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~ :t.~,.~. a. f~s~ In I:~,~ :~ver ~vmnesota bO(. ~ ~' Page 1 of 2 <br /> <br />Elk River Children at Risk <br /> <br />The City of Elk River adopted a new snowmobile trail map on November 19, 2001. <br /> <br />This new map was a result of a cooperative effort of the Park Commission, Elk River <br />city staff and the River City Snow Riders snowmobile club. <br />One group not represented were the 'citizens of Elk River'. <br /> <br />Several residents appeared at the Park Commission meeting, January 9, 2002, to <br />express their concerns. <br /> <br />Before they could speak, the Chair of the Park Commission announced that the <br />Commission will take information presented at OPEN MIKE as info only. We will not <br />take action tonight! <br /> <br />Residents of Rush Court are fearful for the safety of their children as the <br />snowmobiles speed down a hiking trail and encroach on private property. The trail is <br />located on 193rd Avenue between Proctor Avenue and the Railroad bed trail to the <br />west. <br /> <br />Prior to building their home 3 years ago, a resident inquired of the city if this was a <br />non-motorized trail; the reply from the city staff was 'yes'. <br /> <br />This trail is used daily by students, joggers and cross-country skiers and high speed <br />snowmobiles. <br /> <br />According to a resident in the area, the barrier that blocked motorized vehicles from <br />entering the trail from the Proctor Avenue end has been partially dismantled so only <br />50% of the original barrier remains. The city is not plowing or clearing this trail <br />properly for pedestrian use. <br /> <br />A School District Representative explained this heavy residential area is not served <br />by school bus service. Elementary and High School students use this trail as a <br />regular route to area schools. He stated several parents and School Board members <br />have called and said there are hazards in this area that need to be addressed. <br /> <br />Members of the River City Snow Riders snowmobile club in attendance chose not to <br />speak on the issue. <br /> <br />Comments from the Park Commissioners were: <br />· "Nothing will change this year because we are into the season". <br />· '~/Ve worked with the local snowmobile club to get this path. Residents with <br /> <br />http://www, toppdog, com/ris k. html 1 / 12/2002 <br /> <br /> <br />