2020 Parks Annual Report - Laserfiche WebLink

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Goodveiw Avenue Trail Study The City of Hugo was awarded a $10,000 Active Living Partnership from Living Healthy Washington County, through the Statewide Health Improvement Program. With the funding, studying the feasibility of a priority trail corridor along Goodview Avenue was made possible. The study was authorized by May 4 Parks Commis- sion meeting. The road has wetlands on both sides which were delineated. This informed the trail concepts presented by WSB and Associates at the August 19 meeting. The concepts included an alternate on-road route on Geneva for the northern segment versus a trail on Goodview. For the southern segment, trails on both sides or a wider trail on the west side of the road were presented as options. The Commission’s preference was presented at their September 16 meeting of an 8’ wide trail with 5’ wide boulevard on the west side of the entire corridor. Cost estimates were provided. The Commission voted to accepted Goodview Avenue Feasibility Study but did not recommend construction at this time. Covid-19 Response As the Covid-19 pandemic arose in spring 2020, use and attention to Hugo’s parks and trails system grew. However, the majority of the programs and special events that the City offers were cancelled, including the Tour de Hugo. As people were instructed to stay at home and away from others, outdoor recreation became a safe outlet for many. Use of Hugo’s network of trails and sidewalks increased. Additional attention was paid to Hugo’s playgrounds. While a few cities opted to “close” playgrounds, Hugo’s playgrounds remained open. The Mayor Tom Weidt put out this message to Hugo’s park users in March and it has continued to be impactful through the end of 2020: Within our parks, areas such as playgrounds, picnic tables, sport courts, and the skate park can be difficult to use safely and follow the CDC’s recommendations. Many residents are choosing to avoid these areas all together. There are some residents that may be upset that parks have not been closed. There are other residents that would ignore any order to not use them. Every time you choose to go somewhere, pause to think about the risks that you are taking for you and your neighborhood. If you choose to proceed, be sure to follow the Governor’s guidelines. Everyone is counting on you to use good judgement. As I have said before, take seriously the direction to stay at home and practice social distancing with those around you. Please do your best to be a good neighbor. Share what you can, help them when you can, and we will make it through this as safely as possible. JD 3 Project The Rice Creek Watershed District (RCWD) started a ditch maintenance project in 2020 that impacted several city-owned properties, trails, and parks. As the Drainage Authority, RCWD is required to maintain a network of Judicial Ditches. This includes JD 3 which goes through the Victor Gardens neighborhood and Clearwa- ter Creek Preserve adjacent to City trails. JD 3 also extends north near Oneka Parkway through Frog Hollow Park and beyond. The work included removal of vegeta- tion and trees to allow for a mainte- nance corridor, excavation of the channel, and culvert replacement. Construction is on going and addition- al restoration is anticipated to happen in 2021. Signage Placed in Hugo Parks in Spring 2020 Ditch in Clearwater Creek Preserve Ditch near Frog Hollow Park