HomeMy Public PortalAbout02.18.2015 Park Commission PacketMEDINA►
AGENDA
MEDINA PARK COMMISSION
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015 7:00 P.M.
Medina City Council Chambers
City Hall, 2052 County Road 24
1) Call to Order
2) Additions to Agenda
3) Approval of the Minutes from:
• January 21, 2015 Meeting
4) Public Comments (on items not on the agenda)
5) City Council Update
6) Eagle Scout Project - Hamel Legion Park
a) Discuss Site Visits to Hamel Legion Park
7) Three Rivers Park District Presentation on Regional Trail Master Plan
8) Property Resources Development Corporation - PUD Concept Plan for a
Conservation Design subdivision of 42 lots on 170 gross acres located east of
Homestead Trail and west of Deerhill Road - Park Dedication Discussion
9) 2015 Goals Review
10) Staff Report
a) General Items
11) Adjourn
Posted2/11/2015 Pa•e 1 of 1
MEMORANDUM
TO: Medina Park Commission
FROM: Jodi Gallup, Assistant to City Administrator
DATE OF REPORT: February 11, 2015
DATE OF MEETING: February 18, 2015
SUBJECT: Park Commission Meeting Report
2. Additions to Agenda
If any Park Commissioner wishes to add an item to the agenda after the agenda has
already been posted, the agenda item must be proposed at this point in the meeting. The
Park Commission must agree to add the item by motion.
5. City Council Update
This is a reoccurring agenda item to have the City Council Liaison to the Park
Commission, Lorie Cousineau, give an update at each meeting on what is happening at
the Council level.
6. Eagle Scout Project — Hamel Legion Park
Griffin Schneider will be at the meeting to present his updated plan to the Park
Commission on a request to complete an Eagle Scout Project at Hamel Legion Park.
Please visit Hamel Legion Park as our first site visit prior to Wednesday's meeting to
look specifically at the location of these bleachers, the flag pole, monument, etc.
See attached presentation.
Recommended Action: Make recommendation on possible Eagle Scout Project.
7. Three Rivers Park District Presentation on Proposal Regional Trail Master Plan
Three Rivers Park District's Planner Ann Rexine will be at the meeting to present their
updated regional trail master plan. Please take the time to read through this plan and be
prepared to ask any questions of Ann Rexine since she is taking the time to come to our
meeting. This new plan shows a proposed regional trail to connect from Baker Park
Reserve to Carver Park Reserve (a distance of 17 miles). The portion of the regional trail
in the City of Medina is fully contained within Baker Park Reserve, connecting west to
the City of Maple Plain. If the Park Commission is in support of the proposed trail, Three
Rivers Park District has asked us to submit a resolution of support to be incorporated into
their master plan submittal to the Metropolitan Council.
See attached plan.
Recommended Action: Make recommendation on a resolution of support.
1
8. Property Resources Development Corporation — PUD Concept Plan for a Conservation
Design subdivision of 42 lots on 170 gross acres located east of Homestead Trail and west of
Deerhill Road — Park Dedication Discussion
Planning Consultant Nate Sparks' report outlines the applicant's request to subdivide 170 gross
acres into a 42 lot conservation design subdivision. The plan proposes approximately 33% of the
buildable land area (-40 acres) to be placed in conservation and proposes trails generally in
locations shown in Master Plan. The Park Commission should review the trails and other park
and trail considerations and provide comments to the applicant.
See attached report.
Recommended Action: Provide comments to applicant on park, trail, and open space
components of the Concept Plan and on possible recommendation for park dedication.
9. 2015 Goal Setting Session
Attached is the updated list of 2015 goals per the Park Commission's discussion at the January
meeting. Chair Steve Lee would like each member to adopt or lead a team on one of the goals for
2015. This would include setting timeframes for reports and discussions. Also, each member
should pick one park to spearhead the discussion on that park.
See attached list of goals.
Recommended Action: Pick goals and parks to lead; schedule spring park tour.
10. Staff Report
a. General Items. This agenda item is to give a verbal update on any other general park
items.
Staff representation at the February 18th Park Commission meeting will be Assistant to City
Administrator Jodi Gallup and Public Works Director Steve Scherer.
2
Medina Park Commission Meeting Minutes - DRAFT
January 21, 2015
Medina City Hall
Page 1 of 4
The Park Commission of Medina, Minnesota met in regular session on January 21, 2015 at 7:00
p.m. at Medina City Hall. Park Commission Vice Chair Madeleine Linck presided.
1) Call to Order
Commissioners Present: Madeleine Linck, Steve Lee, Lori Meehan, Nate Pearson,
Dino DesLauriers, Robin Reid, and John Jacob
Commissioners Absent: None
Also Present: City Council member Lorie Cousineau, Public Works
Director Steve Scherer and Assistant to City Administrator
Jodi Gallup
2) Introduction of New Park Commissioners
The two new Park Commissioners, Robin Reid and John Jacob, introduced themselves to
the Park Commission. Then the other Park Commissioners introduced themselves to
Robin Reid and John Jacob.
3) Appointment of Officers: Chair, Vice Chair & Secretary
A motion was made by Linck and seconded by Meehan to nominate and appoint Steve
Lee as Chair. Motion passed unanimously.
A motion was made by Meehan and seconded by Lee to nominate and appoint Madeleine
Linck as Vice Chair. Motion passed unanimously.
A motion was made by DesLauriers and seconded by Meehan to nominate and appoint
Nate Pearson as Secretary. Motion passed unanimously.
4) Additions to the Agenda: None.
5) Approval of Minutes:
• December 17, 2014 Meeting
A motion was made by Linck and seconded by Pearson to approve the minutes from
December 17, 2014 as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
6) Public Comments (on items not on the agenda): None.
7) City Council Update
Lorie Cousineau introduced herself to the Park Commission as their new City Council
liaison and gave them an update on City Council actions since the last time the Park
Commission met.
