05-11-2020 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Administrative Center, 3000 Xenium Lane North, Plymouth, MN 55441-1299 Information 763.559.9000 • TTY 763.559.6719 • Fax 763.559.3287 • www.ThreeRiversParks.org Three Rivers Park District Board of Commissioners Marge Beard District 1 Jennifer DeJournett District 2 Daniel Freeman Vice Chair District 3 John Gunyou Chair District 4 John Gibbs District 5 Steven Antolak Appointed At Large Gene Kay Appointed At Large Boe Carlson Superintendent April 30, 2020 Adam Edwards City of Orono 2750 Kelley Parkway Orono, MN 55323 RE: City Council review of potential trail routes for the Diamond Lake Regional Trail Master Plan Mr. Edwards, Three Rivers Park District is creating a master plan for the future development the Diamond Lake Regional Trail (DLRT) through the western portion of Hennepin County, including Orono. The vision for DLRT is for a 10-foot-wide paved, multi- use trail that will connect areas of high natural resource value, local parks and trails and other existing and future regional trails in the Three Rivers network. A major goal is to create a scenic, park-like experience for trail users, rather than being primarily adjacent to roads. On January 13, 2020, Three Rivers staff introduced this master plan project to the City Council. Subsequently, Three Rivers staff have been evaluating potential trail routes through the corridor, including the eastern area of Orono. On February 3, 2020 the Orono Park Commission conducted a workshop session with Three Rivers staff and provided input on the proposed trail route options through the city. Three Rivers staff have worked closely with City staff in reviewing and refining the preferred trail route options, resulting in the attached map which illustrates the trail route alternatives. Three Rivers is not seeking formal approval of the alternatives at this time, but is requesting City Council review, comment and support to present these trail route alternatives prior to beginning the public engagement process. Simultaneously, Three Rivers is seeking similar review and support from the other six communities along the trail route for their respective trail segments. Once all seven cities have reviewed and given their support for the trail route alternatives, we will commence public engagement for the master plan project later this summer. (subject to current COVID-19 health guidelines). At the conclusion of the public engagement period, Three Rivers will bring the results of public comments and a preferred route recommendation back to the Park Commission and City Council for review. Three Rivers staff will make a brief presentation and be available to answer questions during the City Council meeting.