02-01-2021 Park Commission Meeting Minutes

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION Monday,February 1,2021 6:00 o'clock p.m. Mr. Shurson noted Edwards is absolutely right,they did have conversations with the State DNR and as that property was being converted to state property they looked to see if they could negotiate the possibility of an easement through there to allow a trail to connect as described.The DNR pretty adamantly said that the bylaws for this particular SNA prohibits any kind of paved trail and this new acquisition would inherit those same bylaws. They looked in more detail to see how feasible it was from a physical standpoint;the grades are such that it would require a lot of grading, a lot of retaining walls especially down by the lake and would really destroy the whole nature of the lot. He noted from a physical and legal standpoint it is not possible,but Three Rivers did explore it. Hudson asked if all goes well,what would be the projected completion date. Mr.McCullough said as mentioned earlier,this is a Masterplan so once the plan is completed,then it becomes eligible for funding. However,this is such a long-term project and vision that it could be 10, 15, 20 years before a trail like this gets constructed. What is likely to happen in the future is that logical segments are constructed when opportunities arise and when it makes sense. He clarified that building a 21 mile-long trail through 7 communities is likely not going to happen in one project. They could be looking at logical segments getting completed that may piece one regional trail to another or a state trail to a regional trail,a regional park to a regional trail; places where development is happening, road reconstruction is taking place,that is typically how Three Rivers puts these together. He noted regarding timing,they are probably 10-20 years out in terms of construction. Stephens asked if they went through the preferred route from south to north, it would be W 1,W4,01, 02, 06, and 08. Mr. Crosby said that is correct, it would W 1, W4, 01,02, 06,and 08. Stephens asked if they can explain the optional route a bit better;they wanted to do it in addition to create neighborhood loops. Mr. Crosby noted 05 is a challenging section because there is not a lot of room in there but Three Rivers sees that as a key connector between the existing trail that goes along Highway 112 and connecting up to what will be the regional trail. If they can get this little piece(noted onscreen)constructed,they have the opportunity-as there is already an existing trail along Highway 112 -to create these little loops using the regional trail that would go through the Wood-Rill SNA,the 03 which is on the Luce Line, and the City's current trail that goes along the roadway;that is one loop. The other loop is the new trail they have going into town and along the backside of the highway that connects up with Park and the Luce Line. He noted there would be these two loop systems that would be possible by making this one little connection as part of the trail plan. Mr. Shurson noted the next step in the process would be to meet with the City Council and go through a similar presentation and get their approval on the preferred route. He does not know what the agenda calls for but it could be some sort of motion towards recommended preferred route to go forward to the City Council, and that would be Three Rivers' desire. Carter would be comfortable with that and asked Three Rivers to email the Commissioners that one slide after the meeting so they have a record of what they say they like. Page 5 of 13