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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 /> 55 City of Elk River-Parks and Recreation Master Plan <br />