HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012.11.14 Parks PacketTTA
V
Agenda
Parks Commission, City of Hugo
November 14, 2012
7:00 pm
Council Chambers, City Hall
7:00pm Approve Minutes From October 10, 2012 Meeting
7:03pm Trail Plan Review
7:45pm Recreation Program Updates
8:00pm Holiday Party Invitation
8:10pm Adjournment
Next Meeting - December 12, 2012
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Parks Commission
November 14, 2012
Background Memo
Approve Minutes From October 10, 2012 Meeting
Staff recommends approval of the minutes from the October 10, 2012 Parks
Commission meeting.
II. Trail Plan Review
The Parks, Recreation and Open Space Commission included developing a
priority list for trail developments and review of the Trails Plan in their 2012 goals.
A memo is attached and maps and aerial photos for discussion.
III. Recreation Program Updates
An recreation update will be given on Kidcreate Studio Art Camps and other
winter programs. Here are the dates for some of the programs:
Movie Night
Snow Jam
Movie Night
Sledding Party
Movie Night
Kidz N' Biz
Friday, January 4
Saturday, January 19
Friday, February 1
Saturday,
Friday, March 1
Saturday, April 20
IV. Holiday Party Invitation
Members of the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Commission are invited to
the Annual City of Hugo Holiday Party for Council, Commissions, and Staff on
Thursday, December 6, 2012. The celebration will be held at the Hugo American
Legion. Social hour begins at 5:30pm and dinner is served at 6:30pm. Feel free
to bring a guest. Please RSVP to City Clerk Michele Lindau by November 21 (a
week from the Parks Commission meeting).
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Parks Commission
November 14, 2012
Minutes
Parks Commission, City of Hugo
October 10, 2012
7:00 P.M.
Council Chambers, City Hall
Call to Order
Present: Joan Benner, Kris Birch, Chris Boland, Mat Rauschendorfer,
Dave Strub, Jim Taylor, Tom Windisch
Absent: Rachel Berger, Roger Clarke
Staff Present: Scott Anderson, Public Works Director
Shayla Syverson, Parks Planner
Debi Close, Parks Secretary
Rachel Berger called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m.
I. Approval of Minutes from September Meeting
Windisch made a motion, Benner seconded to approve the minutes of the September 26, 2012
Parks Commission meeting with attendance correction.
All Aye. Motion Carried.
Taylor made a motion, Boland seconded to switch agenda item III and II.
All Aye. Motion Carried
II. WBL Athletic Facility Study
Shayla Syverson, Parks Planner informed of the request from White Bear Lake Area School
District to participate and financially support an Athletic Facility Needs Analysis. A similar study
was conducted in 1998 which the City of Hugo has used in planning of recreation facilities in the
past 10 years. The study could assist in planning future park projects. The estimated study
cost is $20,000 - $30,000. The other Cities within the School District and the Athletic
Associations that serve the District have also been asked to participate. Taylor made a motion,
Boland seconded to participate and contribute 13% of analysis study cost to a maximum of
$4,000.
All Aye. Motion Carried
Continued Discussion on LaValle Park Dedication and Lions Park Master Plan
The Parks Commission continued discussion from the September 26, 2012 meeting on the
Lions Park Master Plan and the proposed LaValle property development. Bill and Mike Lentsch
gave a presentation on the proposed park dedication for the LaValle property development
which is located immediately west of Lions Park. Lentsch showcased the ponding near the
Maple Grove Town Green. Bill Lentsch requested feedback from the Parks Commission on a
proposed land dedication which includes expansion of Lions Park and including a stormwater
pond on the property.
The Commission discussed the compatibility of the large community events at Lions Park and
the senior community. An interest in accepting a combination of land and fee to satisfy the park
dedication requirements was shared as well as mixed feelings on expansion of the park. A
pond was not seen as a benefit to the park.
Taylor made a motion, Birch seconded to support Lions Park Master Plan and for it to be
presented to the City Council for their review and to continue to work with the developer of the
LaValle properties to make changes to the plan as needed in the future.
All Aye. Motion Carried
IV. Adjournment
Birch made a motion, Windisch seconded to adjourn the meeting at 8:27 pm.