8) Eagle Scout Project — Hamel Legion Park
Medina Park Commission Meeting Minutes - DRAFT
January 21, 2015
Medina City Hall
Page 2 of 4
Griffin Schneider briefly reviewed the original scope of his Eagle Scout Project to
include concrete slabs for the bleachers, moving the monument and flag pole, painting
dugouts, creating dugout maintenance signs and conducting annual field maintenance. He
stated that the revised scope of the project includes less concrete for the bleacher slabs,
not painting the dugouts, moving the monument, leaving the flag pole in its existing
location, but possibly replacing it, creating the dugout maintenance signs and conducting
the annual field maintenance.
Schneider reviewed the funding for the project. He stated that Bill DesLauriers has
offered to donate his time in supervising the finishing of the equipment. He stated that the
concrete will cost approximately $1,000, mesh will cost $167.05 and the preparation will
cost between $300 - $500 in materials, equipment and labor.
Schneider stated that he received two quotes on the maintenance signs and the low quote
was with Fast Signs costing $37.86 per sign for a Dibond 13x20 sign.
Schneider stated that the current flag pole is rusting and he would like to ask the Hamel
Lion's for a donation to replace it. He is proposing to replace the flag pole with a
galvanized steel pole which will help keep it from rusting in the future. Schneider also
noted that he has already received a new flag donated by the American Legion.
Discussion took place on the need to light the flag pole. It was noted that the flag would
be removed after each game so a light would not be necessary.
Schneider stated that the last item would be to move the monument. He stated that his
crew would coordinate and provide the labor to move the monument to wherever the city
wanted it to be placed.
Schneider noted that his next steps would be to meet with Bill DesLauriers, Ted Fust and
Steve Scherer to finalize the details on the concrete and to meet with the Hamel Athletic
Club to finalize the wording and design of the maintenance signs.
Schneider asked to revisit the updated concrete proposal by the city and stated that he
would like to provide a counter proposal to connect the concrete slabs and bring the
concrete up to the field so there would be no grass between the field and bleachers.
Scherer stated that there does not need to be grass in-between the concrete slabs and the
fields. He suggested filling that area with ag lime because the grass would be difficult to
grow in that location and it would always be muddy.
Medina Park Commission Meeting Minutes - DRAFT
January 21, 2015
Medina City Hall
Page 3 of 4
DesLauriers stated that he had met on site with Pearson and Scherer and they felt it would
be too much concrete if it was all connected and wrapped around to the dugouts. He
stated that the city has its own projects to do up there, including cleaning up where the
building is located before too much new concrete is put down.
Lee stated that he liked where this project was heading, but felt the Park Commission still
needed more information before recommendations could be made. He suggested that
Pearson, DesLauriers, Jacob, and Scherer meet on site again with the Hamel Hawks to
further discuss the concrete. He noted that a bigger slab of concrete would need more
reinforcement and solid pricing needs to be figured out.
9) Resolution of Support for Three Rivers Park District Proposed Regional Trail
Master Plan
Gallup stated that Three Rivers Park District has updated their regional trail master plan
and has asked for the City of Medina's support before they submit it to the Metropolitan
Council.
It was noted that the plan shows a proposed regional trail connection from Baker Park
Reserve to Carver Park Reserve, which is a 17 mile connection. The portion of the
regional trail in Medina is fully contained within Baker Park Reserve, connecting west to
the City of Maple Plain.
The Park Commission discussed the regional trail connection and was generally in
support of the concept, but they did not feel like they had enough information to formally
support the trail connection. There was some concern with not knowing where the
specific trails were being proposed along the route.
Gallup suggested inviting Three Rivers Park District to a future meeting to present the
plan to the Park Commission for further consideration.
10) 2015 Goal Setting Session
The Park Commission created the following goals for 2015:
• Plan the spring park tour in March.
• Discuss possible participation in Clean-up Day in March.
• Discuss holding a bird watch/nature walk in April.
• Review the Capital Improvement Plan in June after the spring park tour.
• Discuss participation in Medina Celebration Day in August.
• Discuss grant opportunities as they arise.
Medina Park Commission Meeting Minutes - DRAFT
January 21, 2015
Medina City Hall
Page 4 of 4
• Update the Friends of the Park Program. Meehan and Linck have volunteered to
spearhead this task.
• Review the Park & Trail Master Plan and make any updates prior to August
before the Comprehensive Plan Committee starts looking at it.
• Propose new signage for Lakeshore Park. Lee and Gallup will take a lead on this
task.
• Complete the Park and Fields of Medina. DesLauriers and Pearson will continue
to serve on this committee.
• Conduct site visits for one park before each Park Commission meeting to discuss
that park in detail and any planned park improvements. The Park Commission
will visit Hamel Legion Park to look at the proposed concrete location prior to the
February meeting and Holy Name Park prior to the March meeting.
• Add a plaque recognizing Terry Tomann at Tomann Preserve.
Gallup will bring back an updated goals document for further review by the Park
Commission next month. It was noted that the Park Commissioners should continue to
bring this document with them to future meetings to reference the planned park
improvements as each park is discussed in detail.
A brief discussion took place on the need for soccer nets in the city and if residents had
been surveyed or if people have shown an interest in soccer. It was noted that soccer nets
were added to the plan because the city had existing baseball fields in many of the parks,
but no soccer nets. It was determined that the soccer nets would be added for casual
recreational use and would not be used for formal league play.
11) Staff Report
• Scherer stated that the City has just hired an additional full-time Public Works
employee, which he hopes will be able to help with some of the City's park needs.
He noted that the city is not in a place to hire a full-time Park Department staff at
this time.
• Gallup reminded everyone to review the 2015 roster for Park Commission
representation at City Council meetings.
12) Adjourn
A motion was made by DesLauriers, seconded by Reid and passed unanimously, to
adjourn the meeting.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:16 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Jodi Gallup.
