverview Pond regarding the hearing. E) On May 26th, 1999 a well attended public hearing took place to discuss the the issue. Public support for the path was overwhelming if not unanimous. With the support of the community,the council passed the allocation of funds to pave the path. I have found that much of the intent of the original proposal was to improve the usability of the pathways. Increased usability was also a theme echoed at the public hearing and at the private meetings held with Scotland Green management and the Townhome Association. I feel that any restrictions placed on the pathways would work against the idea of greater usability and I do oppose restricting safe, enjoyable and healthful forms of recreation in our city parks. I am a strong supporter of the"safe"portion of the preceding sentence. I would support, and will attempt to initiate, steps made to make • each and every Mounds View City park a safe park. Including the defined direction and