7.1 PRSR 09-09-2020 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Trail Improvement Identification: At the November 2019 meeting, the volunteer group identified three significant areas as priorities for improvement at Hillside Park. Resolving these issues would increase the sustainability of the trail, reduce the need for maintenance, and enhance the trail experience for users. Reference Map: https://www.elkrivermn.gov/DocumentCenter/View/9126/Hillside-Mountain-Bike-Map 1. On the map, the section just south of “L”: This section was suffering significant, unexpected erosion beyond what could be maintained by volunteers.  This was unusual and unexpected- the grade is not excessive, and the soil type was determined as stable. Additionally, the contractor (YRU Contracting) was directed to build a significant grade reversal which should have reduced erosion when the trail was built.  Faster than expected rider speed and skidding may have exacerbated the issue, allowing water to channelize more easily down the trail tread with erosive effects.  Volunteers proposed a series of elevated, wooden boardwalk features allowing for riders to traverse up and over three drainage points. This results in less maintenance, enhancing the riding experience, and it is designed for a wide range of rider skill levels.  The area was taped off in July 2020 and riders were directed onto a portion of the previous trail for the duration of the construction.  A small excavator was rented to rehabilitate the trail and create the three major drainage points. A bypass trail was hand built by the volunteers.  The constructed feature consists of three wooden “pyramids”: small, medium and large sizes successively. They are each 3 feet wide. There is a rock-faced “tabletop” which acts as a grade reversal at the end of the line, allowing beginner riders to roll over and slow down, while more advanced riders can jump over it. There is a bypass trail for riders who wish to go around it.  Initial expected use for the feature line were 70-80% of riders, however observation has shown +90% of riders have been using the new feature. It’s expected that the bypass trail will be used more in the winter grooming season.  There is a large rider demand for a return loop to be developed, but volunteers have not determined a viable solution for a return loop at this time; initial design was for riders to simply continue riding the trail rather than “session” the feature over and over.