Hamel Legion Field
Griffin Schneider
Eagle Scout Project
February 18, 2015
Project Overview
1
Concrete pad
for bleachers
Participants
r
Site Prep — City of Medina
Funding Sources
City of Medina
Framing & Finishing — Hamel Hawks Bill Deslauriers
and Boy Scouts
Concrete — City of Medina
City of Medina
Relocate Boys Scouts, Hamel Hawks No cost
monument
New flagpole
Boy Scouts, Hamel Hawks
Dugout Field Boy Scouts, Hamel Hawks
Maintenance
Signs
Spread
infield aglime
City of Medina, Boy Scouts and Hamel
Hawks
Hamel Lions &
Legion
Pine Tar Academy
Material provided
by City of Medina
Cost
*
N/A
$3,500 -
$4,500 *
$0
Donated
Donated
*
* To be provided by City of Medina
Proposed Concrete Configuration
—
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dc. 41 3 .11., II. L, I d be.
0.0,-,r, 4.-....— 0.0
13.kits.,3 4%,,,t....?
"'
E
12' x 18'
• Of3
-F
'12 x 33' 12' x 18'
Total 828 square feet
3
Agreed Upon Concrete Configuration
15' x 18'
13' b x 16' h
`17x33'
13'b x 16'h
Approx. 1341 square feet or 15 yards of concrete
15' x 18'
Layout
Proposed
Monument
Site
Proposed
Areas for
Concrete
Current
Monument
& Flag Pole
Appendix
Additional details about proposed field
improvements and maintenance
Concrete Pad
• Site Prep
— City of Medina would prep and grade the site in
connection with other grading done at the field
• Forms, finishing equipment will be donated by
Bill Deslauriers, who will also supervise
finishing
• Scouts will provide labor for construction of
forms, rebar and finishing
Dugout Signs
• 2 Quotes
— Fast Signs (Minnetonka) - Dibond (aluminum with
plastic core) 13"x20" $37.86 per sign +mounting
supplies
— Go2 (Hamel) $400 +mounting supplies
• Donation from Pine Tar Academy (list website
at bottom of sign)
• Scouts would provide labor to mount the signs
in dugouts according to specifications
Flagpole
• Hamel Lions donated $500 for new pole
• 27' continuous pole
• Ted Fust will coordinate removal and
installation
• Delivery and any other extras would be
covered by Hamel Legion (about $100)
Monument
• We will move to location desired by the city
• Ted Fust will coordinate relocation and
equipment and scouts will provide labor
Infield Ag Lime
• City to provide 2 truck loads
• Hamel Hawks will provide supervision and
scouts will provide labor
THANK YOU!
Hamel Memorial Park
BASEBALL FIELD MAINTENANCE
AFTER EVERY PRACTICE & GAME THE FOLLOWING
FIELD MAINTENANCE ITEMS MUST BE COMPLETED!
1. Rake home plate area.
2. Rake Mound, includes packing in extra clay, if necessary.
3. Rake 1st and 3rd baselines lengthwise from home plate, around the
bases and bullpens. Never rake across baselines.
4. Remove bases and replace with plugs.
5. Pick up dirt from around the infield. This mainly occurs between the
pitchers mound and home plate.
6. Broom off all grass/infield edges.
7. Tarp home plate and mound area.
8. Brush out dugouts, both home and away.
9. Pick up trash in both dugouts.
10. Lock storage shed.
Other Reminders!
1. Drag is not to be used on the mound or baselines to home plate &
the home plate area. Raking only.
2. When raking the field ensure not to push dirt towards the grass line,
as doing so will create "lips".
3. Do not drag the tarp across the grass or walk on top of the tarps.
4. Do not play catch or pepper in front of dugouts.
5. No heavy equipment should be driven over the mound.
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the mission of Three Rivers Park District
is to promote environmental stewardship through recreation and
education in a natural resources -based park system.
Three Rivers Park District was established in 1957 after legislation was enacted in 1955 allowing for the
activation of park districts whose primary duties are 'acquisition, development and maintenance of large
parks, wildlife sanctuaries, forest and other reservations, and means for public access to historic sites and
to lakes, rivers and streams and to other natural phenomena" (Minnesota State Statutes, Chapter 398.07).
There are more than 10 million annual visits to more than 26,500 acres of park reserves, regional parks and
special -use areas in Hennepin and five adjoining counties and 120 miles of regional trails. Current outdoor -
recreation activities in regional parks and trails include camping, hiking, cross-country and downhill skiing,
tubing, bicycling, in -line skating, horseback riding, nature interpretation, golfing, fishing and swimming.
Three Rivers Park District also operates a natural resources management program, which administers the
restoration and perpetuation of both native wildlife and plants in order to provide park and trail visitors
opportunities for high -quality recreational experiences.
Board of Commissioners
Penny Steele, District 1
Term Expires 12/31/16
❑ Corcoran, Greenfield, Hanover, Independence,
Long Lake, Loretto, Maple Plain, Medicine Lake,
Medina, Minnetrista, Minnetonka Beach, Mound,
New Hope, Orono (precincts I, 3 & 4), Plymouth,
Rockford, Rogers, Spring Park, St. Bonifacius,
Wayzata
Jennifer DeJournett, District 2
Term Expires 12/31/14
❑ Brooklyn Park (all precincts except WI-0 & WI-R),
Champlin, Dayton, Maple Grove, Osseo
Daniel Freeman, Vice Chair, District 3
Term Expires 12/31/16
❑ Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park (only precincts
WI-0 & Wl-R), Crystal, Golden Valley, Hopkins
(precinct 2), Robbinsdale, St. Anthony, St. Louis
Park
John Gunyou, Chair, District 4
Term Expires 12/31/14
❑ Deephaven, Edina, Excelsior, Greenwood,
Hopkins (all precincts except 2), Minnetonka,
Orono (precinct 2), Richfield (all precincts except
6 & 9), Shorewood, Tonka Bay, Woodland
John Gibbs, District 5
Term Expires 12/31/16
❑ Bloomington, Chanhassen, Eden Prairie, Fort
Snelling, Richfield (precincts 6 & 9)
Larry Blackstad, Hennepin County Appointee
Term Expires 12/31/14
❑ Serves at large
Steven Antolak, Hennepin County Appointee
Term Expires 12/31/16
❑ Serves at large
Three Rivers Park District
Acknowledgements
Three Rivers Park District (Park District) gratefully acknowledges the staff, community members and other
participants who contributed to the Baker/Carver Regional Trail Master Plan.
