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Initiative 3: Strengthen Trail Connections <br />Trails are the most desired feature in park systems nationally, and Elk River <br />is no exception. The historic Elk River neighborhoods and commercial areas <br />lack trails, and connecting them can be difficult due to road and right -of -way <br />dimensions, lack of public land ownership, and barriers such as railroads and <br />highways. Development patterns have brought trails to new neighborhoods, but <br />many remain unconnected to the larger trail network. <br />The Great Northern Trail is a remarkable asset for the community and can <br />become the trail "spine" connecting neighborhoods, schools, parks, and <br />downtown. Trail loops are highly desired in parks as they are an activity for all <br />ages and provide an accessible way to get active. <br />Recommendations <br />1. Create a connected trail network by closing gaps between existing trails. <br />Strategies: <br />• Provide pedestrian-bike crossings of Highway 169 at Y2 -1 mile intervals. <br />Provide grade separated crossings where feasible. <br />• Create a north /south spine east of Highway 169 from Main Street to <br />221st that links the Highway 169 crossings. These connections could <br />be completed or supplemented through the linking of the natural <br />greenway system. <br />Close trail gaps linking the pedestrian overpass at 189th Avenue to the <br />school campus complex. <br />Prioritize efforts on closing trail gaps to parks (Woodland Trails Park, <br />Hillside Park, Orono /Dave Anderson Athletic Complex, Youth <br />Athletic Complex, Lion John Weicht Park, River's Edge Commons), <br />schools, downtown, and transit. <br />Provide trail access along south side of Hwy 10 from Proctor to Orono <br />Park when the Hwy 10 bridge is replaced, currently estimated on the <br />DOT schedule for 2017. Be sure to include a trail with the new bridge <br />and consider a trail under the bridge to connect the two lakes. <br />Link the school complex and Lion John Weicht Park to Main Street on <br />Proctor and /or Jackson. <br />• Ensure safe walking and biking routes to schools. <br />• Other connections: <br />► Twinlakes Estates /Trott Brook Farms to Twin Lakes Elementary <br />► Trail in Birch Meadow Park <br />► Trott Brook Trails to Kliever Lake Fields /Marsh <br />► Utilize Klievers Marsh Park <br />45 City of Elk River- Parks and Recreation Master Plan Draft 11 .25.1 4 <br />