Laserfiche WebLink
MINUTES OF THE <br />ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING <br />Monday, May 1, 2017 <br />6:30 o'clock p.m. <br />$310 apiece. The benches installed at the active parks were approximately $700 apiece, which does not <br />include the concrete pad. <br />Meyers noted the benches do not need to be purchased immediately and that the Park Commission could <br />discuss that at a later time. <br />Bryce Johnson stated he submitted a draft to the City Clerk today regarding the coming improvements to <br />Saga Park for the City newsletter. Johnson requested Adam review that to ensure all the information is <br />correct. <br />Edwards stated the improvements will be done sometime this summer and that work will likely begin the <br />end of May, early June. <br />3. NORTH ARM TRAIL FEASIBILITY STUDY <br />Edwards noted last year the Park Commission requested a feasibility study be completed for a possible <br />trail connection from West Branch Road to the Lakeville Legacy Park along the south side of North Arm <br />Drive. The study has been completed and the cost of trail construction is estimated to be around $79,650. <br />The trail would be approximately one-half mile in length and four feet wide consisting of aggregate. <br />Edwards stated he would recommend the trail be incorporated into the capital improvement plan if the <br />Park Commission would like to complete the trail in the near future. Otherwise the trail could be added to <br />the Comprehensive Plan Update. <br />Meyers noted the Park Commission initially discussed the trees hanging over the road resulting in poor <br />visibility and that they should be cut back. It was felt that something more could be done in that area to <br />help pedestrians walk down to the park, which resulted in the feasibility study. Meyers stated the cutting <br />back of the trees has improved the visibility considerably. <br />Bryce Johnson stated in his view, given the narrowness of the road, the speed of the vehicles, and more <br />pedestrians walking in the area, a trail would add some safety for the pedestrians. Johnson noted this is <br />probably the only place in Orono where a trail would be located along a Native American trail. Johnson <br />stated the Shakopee Greenfield Trail goes along that spot. Given the history, the Park Commission could <br />perhaps explore some funding from the Native American people. <br />Johnson indicated the goal is to keep the trail more natural. Johnson stated he understands a few <br />neighbors have raised a concern about losing their privacy with the trail, but that in his view that will not <br />be the case since it will be a walking path. Johnson stated the Park Commission could also replace some <br />of the trees that would need to be removed even though they are volunteer trees. Johnson stated it is his <br />belief there would be a lot of support from the residents in the Loma Linda area and the Forest Lake area. <br />Meyers stated a public hearing on the trail would probably be appropriate prior to going forward with the <br />trail. <br />Bryce Johnson stated he would like to know how much dirt would be moved and how many trees would <br />need to be removed prior to the public hearing. <br />Page 2 of 9 <br />