The Park District extends a special thank you to the individuals listed below who provided guidance, time,
questions, and critical insight throughout the process.
City Representatives
City of Minnetrista
David Abel, Community Development Director
City of Independence
Toni Hirsch, City Administrator
City of Maple Plain
Tessia Melvin, City Administrator (present)
Jason Ziemer, City Administrator (former)
Park District Project Staff
Ann Rexine, Planner
Eric Nelson, Senior Manager of Engineering
Heather Kuikka, Planning Administrative Specialist
Kelly Grissman, Director of Planning
Stephen Shurson, Landscape Architect
Agency Representatives
MN Department of Natural Resources
Laura Preus, Natural Resources Program Manager
Hennepin County Department of
Transportation
Bob Byers, P.E.
Park District Leadership Staff
Boe R. Carlson, Superintendent
and Secretary to the Board
Thomas K. McDowell, Associate Superintendent
Division of Recreation, Education & Natural Resources
Jonathan Vlaming, Associate Superintendent
Division of Planning, Design & Technology
Baker/Carver Regional Trail Master Plan, November 2014
iii
This page left intentionally blank
iv
Three Rivers Park District
Executive Summary
The Baker/Carver Regional Trail will fill a gap in the regional park and trail system with a safe, accessible
and enjoyable recreation and alternative transportation option. Currently, southwestern suburban
Hennepin County residents do not have access to a convenient and attractive off -road regional trail that
supports a north/south connection. The Baker/Carver Regional Trail will expand recreational access to
park and trail facilities, residential neighborhoods, commercial nodes and downtown Maple Plain - which in
turn supports bicycle and pedestrian mobility and economic development.
When completed, the trail will measure approximately seventeen miles from the Lake Independence
Regional Trail in Baker Park Reserve to the Lake Minnetonka LRT Regional Trail in Carver Park Reserve. The
regional trail will connect the Hennepin County communities
of Medina, Maple Plain, Independence and Minnetrista and
the Carver County communities of Laketown Township and
Victoria. Users will have the ability to effectively traverse the
entire north/south length of western Hennepin County.
The proposed regional trail will directly connect recreational
destinations such as Baker and Carver Park Reserves, Gale
Woods Farm, and Kingswood Park in addition to Lake Minnetonka
LRT, Dakota Rail and Lake Independence Regional Trails - and
the Luce Line State Trail, and will indirectly connect to Lake
Minnetonka Regional Park. Some segments of the proposed
trail already exist, or are planned for construction funding in
the future.
Originally a city of Minnetrista initiative, Three Rivers Park
District assumed responsibility of the Baker/Carver Regional
Trail planning in 2012. The proposed regional trail search corridor
was expanded beyond the initial Minnetrista planning to include
connection to Baker Park Reserve through the communities of
Independence, Maple Plain and Medina.
Baker/Carver Regional Trail Alignment
Source: Three Rivers Park District
Baker/Carver Regional Trail Master Plan, November 2014
v
The Baker/Carver Regional Trail Master Plan is intended to reflect and expand upon the work done by
Minnetrista and further incorporate the larger regional context and destinations.
Active use of the Baker/Carver Regional Trail is expected to provide walking/hiking, bicycling, running/
jogging, in -line skating, and dog walking opportunities during the non -winter months. The Park District's
seasonal -use data of existing regional trails indicates that significant use of the trail will occur in the
spring, summer and fall seasons. Winter use of the Baker/Carver Regional Trail is dependent on weather
conditions and independent winter use agreements with local communities to maintain and operate the
trail during the winter season (defined as November 15 to March 31). When fully constructed, the Baker/
Carver Regional Trail is projected to generate 183,000 annual visits.
In summary, the Baker/Carver Regional Trail is estimated to require at minimum; 1) acquisition costs:
$435,700, 2) construction costs: $10,300,000, 3) one-time costs (maintenance equipment or similar):
$100,000 and 4) annual costs: $5,000 for natural resource management and $60,000 for maintenance.
Minnetrista
Whale Tail take
Maple
Plain
Independence
Kingsw8od Park
Mound
Lake Minnetonka
Regional Park
Carver
Park Reserve
Victoria
Laketown 0
Township
Orono
Baker
Park
Reserve
Lake
Minnetonka
Sources' Evi, HERE, OeLorme, Tom, ntermac, in t P Corp., GEBCO, USGS. FAO„NPS
NRCAN. GeoBase. IGN. Kadaster NL, eldnance Surveye Esn Japan, MEN. Esri China (Hong Kong),_.
