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Initiative 3 Strengthen Trail Connections <br />Trails are the most desired feature in park systems nationally, and Elk River is no <br />exception. The historic Elk River neighborhoods and commercial areas lack trails, <br />and connecting them can be difficult due to road and right -of -way dimensions, <br />lack of public land ownership, and barriers such as railroads and highways. <br />Development patterns have brought trails to new neighborhoods, but many <br />remain unconnected to the larger trail network. <br />The Great Northern Trail is a remarkable asset for the community and can become <br />the trail "spine" connecting neighborhoods, schools, parks, and downtown. Trail <br />loops are highly desired in parks as they are an activity for all ages and provide an <br />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 one -half to one mile <br />intervals. Provide grade separated crossings where feasible. <br />• Create a north /south spine east of Highway 169 from Main Street to 221st <br />that links the Highway 169 crossings. These connections could be completed <br />or supplemented through the linking of the natural greenway system. <br />• Close trail gaps linking the pedestrian overpass at 189th Avenue to the school <br />campus complex. <br />• Prioritize efforts on closing trail gaps to schools, downtown, transit, and the <br />following parks: <br />► Woodland Trails Park <br />► Hillside Park <br />► Orono Park <br />► Dave Anderson Athletic Complex <br />► Youth Athletic Complex <br />► Lion John Weicht Park <br />► River's Edge Commons <br />• Provide trail access along south side of Hwy 10 from Proctor to Orono Park <br />when the Hwy 10 bridge is replaced, currently scheduled by MnDOT for <br />2017. Be sure to include a trail with the new bridge and consider a trail <br />under the bridge to connect both sides of the lake. <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 and Trott Brook Farms neighborhoods to Twin Lakes <br />Elementary <br />► Trail in Birch Meadow Park <br />.. ................................... ............................... <br />55 City of Elk River - Parks and Recreation Master Plan <br />