8.0. PRSR 02-08-1995 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

• The Proposed Trail System Pedestrian and Bicycle Trails The Elk River Master Park and Recreation Plan proposes an extensive system of trails serving all areas of the City and accommodating a wide variety of activities. A community survey indicated very strong support for a trail system, particularly a system developed for both pedestrian and bicycle use. The proposed trail system is essentially a networking of paths to provide for safe pedestrian and bicycle movements throughout the City. By forming connections between parks, trail loops are developed that offer an additional recreational benefit by providing a wide variety of experiences and distances, thereby accommodating different user needs. These connections are very important to the City's park system because they provide convenient access to various park sites without having to drive to each destination, and at the same time providing an enjoyable recreation activity. • Other than connections to parks, or if safety considerations warrant, the proposed trail system will be used as collectors for moving pedestrians and bicyclists. Using quiet residential streets to gain access to the trail system is acceptable. The trail plan map shows the main artery trails for the movement of pedestrians and bicyclists, however, other trails (other than those shown) that make connecting loops for recreational purposes will be considered as opportunities arise. The trail plan is a general concept with exact alignments being decided as property, new parks, or roads develop. It is vital to a successful trail system that Elk River's trails tie into other community trails; notably, the Great River Road Trail System, snowmobile trails to the east of Elk River via the City of Ramsey, and regional snowmobile trails in the Sand Dunes State Forest area. It is further recommended that Elk River's trail system take advantage of unique amenities within the City such as a river walk. Opportunities to connect into other's trail systems should always be watched for. The plan recommends that trails be designed to the standards described in the Appendix titled "Guide for Development of New Bicycle Facilities': Because of aesthetic values and potential health hazards, the use of overhead • power line corridors for trails is discouraged.