swiastopo. Mao/mind., ® OpenIs -, Map contributors, and the GIS User Community
Baker/Carver Regional Trail Segmentation
Source: Three Rivers Park District
Segment A I Downtown Maple Plain
Lake Independence
Regional Trail
(Baker Park
Reserve)to Luce
Line State Trail
Medina, Maple Plain
and Independence
Future
Construction
2.25 miles
Segment B i Luce Line State Trail
Luce Line State Trail
Independence
Constructed
(unpaved)
2.16 miles
Segment C I Kingswood
Luce Line State Trail
to CR 15 (through
Kingswood Park)
Independence and
Minnetrista
Future
Construction
3.26 miles
Segment D 1 Gale Woods Farm
CR 15 to Dakota
Rail Regional Trail
(through Gale
Woods Farm)
Minnetrista
Future
Construction
0.9 miles
Segment E 1 Dakota Rail Regional Trail
Dakota Rail
Regional Trail
Minnetrista
Constructed
1.28 miles
Segment F I Six Mile Marsh
Dakota Rail
Regional Trail to
Kings Point Road
Minnetrista
Future
Construction
1.53 miles
Segment G I Woodland Cove
Kings Point Road
to TH 7 (through
Woodland Cove)
Minnetrista
Anticipated
Construction
2014-2019
1.70 miles
Segment H 1 Carver Park Reserve I
TH 7 to Lowry
Nature Center
(through Carver
Park Reserve)
Laketown Township
Anticipated
Construction
2019
1.71 miles
Segment I I Carver Park Reserve II
Lowry Nature
Center (through
Carver Park
Reserve) to Lake
Minnetonka LRT
Regional Trail
Laketown Township
and Victoria
Constructed
2.25 miles
Total: 17.04 miles
vi
Three Rivers Park District
Table of Contents
Page
Section I Planning Framework 1-3
Overview 1
Metropolitan Regional Parks System 2-3
Three Rivers Park District 3
Regional Trail Planning Guidelines 3
Section II Planning & Public Process 5-9
Background 5-7
Dissemination of Information 7-8
Feedback Received 8-9
Future Public Engagement 9
Related Projects & Plans 9
Section III Demand Forecast 11-15
Overview 11
Recreation UseTrends 11-13
Existing Three Rivers Park District User Data 13
Demographics 13-14
Projected Trail Use 14
Section IV Trail Route Description & Development Concept 17-30
Overview 17
Trail Segmentation 18-30
Section V Design Guidance 31-37
Overview 31
Permitted Regional Trail Use 32
Access to All 32
Design Guidelines 33-34
Additional Trail Elements 34-37
Baker/Carver Regional Trail Master Plan, November 2014
vii
Section VI Operations & Maintenance Plan 39-43
Public Safety 39-40
Natural & Cultural Resources 40
Maintenance 40-42
General Operations & Considerations 42-43
Section VII Implementation, Estimated Costs, & Funding 45-47
Acquisition Plan and Costs 45-46
Development Plan and Costs 46
Acquisition and Development Funding 46
Potential Funding Sources 46-47
Appendix A Resolution of Support 49
Appendix B Visitation Estimate Methodology 55
Appendix C Regional Trail Segmentation Maps 59
Appendix D Minnesota Land Cover Classification System (MLCCS) Map 71
Appendix E Property Acquisition Map 75
Appendix F Cost Estimate 79
vin
Three Rivers Park District
Planning Framework
The Baker/Carver Regional Trail will fill a gap in the regional park and trail system with a safe, accessible
and enjoyable recreation and alternative transportation option. Currently, southwestern suburban
Hennepin County residents do not have access to a convenient and attractive off -road regional trail that
supports a north/south connection. The Baker/Carver Regional Trail will expand recreational access to
park and trail facilities, residential neighborhoods, commercial nodes and downtown Maple Plain - which
in turn supports bicycle and pedestrian mobility and economic development.
When completed, the trail will measure
approximately seventeen miles from the
Lake Independence Regional Trail in Baker
Park Reserve (City of Medina) to the Lake
Minnetonka LRT Regional Trail in Carver Park
Reserve, through the cities of Maple Plain,
Independence, and Minnetrista in Hennepin
County and Laketown Township and the City of
Victoria in Carver County. As the regional trail
connects to the existing Lake Independence
Regional Trail, users can continue on the Lake
Independence Regional Trail to reach Crow -
Hassan Park Reserve, another ten miles -
effectively traversing the entire north/south
length of western Hennepin County and creating
a desirable recreation opportunity which also
serves as an alternative transportation option
(Figure 1).
Figure 1
Baker/Carver Regional Trail 1 County Context
Source: Three Rivers Park District
Crow River
Regional Trail
Lake Independence hp
Regional Trail r"''
Medicine take
Regional Trail
Sarah Creek
Regional Trail
Luce Line
State Trail
Luce Line
Regional Trail
Dakota Rail ua=
Regional Trail
Lake Minnetonka LRT
Regional Trail
Proposed
Regional Trail
Minnesota River Bluffs LRT
Regional Trail
Rush Creek
Regional Trail
Crystal Lake Shingle Creek
Regional Trail \ Regional Trail
North Cedar Lake
Regional Trail
Mississippi
River Trail
TWill Lakes
Regional Trail
Regional Trail
` , Bassett Creek
Regional Trail
Cedar Lake LRT
Regional Trail
—1!
Intercity
Regional Trail
Three Rivers Park District i Regional Trail System
Open Alternative Route
Under Construction "\_., Future Planning
•-•\._.. Current Planning Lakes
NORTH
Baker/Carver Regional Trail Master Plan, November 2014
1
Specifically, the proposed regional trail will directly
connect recreational destinations such as Carver
and Baker Park Reserves, Gale Woods Farm, and
Kingswood Park in addition to Lake Minnetonka LRT,
Dakota Rail and Lake Independence Regional Trails
- and the Luce Line State Trail, and will indirectly
connect to Lake Minnetonka Regional Park. Some
segments of the proposed trail already exist, or are
planned for construction funding in the near future
(explained further in Section VII). These portions
include sections through Carver Park Reserve, the
crossing of Highway 7 and the two shared segments
along the Dakota Rail Regional Trail and Luce Line
State Trail (Figure 2).
Metropolitan Regional Parks System
The Twin Cities' nationally renowned Metropolitan
Regional Parks System significantly contributes to
the area's high quality of life. Establishing green
space for recreation and resource protection
enhances the region's livability and economic
strength. The Metropolitan Regional Parks System
includes 51 regional parks and park reserves, 38
regional trails with 231 miles open to the public,
seven special recreation features and is still
growing (Figure 3). Currently, there are 54,633
acres of protected land open for public use, with
planned acquisition of an additional 15,000 acres
over the next 20 years. The Metropolitan Regional
Parks System is made up of 10 park implementing
agencies consisting of six county park departments,
three city park departments, and the Park District.
