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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014.03.26 Parks PacketAgenda Parks Commission Meeting of March 26, 2014 Hugo City Hall, 7:00 pm 7:00 pm Approve Minutes from February 26, 2014 Meeting 7:05 pm Trail Development Policy (tabled at the February 26, 2014 meeting) 8:00 pm Recreation Program Update 8:20 pm Adjournment Background Parks Commission Meeting of March 26, 2014 Hugo City Hall, 7:00 pm 7:00 pm Approve Minutes from February 26, 2014 Meeting Staff recommends approval of the minutes of the Parks Commission meeting of February 26, 2014. 7:05 pm Trail Development Policy (tabled from February 26, 2014 meeting) As a part of their 2014 goals, the Parks Commission would like to create a trail policy to help with discussions about missing trail segments and connections. Some background on the City of Hugo Trail and Sidewalk Plan and current practice is attached. Staff recommends discussion on what the policy would include and what the outcome would be. PLEASE SEE THE ATTACHED MEMO. 8:00 pm Recreation Program Update Staff will provide an update on continuing summer recreation programs. At their meeting of March 3, 2014, the City Council scheduled a joint workshop with the Parks Commission for Wednesday, April 9 at 7:00pm at Hugo City Hall. 8:20 pm Adjournment Minutes Parks Commission, City of Hugo February 26, 2014 7:00 P.M. Council Chambers, City Hall Call to Order Present: Rachel Berger, Mat Rauschendorfer, Nicole Schmid, Dave Strub Staff Present: Shayla Syverson, Parks Planner Debi Close, Secretary Absent: Joan Benner, Jim Taylor, Tom Windisch Rachel Berger called the meeting to order at 7:03 pm. I. Approval of Minutes from January Meeting Strub made a motion, Schmid seconded to approve the minutes of the January 8, 2014 meeting. All ayes. Motion carried. II. Fox Meadows Park Dedication Shayla Syverson, Parks Planner, presented a proposal from Meridian Land Company to pay park dedication fees in the amount of $136,800 in lieu of dedicating land. Meridian Land Company submitted a preliminary plat application for 57 single-family homes to be known as Fox Meadows. It is located on 21.97 acres south of Beaver Ponds. Fox Meadows will be served by Beaver Ponds Park and will include trail connections to existing trails in Beaver Ponds. Rauschendorfer asked about a trail on 1251h Street North and future road improvements. Strub made a motion, Schmid seconded to accept the park dedication as proposed. All ayes. Motion carried. III. Trail Development Policy Strub made a motion, Berger seconded to table the Trail Development Policy discussion until the March 26, 2014 meeting. All ayes. Motion carried. IV. Recreation Program Update Shayla Syverson, Parks Planner informed that Movie night was cancelled on February 21, 2014 due to school closing and weather issues. Kidz n Biz will be held on April 26, 2014. City Council requested a joint workshop to strategize future recreation programs. April 23 and April 9 were discussed as potential dates of the workshop. VI. Adiournment Schmid made a motion, Rauschendorfer seconded to adjourn the meeting at 7:51 pm. All ayes. Motion carried. Trail Policy TO: City of Hugo Parks, Recreation and Open Space Commission FROM: Shayla Syverson, Parks Planner DATE: February 20, 2014 for the Parks Commission Meeting of February 26, 2014 1 INTRODUCTION The Parks Commission has had ongoing discussions about missing trail segments and connections. Creation of a Trail Policy which would help evaluate and prioritize trail projects was on the 2014 Goals of the Parks Commission. At the annual goal setting of the City Council held on February 18, 2014, support was given for evaluation of missing trail connections and a policy. 2 CURRENT PRACTICE Z.S. TRAIL PLAN Trails and sidewalks are constructed in the City of Hugo according to the Future Trail and Sidewalk Plan that is a part of the City of Hugo Comprehensive Plan. The trail plan identifies locations for potential trail corridors and provides recommendations for the implementation of the trail system. The trail plan emphasizes coordination with state and regional trails and providing connections to extend Hugo's trail system. The general layout of the trails is based on the roadway network and future development. Emphasis is placed on working with developers and landowners to find specific areas for trails. The trail plan states: Trails will be constructed as surrounding development occurs or as general funding is provided through park dedication fees. Itis not the City's intention to condemn land for trails. The trail plan details a variety of trail classifications including bicycle lanes, snowmobile trails, equestrian trails, multi-user trails, and sidewalks. The trail system will provide for a wide variety of transportation and recreation needs. It is important that all future trails and sidewalks be identified in Trail and Sidewalk Plan. It allows for their construction to be adequately planned for, whether it is through future redevelopment of properties or with road projects. Trail Policy February 26, 2014 2.2 PUBLIC SUPPORT Hugo residents have consistently expressed an interest in a comprehensive trail system connecting neighborhoods to parks and open spaces areas. The trail plan states: Hugo residents have expressed a strong need for a trail system in Hugo. However, throughout the park planning process, many landowners expressed concern over the preliminary plans that showed potential trail corridors on or near their property... the city should work closely with residents and landowners when designing and constructing specific trails. It is important that residents are involved in planning of the trail system, understand the overall system, and the benefits. 