07-02-1991 Park Commission Minutes

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Construction of storm sewer would be done in conjunction with the trail , but is something with which Hennepin Parks does not become involved. " Flint explained. that if there is support expressed this evening on the part of the Park Commission, a recommendation to proceed with the project would be forward.ed to the City Council . Von�ries asked what the estimated costs for th�_s project wil_l be. Jin Lahite replied� "t�7e estimate it v�ill cost apnraxiFnatel.y $130 , 000 to construct an asphalt trail , eight feet ��ide - from Baker Park to the Luce Line Trail . That does not accaunt for any upgrades that will be done ins3_de the Park property. The Hennepin County Park Board. has approved that and will pay that portion of the costs . '° Miller added, "That cost assumes that there will be a ribbon of land that will not require substantial work. " Johnston inquired as to vahether any consideration has b�en given to an off-road trail corridor . He noted , in looking at the aerial map, that there are several large, undivided parcels between the Luce Lin� and Baker Park. Bryant replied, "I am now speaking only from a Staff perspective , and not .for the Board or Commissioner 47hite. One of the things that attac�s us is that we would like to someday have a trail extending from Noerenberg Memorial Park to Baker Park. Fio��ever � at this point we are trying to accomplish an objective that meets the City ' s needs to ecor(�nically and efficiently provide a connection from the Luce Line to Baker Park. If the the City were to acquire needed right-of-way f_or an off-road trail , as many cities do through the platting and park dedication process , I ��ould be surprised if our Board were not willing to work in that direction. The difficulty in that is that, qiven the grocath rate of the City of Orono, it �vould be many� many years before the City could �cquire land through the platting process . That would mean that the City would have to acquire the properties outrirht, o�hich could be very castly. Property o�aners t�nd to be concerned about the ramifications for future d.cveloprlent on�e they dedicate a certain portion of their undeveloped property to the City for a trail . The location proposed far the trail makes good sense from a timing and economic standpaint, " Miller added that though it mi.ght be possible to prepare a master plan for an off-roa� trail to attempt to obtain a grant from the Metropolitan Council , it �vou]_d be a much more extensive project. He explain�d� "Hennepin Parks did not a.rbitrarily s�lect the County Road 6/P•2cCulley Road alignment withaut considering other options. The Burlington Northern track is a major barrier. Also, without the street light, Higho�ay 12 wou].d be a. major p.roblem. " He asked Don King what i_t would cost to construct a railroad bridge that would. meet the required standards . - 3 -