The Metropolitan Council is the regional planning
agency that oversees and provides partial funding of
the acquisition, development, and operation of the
regional parks and trail system. The Metropolitan
Council and implementing agencies also develop
regional park policies to protect the region's water
quality; promote best management practices; and
help integrate the parks system with housing,
transportation, and other regional priorities.
The Metropolitan Council provides guidance in
the development of regional park and trail master
plans. The Baker/Carver Regional Trail Master
Plan reflects that guidance. Each regional park
or trail must have a master plan approved by the
Trail Status
PS/ Proposed e T. atoMePeele
•,, Proposed RegionatT ICurrentPOeainn
.1/4, Three Rivers Park o,=,re, Regional Trans Open to. Public
.N., wee lane State Toll
raJr,�rn Jrnrr
Plain r-
Independence
Minnetrista
_ Kmgsw:ood Park
Gale
Woods
Farm
Lake M,nnetonka
Regional Park
Carver
Park Reserve
Baker
Park
Reserve
="2.
6E sei- nsne}}'iona aPtdt.
Figure 2
Baker/Carver Regional Trail Alignment & Status
Source: Three Rivers Park District
Figure
CARVER
3
�T-1El
THREE
RIVERS
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SCOTT
oovie-Ken
Leder Lr Farm
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DAKOTA
Metropolitan Regional Parks System Update
Baker/Carver Regional Trail is identified by the black circle.
Source: Metropolitan Council - 2030 Regional Policy Plan
2
Three Rivers Park District
Metropolitan Council prior to receiving Metropolitan
Council funding. The master plan must address
boundaries and acquisition, demand, development
concept, implementation schedule, development
and operational costs, and natural resources.
Public input is encouraged throughout the master
planning process. The Metropolitan Council's
planning requirements help ensure consistency
between the implementing agencies' and their own
regional plans.
Three Rivers Park District
The Park District is an independent, special
park district charged with the responsibilities of
acquisition, development, and maintenance of
regional park reserves, parks, special recreation
features, and trails for the benefit and use of the
citizens of suburban Hennepin County, the seven -
county Twin Cities metropolitan area, and the State
of Minnesota. The Park District works cooperatively
with local communities, counties, public agencies,
the Metropolitan Council, and the State Legislature.
The Park District's mission is to promote
environmental stewardship through recreation
and education in a natural resources -based park
system. The Park District was established in 1957
by the Minnesota State Legislature when prominent
members of the community promoted the benefits
of parks in the outlying areas of Hennepin County.
Since its inception, the Park District has grown to
serve more than 10 million annual visitors through
access to 26,500 acres of park reserves, regional
parks, special recreation features, and 120 miles of
regional trails.
Regional Trail Planning Guidelines
The Park District manages its lands under four
categories of regional open space: regional park
reserves, regional parks, regional special recreation
features, and regional trail corridors.
Regional trail corridors, such as the Baker/Carver
Regional Trail, are intended to provide recreational
travel along linear pathways that transcend multiple
jurisdictions and may or may not also serve a
transportation component. In addition, regional
trails follow criteria established by the Metropolitan
Council and Park District:
❑ Regional trail corridors are carefully selected
to follow natural or cultural linear features with
scenic appeal and/or historical, architectural and
developmental interest, connect people with
places, help create a sense of place amongst
the greater community, intersect with local
trail, sidewalk, and bicycle networks, provide
access to mass transit, and link components of
the regional park system together.
❑ Regional trails may function as a destination or
linking regional trail or both:
❑ Destination regional trails are developed as
greenways or linear parks, and are distinct
in that the trail itself is a destination.
This type of regional trail typically is
an independent facility and includes a
wide corridor providing opportunities
for improving wildlife habitat, protecting
natural/cultural resources, and providing
recreational opportunities.
❑ Linking regional trails serve a greater
transportation function and act as the
backbone to the regional trail system by
connecting the regional park system to
itself and the people it serves in a logical
and efficient manner.
❑ For either regional trail type, adjacent land with
significant natural or cultural resources may be
acquired as part of the trail corridor.
Baker/Carver Regional Trail will serve as both
a destination and linking function; however, its
primary function is that of a destination trail as the
Baker/Carver Regional Trail is routed and intended
to be developed in a manner to integrate natural
resources, expansive viewsheds, and open space
within the trail corridor.
In the future, a formal trail name will be considered
for the Baker/Carver Regional Trail that portrays its
unique destination qualities and provides contextual
relationship for visitors.
Baker/Carver Regional Trail Master Plan, November 2014
3
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4
Three Rivers Park District
Planning & Public Process
Planning for the Baker/Carver Regional Trail began in 2010 as a City of Minnetrista initiative. Minnetrista
city staff began discussions with the Park District on the possibility of a north/south regional trail
connection between Carver Park Reserve, Lake Minnetonka Regional Park, Dakota Rail Regional Trail, Gale
Woods Farm and the Luce Line State Trail. When the Park District assumed planning responsibilities for
the regional trail in 2012, further connections were extended to include Lake Minnetonka LRT Regional
Trail, Kingswood Park, Baker Park Reserve, and the Lake Independence Regional Trail. The Baker/Carver
Regional Trail Master Plan is intended to reflect and expound upon the work done by Minnetrista and
further incorporate the larger aforementioned regional context and destinations.
Background
Initial discussions regarding the Baker/Carver Regional Trail
began with the Woodland Cove residential development,
a 500-acre subdivision located on the southern shore of
Halsted Bay (Lake Minnetonka) and adjacent to the western
boundary of Lake Minnetonka Regional Park. The Woodland
Cove development is expected to generate over 1,000 new
housing units and double Minnetrista's population base.
It was realized that a significant portion of a regional trail
alignment could be achieved through collaboration among the
developer, Minnetrista and the Park District, as the trail and
natural open space are also desirable amenities to residential
development (Figure 4). Preservation of the regional trail
corridor also provides an opportunity for the developer to
achieve park dedication requirements.
