The purpose of this case is to establish a process for refurbishing the *Lake Itasca Boardwalk. The 6' foot wide boardwalk is nearly one quarter mile in length and is a very popular trail route and destination—and is within a high quality wetland environment associated with Trott Brook, and also the Circle of Ramsey Greenway.

The boardwalk has held up very well over the years with semi-regular board replacement and occasional re-leveling. However, in recent years the frequency for the need for individual board replacement has increased, and there are a number of sections where it is no longer feasible to try to re-level the warped sections. (It may be noted here, that it is appropriate for boardwalks to appear 'rustic' and aside from when first constructed, they are not intended to be perfectly pristine, like a deck on a residential home.)

Attached are photos of the existing conditions of the boardwalk, in a sequence from the North to the South, with the last image looking North at the South end at the boardwalk's connection to the bituminous trail.  (About midway through the photos the 8' foot bridge section can be spotted, which is in great condition, it being replaced about four years ago.)




*This portion of trail is also a part of the National Mississippi River Trail.

As referenced, the boardwalk may be considered at the end of its useful life, having been in the elements for a quarter century, and carrying many, many, thousands of walkers, joggers, dogs and bicyclists. Additionally, user feedback confirms that the 6' foot width is not adequate for the numbers of users—especially when bicyclists meet people with dogs on the boardwalk, often traveling in opposite directions. For this reason, staff is proposing that with the refurbishment, the width would be extended to 8' feet wide, which is the standard for boardwalks constructed in the city within the last decade.

In terms of the process forward, staff recommends developing a Request for Proposal (RFP) with detailed specifications, which when received back from contractors/bidders, would yield a specific not-to-exceed replacement/refurbishment cost.  This would then come back to the Park & Recreation Commission for a recommendation to City Council's Public Works Committee, who may be expected to make an effective recommendation to the full Council to refurbish the boardwalk as soon as the Winter of 2021/2022. 

There is no funding requested at this time, nor required to proceed with an RFP.

The staff recommended funding source at the time City Council may authorize the project, would be the Capital Maintenance Fund, (formally known as ‘Park Maintenance Fund #810’) which has a present balance of approximately $1.3M.

Staff recommends proceeding with development and issuance of an RFP for the proposed refurbishment of the 25-year old Lake Itasca Boardwalk.

Based upon discussion, direct staff to proceed with development and issuance of an RFP for the proposed refurbishment of the Lake Itasca Boardwalk.