All Aye.
Agenda Number:
CITY OF HUGO
PARKS COMMISSION REPORT
TO: Parks, Recreation and Open Space Commission
FROM: Shayla Syverson, Parks Planner
SUBJECT: Trail Planning
DATE: November 9, 2012 for the meeting of November 14, 2012
1. INTRODUCTION:
The Parks, Trails and Open Space Plan approved March 15, 2010 by the Hugo City
Council proposes locations for trails and sidewalks in the Comprehensive Plan. The
Parks Commission included review of the Trails Plan and development of a priority list
for trail developments in their 2012 goals.
2. CURRENT TRAIL PROJECTS:
There are a few trail and sidewalk connections that staff is currently working on.
North of Oneka Elementary:
Pratt Development put in trail connection between 159a' Street North and the current trail
that is located around the ball fields at Oneka Elementary School. There is a trail that
runs along the north side of Oneka Elementary that was built by Pratt Development on
land that has been dedicated to White Bear Lake Area Schools. A connection may be
possible east to Oneka Parkway from where the trail currently leads to a boardwalk/
bridge.
As Prairie Village continues to expand, additional trail and sidewalk connections will be
planned and developed.
Hardwood Creek Trail:
Washington County has received a federal grant for the extension of the Hardwood Creek
Trail from 140"' to 145th Street. Washington County has also started a public planning
process for improvements to the existing trail. The existing trail will also be resurfaced
in 2013.
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Trail Plan Updates
November 14,2012
140th Street:
Currently the trail along the east side of Fenway Boulevard connects east along 140th
Street via sidewalk. With the anticipated connection of the Hardwood Creek Trail, other
options should be looked at. A trail connection on the north side of the roadway is shown
in the plan and may be possible dependent on the amount of right-of-way in the area.
147th Street:
As Marvin Lavalle develops his property that is west of Lions Park towards Oneka
Parkway, 147th Street is planned to extend west. Trail construction in conjunction with
the road project is an option.
3. PLAN UPDATES:
The following will be changed on the Trail and Sidewalk Plan (Map 7-F of the
Comprehensive Plan).
• Update with new construction in the Oneka Lake Neighborhood.
• Update with new construction in the Prairie Village Development
• Add a planned trail through Excel Energy property/ dedicated land from
Fenway Boulevard to Clearwater Creek Preserve Park.
Several updates could be made to the snowmobile trails on the plan in partnership with
the Hugo Snowmobile Club and Washington County.
4. NEXT STEPS:
Staff recommends discussion the Trail and Sidewalk Plan. The Parks Commission could
identify specific connections that they would like to staff to prepare additional
information on and continue the discussion at a future meeting.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Excerpt from the Parks, Trails and Open Space Plan
2. Trail and Sidewalk Plan
3. Aerial of Oneka Elementary North Trail Connection
4. Prairie Village Preliminary Platt
5. Hardwood Creek Trail Missing Connection Map
6. Aerial of 1401h Street Trail Connection
7. Aerial of 147th Street Trail Connection
8. Star Trail Snowmobile Club Trail Map
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Trail Plan Updates
November 14, 2012
I.
7.5. FUTURE TRAIL AND SIDEWALK PLAN
Hugo residents have consistently expressed a strong interest in developing a network of
multi-purpose trails connecting neighborhoods to existing and proposed parks and open
space areas in the City. This section will provide the framework for the establishment of
a comprehensive trail system for the City of Hugo. The chapter will prioritize and locate
potential trail connections in relation to existing and propose parks and open space
corridors, examine the benefits and impacts of the trails system and provide guidelines
and recommendations for the implementation of this trail system. Trails will be
constructed as surrounding development occurs or as general funding is provided
through park dedication fees. It is not the City's intention to condemn land for trails.
Sidewalk Plan
Sidewalks serve several purposes within a community, including providing alternative
transportation routes for individuals who choose not to drive, provide safe routes for
exercise, provide connections to neighborhood parks and provide opportunities for
neighbors to connect with each other. The City should encourage sidewalks as part of
new developments within the urban area.
