7. PCSR 03-11-2009 - Laserfiche WebLink

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7550 Sunwood Drive NW • Ramsey, Minnesota 55303 City Ilall: 763-427-1410 • Fax: 763-427-5543 www.ci.ramsey.mn.us 13 February 2009 William Maertz Director of Parks and Recreation 1104 Lions Park Drive Elk River, MN 55330 Subj: Mississippi River trail project Dear Bill, The purpose of this correspondence is to offer an enthusiastic recommendation for. the construction of the trail connecting Ells River's downtown to Babcock Memorial Park. At the city of Ramsey's Park and Recreation Commission meeting of February 12~, 2009, the Commission discussed Elk River's proposal. The Commission unanimously directed staff to support your project in any manner we can. As you know, for many years our cities have been coordinating future trail connections -with the trail along the Mississippi being of the highest priority. The other high priority shared by Elk River and Ramsey is offering multi. modal transportation choices along the U.S glwy #10 corridor to mitigate the significant auto traffic along this route. When this connection is made, the Babcock trail will be a key element of this goal. , The other observation that I would offer, is that MnDot's park or wayside rest is presently somewhat underutilized. Providing a safe pedestrian route within easy walking distance. of Elk River's downtown would provide for better utilization of this resource along the Wild and Scenic Mississippi River. It probably goes with out saying, but our residents are also looking for locations for low cost recreation, of which this is a great example. In addition to meeting expectations for walkable communities, residents are also seeking locations with which to conduct their personal fitness regiments, which this project fufills as well.