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A <br />4. <br />r <br />Trails <br />The city provides a range of trail - related recreation experiences on both paved <br />and unpaved trails. Natural surface, trail -based recreation occurs in many parks <br />throughout the system and includes cross country running, mountain biking, <br />hiking, and cross country skiing. Woodland Trails Park has a network of paved <br />and unpaved trails for summer hiking and winter cross country skiing. Hillside <br />park has a network of mountain bike trails. The Great Northern Trail provides <br />a paved recreational spine from Elk River to Livonia Township and is a regional <br />recreation resource. Eventually the Great Northern Trail will extend north <br />through Livonia Township, the City of Zimmerman and beyond. Paved trails and <br />sidewalks along roads and within neighborhoods provide opportunities for non <br />motorized transportation and recreation. <br />Trails are very popular with Elk River residents. The 2014 City of Elk River Parks <br />and Recreation Survey revealed that 80% of respondents have participated in <br />walking and hiking and 60% have participated in bicycling in the last three years. <br />Residents are satisfied with walking and biking trails and they hold a high priority <br />for the future. 58% of survey respondents would be willing to greatly support <br />additional biking and walking trails through a bond referendum or temporary tax <br />increase. <br />Figure 3.4 shows that most residents with in the Urban Service Area live within <br />1/2 mile of a trail. Gaps in the system do exist which limits system usability, <br />particularly to key destinations such as schools, downtown, and the Great <br />Northern Trail. Overall and there is a need for a better connected trail system. <br />Trail needs and issues include (but are not limited to): <br />Land preservation or acquisition strategy for identified land north of County <br />Road 33 <br />Lack of safe trail connections in some locations <br />► High traffic and low visibility locations dictate the need for off - <br />street trails. <br />► Trail link between along Highway 10 between Upland Avenue NW <br />and Orono Park. <br />► Link between Rice Lake Park and the Great Northern Trail on 221 st. <br />► Connections to the Trout Brook neighborhood. <br />Connections to the Great Northern Trail. Notably connections to: <br />► Downtown <br />► Rice Lake Park on 221st <br />► Neighborhoods north of the Urban Service Area <br />► Connection between Birch Meadow Park and Twin Lakes School <br />• Highway 169 is a significant east -west barrier, safe crossings are needed. <br />• Destinations that would benefit from greater connectivity include schools, <br />downtown, the Elk River, and the Mississippi River. <br />............................................. .......... ............................... <br />27 City of Elk River - Parks and Recreation Master Plan <br />