Trail System Plan
The City has completed an update to the existing Trail System Plan (see Map 7-F —
Trail and Sidewalk Plan). This new plan shows the potential trail routes in the City that
are desired by the community. The majority of the trails will be constructed as
surrounding development occurs or as general funding is provided through park
dedication fees. It is important to display these trails on a map so that developers and
landowners are aware that the city will require construction and dedication of these trail
corridors when the land is developed.
Regional Trail Improvement Projects
Hardwood Creek Regional Trail. It is possible that this trail could be extended further
south in the future. However, the future trail extension is proposed along a portion of
the Burlington Northern Railroad tracks that is still active. Further extension of the trail
is on hold pending a change in the use of the railroad, but the City has identified other
local trail and sidewalk connections to allow pedestrian and bicyclist traffic south of this
regional trail.
Glacial Hills Regional Trail. This proposed regional trail will connect the Central Anoka
County Regional Trail to the west in Lino Lakes through Hugo to Big Marine Park
Reserve to the east. There is no master plan approved for this trail at this time.
According to the Metropolitan Council, Washington County and Anoka County will
conduct the master planning process for this trail in the future. It is important for the
City to be aware of this proposed regional trail and be involved in the master planning
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process. A portion of this trail was constructed on the north side of CSAH 8 as part of
the road improvement project in 2006.
The following map from the Metropolitan Council shows the general alignment of the
proposed Hardwood Creek Trail extension and the Glacial Hills Regional Trail.
Figure 7-1. Regional Trail Corridor Map
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Hugo residents have expressed a strong need for a trail system in Hugo. However,
throughout the park planning process, many landowners expressed concern over
preliminary plans that showed potential trail corridors on or near their property. Working
with landowners and addressing landowner concerns are important parts of the trail
system planning process.
Public support for trails is critical to successfully planning and implementing a trail
system plan. Generally, landowners support trail systems when they are part of the
planning process and when they are aware of the benefits that trails offer. Although this
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master plan recommends a framework for a trail system, the City should work closely
with residents and landowners when designing and constructing specific trails.
Coordination with State and Regional Trails
Hugo's trail system should relate to other trails in and around Hugo. For example, the
Hardwood Creek Trail is a regional trail that follows the abandoned Burlington -Northern
Railroad. Where possible, city trails should connect into the county trail to give residents
a wider range of trail experiences. The City of Hugo and Washington County should
work together to provide a trailhead for the trail in an area that works well for the County
and the residents of Hugo.
The Willard Munger State Trail does not pass through Hugo, but a trail that connects the
Willard Munger trail head at Pine Point Park with the future Hardwood Creek trail head
in Hugo may be desirable. Also, Anoka County and the City of Lino Lakes have
expressed interest in connecting their trail system into the Hardwood Creek Trail at
Hugo.
Working with adjacent communities and regional governments can help enrich and
extend Hugo's trail system. This trail system plan is a first step in identifying possible
trail connections to adjacent communities.
Trail classifications
People use trails for several purposes. Some use trails primarily for transportation
(traveling from a home to a school, park, or place of business). Others use trails for
recreation (nature walks, cross-country skiing, and horseback riding). Although a trail
can function for transportation and recreation, transportation trails are mostly concerned
with getting trail users from one place to another safely and efficiently. As a result, they
often follow the road system. Recreation trails, on the other hand, are mostly concerned
with the recreational experience of the user. These trails take advantage of a variety of
natural and cultural amenities. For example, they are often found next to creeks, lakes,
and woodlands. Hugo's trail system should provide both transportation and recreation
trails. A list of specific trail types as defined in this plan follows:
1. Bicycle Lane: Part of a road designated for use by bicycles. The lane is identified
by signage and separated from motor vehicle lanes by striping.
2. Bicycle Route: A road signed to encourage bicycle use. A separate lane or path
would not need to be provided.
3. Bicycle -Pedestrian Path: A path constructed separate from the road or shoulder
and designated for use by bicycles and pedestrians. Often a bicycle -pedestrian
path is in a road right -of- way, but it does not necessarily have to follow the road
system. A sidewalk is a good example of a bicycle -pedestrian path.
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4. Snowmobile Trail: A trail approved by the City and County for use by
snowmobiles. Snowmobile trails are often found on the outside ditches of road
right-of-ways, but, if approved by the landowner, can also be found on other
public or private land.