2.3 TRAIL PLAN IMPLEMENTATION Currently, trails and sidewalks that are identified in the trail plan are constructed with road projects and development. Because of the ongoing growth of Hugo, the city is in a position to ensure that trails and sidewalks are constructed with residential and commercial development. Large residential developments, such as Victor Gardens, Waters Edge, and Diamond Point, have included a network of sidewalks and trails through the entire development. Recently, trails and sidewalks were shown on the Lavalle Fields PUD, constructed with the Prairie Village residential development, and constructed with the commercial projects adjacent to Rosemary Way. The City Council approved the Special Assessment Policy which addresses assessments in the City for all public improvements. One component of the policy identifies types of possible road projects and what is included. Road projects can range from routine maintenance to complete reconstruction. For example, mill and overlay projects or other resurfacing projects would not prompt construction of a new sidewalk. As storm sewer is installed, a road is completely reconstructed or with the addition of concrete curb and gutter; sidewalk or trail construction is more appropriate. There have been successes with current the current practice of working with landowners and developers in implementing the Future Trail and Sidewalk Plan. 3 TRAIL DEVELOPMENT POLICY DISCUSSION If the Parks Commission would like to supplement the Future Trail and Sidewalk Plan with a trail development policy, there are a few things that should be discussed: What is purpose of the policy? What should be considered when prioritizing? • Is it in the Trail and Sidewalk Plan? • What connections would the trail provide? • Is the trail going to be constructed with future development or future road projects? Trail Policy February 26, 2014 • Is the trail desired by the property owners, surrounding properties, and or neighborhood? Why? • What is needed to construct the trail? Is land available? Is there a willing seller? How would the City go about acquiring land? The Trail Plan does not support eminent domain or condemning land. Would the Parks Commission like to consider these means? • What is unique about the situation? • What are the alternatives? Are there changes that should be made to the Future Trail and Sidewalk Plan? 4 RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the Parks Commission discuss current practice and a trail development policy. 5 ATTACHMENTS 1) Comprehensive Plan Section 7.5: Future Trail and Sidewalk Plan 2) Map 7-F: Trail and Sidewalk Plan Trail Policy February 26, 2014 3 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 Chapter 7 7-28 Parks, Trails, & Open Spaces ^ . Hugo 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 Hugo it Metropolitan Council Twp. Forest Lake New Sea GlNlI ..-----------------acial Ns -------------------------•__------------- — - I E f 1 I ! I I i_ino Lakes HLlgo May Twp. I = Paul Hugo Farm WMA 1 1 I - i r I ' North 5<rgo: SiNao�� i I I I ' - White Bear Twp. Grant 0 0.3 d 1.5 .. .. - 3 3.5 4 4.5 5 5.5 6 6.5 T Mies Source: Metropolitan Council, 2030 Regional Development Framework Public Support for Trails Parks and Preserves Federal Land Private Nan -Profit Regional State Land Loeal and county Land Regional Trails Existing Planned Proposed State Existing Wetlands (NN) Lakes and Major Rivars Mirror RNers and Straa— Traut Streams 2020 MUSA TLG Street Centerlines Regional Trail Search Corridors Boundary Adjustment Recognfion of Regional New Unh Completing the System 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 Chapter 7 7-29 Parks, Trails, & Open Spaces ^ . Hugo 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 Reaional 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. Chapter 7 7-30 Parks, Trails, & Open Spaces (Hugo 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 lavout 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 Chapter 7 7-31 Parks, Trails, & Open Spaces 'CHu'90 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. Chapter 7 7-32 Parks, Trails, & Open Spaces Hugo lugo Trail descriptions and specific auidelines 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 Chapter 7 7-33 Parks, Trails, & Open Spaces f I (Hugo 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 Chapter 7 7-34 Parks, Trails, & Open Spaces iHugo 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. Chapter 7 7-35 Parks, Trails, & Open Spaces Hugo 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: Chapter 7 7-36 Parks, Trails, & Open Spaces �j _`�l lU90 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. Chapter 7 7-37 Parks, Trails, & Open Spaces ^ . !Hugo 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 funding 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 u Jl lugo lunru Sidewalks & Trails Existing City Trail Regional Trail Sidewalk Snowmobile Trail Proposed ....•... Regional Trails gigolos. City Trails County Trails N WE S 0 0.25 0.5 1 Miles City of Hugo March 15, 2010