During the Woodland Cove discussions, the regional trail
concept was not yet part of the Metropolitan Council's
Figure 4
Woodland Cove Development - conceptual 2010 trail route
Source: City of Minnetrista & Carlson Real Estate Co.
Baker/Carver Regional Trail Master Plan, November 2014
5
2030 Regional Parks Policy Plan and was not
identified on Park District long-range regional
trail planning maps. As such, Minnetrista led
the initial planning with the agreement that
the Park District would assume the planning
initiative after the City identified a preferred
trail route from Carver Park Reserve to the
Luce Line State Trail.
Minnetrista's planning for the Baker/Carver
Regional Trail eventually spanned two years, as
the City secured the resources of a consultant
to manage the regional trail route planning
and conducted an extensive public process
including community meetings, individual
resident meetings, and focused stakeholder
engagement with the Minnehaha Creek
Watershed District and Park District. Several
trail alignments through Minnetrista were
considered, analyzed and evaluated - with a
decisive route selected south of the Dakota Rail
Regional Trail and a generalized route selected
north of the Dakota Rail Regional Trail to the
Luce Line State Trail. The tangible result of the
city's planning was a series of presentation
boards entitled Minnetrista Regional Trail
Master Plan (Figure 5).
NORTH REGION PLANNING FRAMEWORK
LOH
MINNELEISIA REGIONAL TRAIL
NON IH RLGIu.N'— W�IIH RANKS .AND TEAKS MAY B.ACAGNDL•NLI
IIf
NONNI RECION —
PREFERRED SOUTH FRAIL ALIGNMENT
E[]N
MINNEINK3A REGIONAL TRAIL
Paf MILK Waco. Tau AucNNai
Nry
:I ^Na .n ev�i nl .'�"E.:�•.s,una.1r,5�e.w.�1. M.
r nu! tiff Rai. so s stir maim erilmi 'Lew ir,ithis or sau nsfrurscs.
ve,
ial.�wo Ai Mir 1144�N.y luaF��ue Rla,w_Znn eu.
v.NM1NME 7774y
Coort Rom..
Nov Loom
Minnetrista Regional Trail Master Plan Excerpts (2012)
Source: City of Minnetrista (Schoenbauer Consulting, LLC)
Beginning 2009/10
Baker/Carver
Regional Trail
conceived via
Woodland Cove
residential
development in
Minnetrista. Park
District included
as stakeholder
throughout
Minnetrista's
planning.
Aug. & Nov. 2011
Jan. - Mar. 2012
Minnetrista
hosts
community
meetings
to gain
input from
residents.
Minnetrista
receives Parks
Commission
and City Council
direction regarding
preferred trail
route at public
meetings.
Jan. - April 2012
Jan. - Mar. 2012
Minnetrista
meets with
individual
residents
regarding
concerns.
Minnetrista City
Council approves
preferred trail
route through their
jurisdiction and
transfers further
planning efforts to
the Park District.
N
0
N
n
July 19, 2013
Park District
requests an
amendment to
Met Council 2030
Regional Parks
Policy Plan to
include Baker/
Carver Regional
Trail search
corridor.
Joint Independence and
Maple Plain meeting
with mayors, Park
District and city staff
and Park District Board
of Commissioners
district representative
to discuss general
support and proposed
route alternatives.
August 12, 2013
Park District
staff present
proposed
regional trail to
Maple Plain and
Independence
City Councils
at separate
meetings.
August 15, 2013
Park District staff
attend Maple Plain
Days with display booth
depicting proposed
trail information and
opportunity for the
public to provide written
comments.
September 14, 2013
Park District staff
attend Independence
Heritage Fest
with display booth
depicting proposed
trail information and
opportunity for the
public to provide
written comments.
Figure 6
Baker/Carver Regional Trail Planning Timeline: 2009 - 2014
Source: Three Rivers Park District
6
Three Rivers Park District
Upon assumption of the regional trail planning effort in 2012, the Park District requested, and was granted,
an amendment to the Metropolitan Council's 2030 Regional Parks Policy Plan to include the new regional trail
search corridor as part of the regional parks and trail system plan. During this time, Park District planning
staff also explored the extension of the Baker/Carver Regional Trail search corridor to include regional
connections to the Lake Minnetonka LRT Regional Trail, Kingswood Park, and Baker and Crow -Hassan Park
Reserves. This action further expands the regional importance of the north/south connection in western
Hennepin County. As such, the Cities of Independence and Maple Plain were included in subsequent trail
alignment discussions and efforts to engage the public. The Park District subsequently requested that
the Metropolitan Council include the northerly extension from the Luce Line Regional Trail to Baker Park
Reserve/Lake Independence Regional Trail as part of the Metropolitan Council's 2040 Regional Parks
Policy's System Plan.
A detailed planning timeline provides an overview of actions required to take the Baker/Carver Regional
Trail from inception through public and municipal input, Metropolitan Council review and finally Park
District adoption (Figure 6).
The Baker/Carver Regional Trail Master Plan is intended to reflect and expound upon the work done by
Minnetrista and further incorporate the larger regional context and recreational destinations, support
alternative transportation options and provide an ancillary resource for economic development to
neighboring jurisdictions. As part of the planning process, the Park District built upon the success of many
existing planning efforts, collaborated closely with stakeholders, and utilized a variety of public outreach
and engagement techniques.
Dissemination of Information
A concerted effort was made to ensure that information regarding the proposed regional trail planning
was broadcast in multiple formats. The Park District started a project website where the general public
could receive background information, maps, notices of public meetings and links to submit electronic
and written comments (Figure 7).
October 29, 2013
1"1
Open house held to solicit
public feedback about proposed
routes regarding the Baker/
Carver Regional Trail through
Independence and Maple Plain.
