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Page 2 <br /> Trail gaps <br /> The Great Northern Trail(GNT)and trails within parks provide a range of trail related recreation and <br /> experiences. Trails are very popular with Elk River residents but there are gaps and there is a need for a better <br /> connected trail system.Trail needs and issues include: <br /> • Development and dimensional challenges have left some trails unconnected <br /> • Highway 169 is a significant E/W barrier <br /> • Some destinations are unconnected <br /> o Schools <br /> o Downtown <br /> o River(s) <br /> Access to the River/Water <br /> Elk River is at the confluence of the Elk and Mississippi Rivers yet there are relatively few public access points to <br /> the rivers.There is a need to better connect to the rivers. Needs and issues include: <br /> • Lack of public connectivity along the rivers <br /> • ROW/roadway design constraints to developing a riverfront trail in downtown <br /> • Uncertainty Babcock Park and the boat launch long term when Highway 10 is reconstructed <br /> • Potential for river more based recreation <br /> Improving existing parks <br /> Overall,Elk River has a high quality,well maintained park system. Yet there are needs for specific parks. <br /> • Youth Athletic Complex <br /> o Support amenities(parking,restrooms,concessions)are lacking and should be improved <br /> o There is a need for better wayfinding,both to and within the park <br /> o As the city grows,facilities need to be added to keep up with demand <br /> • Woodland Trails Park <br /> o The City should continue to support volunteer efforts and there is a need to better <br /> understand the staffing/hours that would go into maintaining the park if volunteer labor <br /> were not available. <br /> • Some parks have features that are at the end of their functional life-span and need to be updated or <br /> replaced. Examples of this include: <br /> o The need to remove the playground at Baldwin Park due to condition <br /> o Outdated play equipment at Barrington Park <br /> • There are difficulties maintaining some parks due to access issues. These include: <br /> o Parks with no public access(Baldwin Park,North Terrace Park) <br /> o Northern parks are dispersed and create challenges due to travel times for routine <br /> maintenance <br /> • Undeveloped City parkland. Some of this parkland will be developed as the city grows,other parts <br /> will be very difficult to develop due to environmental or access constraints. <br /> o Rice Lake Park <br /> • Neighborhood desires a playground <br /> o Birch Meadow Park <br /> • Internal access issues due to wetlands <br /> • Connection to school desired <br />