Trail Gap Connection Planning

The purpose of this case, is to brief and update the Committee on the city's approach to planning for trails and especially identifing and prioritizing new trail construction and connections.

Bituminous trails (together with sidewalks) may be the most cost effective aspect of the city's park and trail system—and one that serves the greatest diversity of residents. There is a variety of recreational value directly associated with trail usage—and the trails connect neighborhoods and residents to their parks and other destinations. In doing so, trails are also an important transportational element for the community, and add safety benefits to both pedestrians and motorists at the same time.  The city is fortunate to have over 75 miles of trails in place today, and more planned-for.

While trails are greatly appreciated by residents, and they desire more opportunities and connections—they can cost $150,000 to $200,000 or more per mile to construct.  Therefore, the city has been judicious and strategic in the implementation and creation of the trail system, with grants providing more than $2M in funding to date. Requiring construction of trails along arterial roads by Developers has also been key to building Ramsey's trail system.

As signaled above, it has been imperative to prioritize new trail creation with a focus on maximizing the return-on-investment of each trail segment.  Two strategies are included here—one is to maintain a Trail Connections project within the CIP to be ready to implement opportunity-driven trail connections. Perhaps a good project example is the trail gap between the Holiday gas station along T.H. 47, north of 142nd Avenue. A key opportunity would be when a vacant parcel develops along this stretch, such that the Developer would pay for some of the trail costs, with the city contributing to 'fill the gap'. The first attachment illustrates this area (note the cost estimates are out of date).

Perhaps the most important strategy for prioritizing city-wide trail gaps, was the conception of the Circle of Ramsey Greenway, which is a trail loop (with interior 'spokes') that circumnavigates the city, connecting all the groups of neighborhoods and each of the community parks.  Utilizing this planning approach has resulted in about 80% of the Circle of Ramsey Greenway in place today.  For the meeting, staff will highlight this example to illustrate  the Trail Gap Connection Planning process and direction. The Circle of Ramsey Greenway is the second attachment.

No funding is required as part of this case discussion.

Staff recommends continuing to look for cost-effective means to connect the community through trails, with priority consideration for key gaps.

Affirm the city's practice of strategically seeking opportunities to expand the trail system and connect the gaps.