5. Equestrian Trail: A trail designated for exclusive or preferential use by
equestrians.
6. Nature Paths. A path designated for pedestrian use and designed to provide
access to natural areas for hiking and nature observation.
7. Multi -Use Trail: A trail constructed to accommodate a variety of users including
pedestrians, bicyclists, snowmobilers, and equestrians. Multi -use trails should
provide separate, but parallel, paths or lanes for incompatible uses. For example,
bicyclists and equestrians should have separate paths.
General layout of trails
This trail system plan provides a broad vision and an overall framework for the
development of Hugo's trails. As such, it identifies general locations for proposed trails
and it guides the City in working with developers and landowners in finding specific
areas for trails. The plan proposes developing most City trails in existing and future road
right-of-ways. There are several reasons for this:
1. Sufficient right-of-way space is generally available for trails. In most cases,
additional land would not have to be acquired.
2. Reduced construction costs can be expected when trails are constructed with
new roads and road improvements. Also, construction obstacles (for example,
wetlands, steep grades, creeks, and so on) are more easily dealt with.
3. Trail crossings are generally easier and safer where the trails are integrated with
the road system.
4. Landowners are often more accepting of trails that are integrated with the road
system rather than trails that run through the landowner's backyard. Hugo's trail
system, however, should not be limited to trails along the road system. Residents
have expressed a strong need for a variety of trails that connect parks and
natural areas. They want trails where they can walk, hike, cross country ski and
ride horses. Trails along roads are not suitable for all trail users, so the trail
system should also include off-road trails. This plan recommends that the City
acquire land for most trails as development is proposed in an area rather than
after development has occurred. For example, if a developer proposes to
subdivide an 80 -acre parcel of land for housing, it is much easier for the City to
work with the developer to integrate a trail into the development before, rather
than after, it is constructed. In this way, the City works with one landowner as
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opposed to many landowners. Not all trails would need to be designed and
constructed as part of a development project. For example, snowmobile and
equestrian trails may be best suited in areas where development is not expected
to occur. In these cases, trail easements could be negotiated with individual
landowners. It is not the intent of this plan, however, to acquire land through
eminent domain.
General Guidelines for trail development
The following guidelines apply to Hugo's trail system as a whole:
1. Use the Trail System Plan as a general guide for trail development, but work with
residents, landowners, and developers in designing and constructing specific
trails. This plan does not recommend acquiring land for trails through eminent
domain.
2. Provide trails that link important areas of the City. For example, provide trails that
link major residential areas to schools, the downtown area, parks, and regional
trails.
3. Do not expect the City to design, fund, build, and maintain every trail in Hugo.
Snowmobilers and equestrians, in particular, have worked with private
landowners to provide trails on private land and they should continue to do this.
The City can help coordinate planning efforts between the various organizations
that are interested in developing trails in Hugo.
4. Design the trail system to be accessible to people with physical disabilities.
Guidelines for developing accessible trails are available from many sources,
including the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
5. Provide trail loops of various lengths that allow users to return to their starting
point without backtracking.
6. Although topography can add interest to a trail, avoid constructing trails in areas
that will require extensive cut and fill.
7. Design and construct trails with proposed development. Do not wait until after
development has already occurred.
8. Provide a maintenance program that ensures trails will be properly maintained.
Poorly maintained trails are more of a liability than an asset.
9. Trails should be planned to connect to other nearby regional trials and trails in
other communities.
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Trail descriptions and specific guidelines
Following is a brief description of existing and proposed trails in Hugo (see Figure 6-A
for a map of the trails).
1. Bicycle Lanes. The following guidelines will help the City in designing and
constructing bicycle lanes:
a) Provide bicycle lanes on both sides of designated roads.
b) Pave lanes with bituminous or concrete. Bituminous paving is the less
expensive of the two and is most commonly used.
c) Provide a minimum 8 -foot wide lane where the lane is intended to serve
as a bicycle lane and as an emergency pull -off. If an emergency pull -off is
not desired, provide a minimum 4 -foot wide lane. Generally, provide as
wide a lane as is feasible.
d) Avoid on -street parking on roads that have bicycle lanes. If on -street
parking is needed, provide a minimum 5 -foot bicycle lane between the
parking area and the driving lane or provide a bicycle -pedestrian path
separate from the road.
e) Provide striping to visually separate bicycle lanes from driving lanes and
parking areas. Also provide signage that identifies the lane as a bicycle
lane.
f) Avoid physical obstructions in bicycle lanes such as pavement rumble
strips, signs, and so on.
