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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING <br /> Monday,November 7,2016 <br /> 6:30 o'clock p.m. <br /> Edwards noted the proposed trail extension is the blue line depicted on the map. <br /> Loftus stated the green line is an informal road that bicyclists can use. <br /> Bryce Johnson asked how long the blue line is. <br /> Edwards stated to his understanding it is approximately a half mile long. <br /> Bryce Johnson asked if any of the residents have requested the blue trail. <br /> Edwards stated the turnback committee has discussed that and suggested the City take a look at that. <br /> Since that time the County gave a presentation to the Council on the trail extension. <br /> Loftus noted there was an open house recently on the trail with approximately 40 people in attendance. <br /> At that time there were 24 residents in favor of the trail and one was opposed. <br /> Johnson asked if it would be considered part of the Parks trails. <br /> Levang indicated it would be. <br /> Bryce Johnson stated he is attempting to determine if there is truly a need there for that third connection. <br /> Edwards stated that is the question before the Park Commission and that now is the time to do it if it is <br /> going to be done. <br /> Loftus noted throughout the entire Highway 112 corridor there will be a trail along the north side of the <br /> road. If there is no trail extension, it will abruptly stop at Old Long Lake Road,with no visual guidance <br /> on where to go or what to do at that point. Loftus stated the obvious trail connection that invites people <br /> into downtown Long Lake would be the trail extension and that the appeal to do it now is the cost <br /> savings. Loftus commented people like the most direct and visually obvious route and that the roadside <br /> trail is something that Hennepin County is strongly encouraging. Loftus noted Hennepin County will not <br /> be contributing anything towards maintenance of the trail or anything else outside of the curb going into <br /> the future. <br /> Bryce Johnson stated it seems like a relatively easy fix to tell people to go onto Old Long Lake Road. <br /> Johnson stated if the intent is to go east on the Luce Line trail, in his view the green trail is as easy of a <br /> way as it would be by taking the green and the blue trail. <br /> Lotus noted the green already exists and is a road. <br /> Ruegemer commented she is not going to go on the road with her children and that adding the connection <br /> seems to be a safer route. Ruegemer stated currently it is very dangerous with little kids. <br /> Levang noted Old Long Lake Road has very little traffic. <br /> Loftus stated now is the time to consider it and decide one way or another. Loftus stated if a trail is added <br /> at some point in the future,the costs would be much higher since Hennepin County will not be <br /> contributing anything towards it. <br /> Page 7 of 13 <br />