8.1 PRSR 05-13-2020 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

The Elk River Vision A welcoming community with revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional service, and community engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity Request for Action To Parks and Recreation Commission Item Number 8.1 Agenda Section Discussion Meeting Date May 13, 2020 Prepared by Michael Hecker, Parks and Recreation Director Item Description WTRP Great Northern Trail – Watson Street Parking Reviewed by Cal Portner, City Administrator Reviewed by Action Requested Discussion. Background/Discussion Watson Street resident Daryl Thompson contacted me with a request to close the Watson street entrance to the WTRP Great Northern Trail (GNT). I asked him to send me his concerns and request via email attached. Daryl feels that there is too much traffic on Watson Street and the number of visitors using the street to park and access WTRP has dramatically increased. Staff and police have observed a substantial increase in the usage of WTRP during the COVID-19 pandemic. The subject of Watson Street Parking to access Woodlands has come before the Commission several times. The most recent discussion was October 17, 2017 when two residents of Watson Street appeared before the Commission to request a parking lot to take cars off Watson. Staff reviewed the request and recommended to the Commission on November 8, 2017 the public use the current city streets for parking. The Commission recommended no parking lots in this area and to keep parking on the street. While a parking lot is planned for the GNT 221st Avenue area this summer, the city has no plans for a parking lot at Highway 33/Watson Street area. The Watson Street access point from a public safety standpoint is vital to gain access to the GNT for emergency vehicles. Financial Impact N/A Attachments  Daryl Thompson Email Request  Commission November 8, 2017 Staff Report, Minutes and Attachments (4)  Current Aerial Layout  Police Log Watson Street 2019 through April 2020