2. Bicycle Routes. A bicycle route simply encourages bicyclists to use a
designated road for bicycle travel. Guidelines for designating a road as a bicycle
route follow:
a) Designate a road as a bicycle route if the road provides good reasons to
encourage bicycle traffic on it. For example, if a trail is needed in a general
area, consider designating the safest, the most efficient, or the most
scenic road in the area as a bicycle route. This will encourage bicyclists to
use the best possible road to get to where they want to go.
b) Provide adequate signage so that bicyclists know which roads are bicycle
routes.
3. Bicycle — Pedestrian Paths. This plan proposes most of Hugo's bicycle -
pedestrian paths be developed within the portion of Hugo that is served by
municipal sewer and water. This is where the densest development and the
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heaviest traffic occur. Because paths are separated from roads, they provide
many trail users (especially pedestrians, children, and average bicyclists) with a
safe and enjoyable way to use the trail system. The following guidelines will help
the City design and construct bicycle -pedestrian paths:
a) Provide bicycle -pedestrian paths in areas where they are most needed.
For example, provide paths that link residential neighborhoods to parks,
schools and the downtown area.
b) Where paths runs parallel to the road system, provide paths on both sides
of busy or wide roads that are difficult or unsafe to cross.
c) On lightly traveled, low -speed roads, provide a minimum 5 -foot separation
between paths and roads. Where paths are next to heavily traveled, high-
speed roads, consider providing a minimum 10 -foot separation between
paths and roads and providing berms and plantings to buffer the paths
from the roads.
d) Pave paths with bituminous or concrete. Bituminous paving is the less
expensive of the two and is most commonly used. In some cases, for
example where a path is short and is not expected to carry much traffic, a
compacted aggregate surface may be acceptable.
e) Avoid obstacles like mailboxes, signs, and power poles.
f) Provide a minimum 10 -foot wide path where the path is intended to
accommodate both pedestrians and bicyclists.
g) If a path is expected to be heavily used by both pedestrians and bicyclists,
consider providing separate paths for each user. The two uses could be
separated by striping, or they could be physically separated by distance.
The pedestrian portion of the path should be at least 5 -feet wide and the
bicycle portion of the trail should be at least 8 -feet wide.
h) Limit the number of areas that paths cross streets. Where crossings are
required, provide crossings in highly visible areas and where street traffic
can be controlled. Provide curb cuts where there are existing curbs.
4. Snowmobile Trails. The existing snowmobile trails in Hugo provide winter
recreation opportunities for many people. Washington County and the City of
Hugo approve snowmobile trails in Hugo. The private snowmobile clubs maintain
the trails with support from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. In
general, snowmobiles are allowed on the outside shoulder of county and state
road ditches. They are also allowed on private land with landowner permission.
This plan does not recommend eliminating snowmobile trails in Hugo, but the
City should recognize that the potential for snowmobile accidents and conflicts
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will increase as Hugo continues to grow. To reduce conflicts, snowmobile trails
must be properly designed and maintained, and snowmobilers must use the trails
in a safe and respectful manner. The City should work with snowmobile
associations and Washington County to address concerns related to
snowmobiling. The following guidelines are intended to assist the City in
evaluating existing and proposed snowmobile trails:
a) Avoid trails in areas where the potential for conflicts is high - for example,
in densely populated areas, near schools, and so on. An exception has
been made to allow snowmobiles to access the downtown area via the
Hardwood Creek Trail, but speed limits, signage, and other safety issues
should be adequately addressed in these areas.
b) Avoid trails in significant natural areas as identified in the natural system
plan. Where possible, provide a minimum 200 -foot buffer between trails
and significant natural areas. The existing trail system shows two trails
that cross significant natural areas: one along Hardwood Creek north of
County Road 4 and the other at Egg Lake near downtown Hugo. These
trails should be carefully evaluated for potential damage to the existing
natural areas and alternate routes should be explored.
