Recommend Trail Gap Construction, a 2024 Capital Improvement Project

The purpose of this case, is to brief and update the Committee on the city's approach to planning for trails and especially identifying and prioritizing new trail construction and connections—and proceeding to complete a 2024 Capital Improvement Project.

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.  One strategy is to maintain a Trail Connections project within the CIP to be ready to implement opportunity-driven trail connections.  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(s) develops along this stretch, such that the Developer may incorporate some of the trail siting costs within their project, with the city contributing to 'fill the gap' by funding and implementing the construction. The first attachment illustrates this area and probable construction costs. One or two vacant parcels are likely to develop within the platted lots along T.H. #47 in 2024, and thus the opportunity to move forward on the Capital Improvement this case discusses.

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.

Funding is proposed to be from the Park Trust Fund, which has a present balance of $7.4M.

Staff recommends proceeding to obtain bids for the T.H.#47 Trail gap.

Motion to recommend to City Council the preparation of Plans and Specification and authorization to obtain bids for T.H.#47 Trail gap.