c) Separate snowmobile trails from other trails, including cross-country ski
trails.
d) Minimize road crossings. Where trails must cross roads, provide
designated crossing areas that have adequate visibility and are properly
signed.
e) Provide signage as needed to identify trail boundaries and reduce the
potential for trespassing.
f) Maintain trails regularly to ensure they are safe.
g) Where safety, noise, or other concerns may exist, consider reducing
speed limits and limiting the 'hours that trails can be used.
h) Consider sponsoring a meeting with snowmobiling associations that would
focus on addressing the concerns of residents and also on promoting safe
and respectful use of the trail system. The snowmobile trails in the Hugo
area are designed and maintained by the snowmobiling associations with
assistance from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. The
City of Hugo does not need to develop city -owned and maintained
snowmobile trails. Rather the City should work with residents and
snowmobiling associations to ensure that trails are properly designed,
maintained. and used.
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5. Equestrian Trails. Horses are an important part of Hugo. Equestrian activities
provide recreation opportunities for many residents and nonresidents. Most
equestrian activities in Hugo occur on private land, but equestrians also ride their
horses on the side of rural roads and on Hardwood Creek Trail. Horses are
considered a legal form of transportation and can use roads throughout the city.
Equestrians have expressed a need for additional horse trails in Hugo. Perhaps
the most effective way for the City to provide horse trails is to construct the trails
in conjunction with City road improvements. Those roads that are most used by
horses should include a minimum 4 -foot wide, level path in the ditch. If road
improvements include an 8 -foot wide paved shoulder, then an additional 4 feet of
unpaved area immediately adjacent to the shoulder could be designated for use
by equestrians. Similar to the snowmobile associations, equestrians should
continue to negotiate with landowners to develop trails on private lands. The
Minnesota Horse Council can provide information on obtaining grant money to
help fund these trails. Equestrian trails, like all trails, must be designed to be safe
and enjoyable for the users. They must also be designed to minimize potential
negative impacts including soil erosion and soil compaction, damage to
vegetation, trespassing, disposal of manure, and conflicts with motor vehicles.
The following guidelines will help the City in planning or evaluating proposed
equestrian trails in Hugo:
a) Involve the Minnesota Horse Council and Hugo's equestrians in the city
road improvement planning process. Where appropriate provide trails
along city roads as road improvements are made.
b) Avoid horse trails in areas where erosion or compaction may be a
problem; for example in creek beds or on steep slopes.
c) Avoid trails in significant natural areas. Heavily used equestrian trails can
compact soil and damage sensitive vegetation.
d) Avoid trails in wetlands or trails that are immediately adjacent to creeks or
lakes where soil erosion and sedimentation may become a problem.
e) Limit where equestrian trails cross roads. Where trails must cross roads,
provide crossings in areas with high visibility and where road traffic can be
controlled. Also provide signs that identify trail crossings.
f) Maintain trails regularly to ensure they are safe.
g) Provide signage as needed to identify trail boundaries and reduce the
potential for trespassing.
6. Nature Paths. The following guidelines will assist the City in designing and
constructing nature paths:
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a) Locate nature paths to maximize enjoyment to the user, but minimize
impact to the natural area. For example, set trails away from sensitive
areas, but allow trail users the opportunity to view the area from a
reasonable distance.
b) Minimize the number of areas where paths cross creeks or wetlands, or
where paths traverse steep slopes. Where paths occur in these areas,
provide bridges, boardwalks, and steps to provide a path that is safe to
pedestrians and also sensitive to the natural environment.
c) Limit nature paths to foot traffic only. Do not allow bicycles, snowmobiles,
or horses on nature paths.
d) Provide interpretive signs along the paths. Also provide signs that
encourage people to stay on the paths.
e) Where appropriate provide some seating areas for resting or wildlife
observation.
f) Provide a variety of nature paths that accommodate various users and are
sensitive to the natural environment. For example, provide some paths
that are accessible to physically disabled people. These paths should be
6 -feet wide and paved with an appropriate material like concrete or
bituminous. Other paths may not be fully accessible to all people, but
would be more sensitive to the natural environment. For example, some
nature paths could be as little as 2 -feet wide and covered with wood
mulch.
g) Maintain nature paths to ensure that they are safe.
7. Multi -Use Trails. Hardwood Creek Trail is a multi -use regional trail located on
the abandoned Burlington -Northern Railroad that runs parallel to Highway 61.
The trail begins in Hugo and extends north of Forest Lake. It is possible that one
day the trail could run from St Paul to Duluth. However, several segments of the
railroad have not yet been abandoned and may never be abandoned. One such
segment runs from White Bear Lake to downtown Hugo. This segment will likely
remain active to service Hugo's industrial park. Washington County is
responsible for constructing and maintaining the segment of the trail that runs
through Hugo and Washington County. The following recommendations pertain
to how the City of Hugo should respond to Hardwood Creek Trail:
a) Where possible, tie city trails into Hardwood Creek Trail. This will expand
trail opportunities for Hugo residents.
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b) Work with the County to provide a trailhead in the downtown area. A
trailhead in the downtown area would help support downtown businesses
and help build Hugo's downtown core.
c) Use Hardwood Creek Trail as a tool to promote Hugo. For example,
encourage horse rides from downtown Hugo to the old school house on
County Road 4A. Or sponsor a running or bicycle event that goes from
downtown Hugo to Forest Lake and back.
d) Consider working with the County to provide plantings along the trail to
make it more scenic and enjoyable. The City should also work with
Washington County to provide a multi -use trail that connects the Bald
Eagle Lake area to downtown Hugo. Also, the City should provide a multi-
use trail that connects to Anoka County and Lino Lakes trails. Specific
locations for these trails should be determined in conjunction with
development plans for southwest Hugo.
Trail fundina sources
There are many government and private sources for funding trail development. The City
should contact the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Trails and Waterways
Unit for a detailed list of funding sources. Following is a brief description of possible
funding opportunities:
a) The Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) provides federal
funds that can be used for trail development. Hardwood Creek Trail was
constructed, in part, with ISTEA funds. The City should consider teaming with
Washington, Anoka, and Ramsey Counties to apply for federal funding to provide
multi -use trails that would link Hardwood Creek trail to Ramsey and Anoka
Counties.
b) The State of Minnesota and the Metropolitan Council also appropriate funds
through the county for acquisition and development of regional trails and parks
and may contribute to Hugo's trail building efforts.
c) There are also many private funding sources including foundations and clubs.
For example, the Minnesota Horse Council can provide money for development
of equestrian trails and the National Bicycle and Pedestrian Advocacy Campaign
Grant can provide financial assistance for developing trails.
d) Also volunteers can be used to help build and maintain trails.
Obtaining grants has become very competitive. Therefore, the City of Hugo should
look at ways that they can fund trail development on their own. The City can require
trail dedication as part of the subdivision process. The City can also include trail
Chapter 7 7-38
Parks, Trails, & Open Spaces
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construction in the road improvement budget. The City may even want to consider
funding trails through a City bond.
Funding sources are always changing. The City should contact the Minnesota
Department of Natural Resources for updated funding information. And the City
should work closely with trail organizations and adjacent communities to coordinate
trail development efforts.
7.6. IMPLEMENTATION
This master plan guides the City of Hugo in developing a park system that meets the
needs and desires of its residents.
Park and Recreation Commission
Many city parks and trails will be designed and developed as Hugo continues to grow.
The City has established a Park and Recreation Commission that serves as advisors to
the City Council. The Commission has a good understanding of the park master plan
and the City's subdivision regulations and zoning ordinances. The Commission works
with residents, organizations, and developers to ensure that Hugo's park and recreation
needs are met.
Maintenance and Staffing
As Hugo's park system develops, the City will need to be diligent in maintaining the
system. A poorly maintained park and trail system can be more of a liability than an
asset. Park and trail designs should be prepared with maintenance concerns in mind.
Also as Hugo's park system develops, the City will need to hire additional staff to help
oversee and maintain its park system. Seasonal and part-time staff may contribute to
park staffing.
Chapter 7 7-39
Parks, Trails, & Open Spaces
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