1
Joint Independence and
Maple Plain meeting with
mayors, Park District and
city staff and Park District
Board of Commissioners
representative to discuss
public comments received
and direction for next
steps.
March 2014
Planning Timeline
Independence and
Maple Plain City
Council meetings to
consider preferred
trail route. A
joint resolution of
support is provided.
.a
N
`w
E
u
N
G
Baker/Carver
Regional Trail
Master Plan
submitted to Park
District Board of
Commissioners for
review and release
for public comment.
N
N
Park District
Board of
Commissioners
adopts the
Baker/Carver
Regional Trail
Master Plan.
Formal public
comments taken
via comment card
distributed at
open house and
electronically
through Park
District website.
LI
0
N
ut
m
2
a
d
LL
Joint City of Independence and
Maple Plain workshop to discuss
preferred regional trail route
from Luce Line State Trail to
Baker Park Reserve - including
members of both City Councils,
Planning Commissioners
and Park District Board of
Commissioners.
Park District requests Baker/Carver
Metropolitan Council 2040 a Regional Trail
.y
Regional Parks Policy n Master Plan
Plan's System Plan include submitted to
the northerly extension Metropolitan
from Luce Line State Trail Council for review
to Baker Park Reserve/ p and approval.
Lake Independence
Regional Trail.
Baker/Carver Regional Trail Master Plan, November 2014
r
ThreeRivers
Padre ft Trails
Planning. Design a. Technology
overview 11110mNION-avall censtrucoon Projects
Eveate Napa.
Pe��anaPrra�M st" P n
appriodmatey riles from
&R,e,Par,Pervemhn, Lo:nyThcaefi9 °n,wrconpetoUemeornweBl Data endLab
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�,_N�
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lv,rt.pvte .vovav City rneellos presentolvons end roaster .v draft comment pen. that wIll be remosonlets including the P
°a.rm m vernmentverdn°:cec.°r.Percere
Atimnstreeve Center
Reposed Reglonarrrea - Carver to Bvker Pork Reserves
3011130,vnlum Lime
10,541.1
Hale avrOnePlatanren,elva.e,evr.wck,..na
Figure 7
Baker/Carver Regional Trail Project Website
A planning website was maintained to disseminate
information to the public, available 24/7.
Source: Three Rivers Park District
Th FeeRiver
Preliminary co
Figure 8
Public Comment Summary & Preliminary Cost
Estimate Document Excerpts
Separate document
Source: Three Rivers Park District
The October 29, 2013 open house was advertised
through a number of avenues. Letters to adjacent
trail route properties in Independence and Maple
Plain were mailed by the Park District, inviting
property owners to the open house and to share
their thoughts. Outdoor signage advertising
the open house was placed at key locations: at
Independence and Maple Plain City Halls and the
Baker Park Reserve trailhead parking lot, and along
the Lake Independence Regional Trail. A press
release was issued by the Park District providing
key details to open house prospective attendees.
Local newspapers also published the planning
process in both print and on their own websites.
The Laker & Pioneer newspaper ran an article
entitled, 'Park district proposing new regional
trail" in August 2013 and the Lakeshore Weekly
News ran an article entitled, 'Public is invited to
comment on future trail" in December 2013.
Maple Plain further advertised the Baker/Carver
Regional Trail in its newsletter, the Maple Plain
Insider in December 2013 - inviting the public to
learn more about the regional trail initiative and
submit written pubic comments.
Feedback Received
Public comments received during the planning
process were generally supportive - with
Minnetrista's comments documented as an open-
ended supportive/non-supportive solicitation
(referenced and included in the Minnetrista Regional
Trail Master Plan). Public comments received
by the Park District after its assumption of the
master planning process included residents from
Independence, Maple Plain and the greater region
(separate document). Participants were asked if
they were supportive of the regional trail, which
alternative route they preferred from the Luce Line
State Trail to Baker Park Reserve (the segment not
included in Minnetrista's planning), and finally if
they had any concerns or special considerations.
Overall, 84 percent (45 respondents reporting) were
supportive of the regional trail; however, a clear,
preferred public choice regional trail route was not
apparent from the polling. To gather consensus
between jurisdictions, the Park District provided
8
Three Rivers Park District
the public comments, cost estimates and a pros/
cons matrix to the Independence and Maple Plain
elected officials to collectively discuss a preferred
regional trail route (Figure 8). The result of this
discussion was a mutually agreed upon preferred
trail route that included a direct connection to
downtown Maple Plain.
In 2012, a Minnetrista City Council resolution
included the Baker/Carver Regional Trail in its Parks,
Trails and Open Space Plan and a joint resolution
of support was provided to the Park District by
Maple Plain and Independence City Councils in 2014
(Appendix A).
Future Public Engagement
The Park District will continue to engage the
public through the design and construction phases
of Baker/Carver Regional Trail. While the public
engagement process for these phases has not yet
been defined, the intent is to engage the public
early and often and to balance engagement efforts
between those most affected by the trail with the
greater community and trail users.
Related Projects & Plans
The following plans and concurrent efforts were
referenced during the planning process to ensure
consistency and minimize duplication. Within each
of the projects and plans listed below, the intent
of the regional trail is apparent; however, the
identified route may be slightly different than what
is designated as part of this master plan in response
to the detailed analysis and public engagement
effort.
Minnetrista
❑ Parks, Trails, and Open Space Plan (2005)
and subsequent amendment (2011) to
include planning for the Baker/Carver
Regional Trail
❑ 2030 Comprehensive Plan (2009)
❑ Woodland Cove development (2010 -
present)
Independence
❑ Comprehensive Park, Trail and Open
Space Plan (1992)
❑ Comprehensive Park, Trail and Open
Space Plan Update (2001-2006, draft)
❑ 2030 Comprehensive Plan Update (2010)
Maple Plain
❑ City of Maple Plain Walking and Biking Plan
(2012)
❑ 2030 Comprehensive Plan (2008)
❑ Redevelopment Implementation Plan
(2009)
Hennepin County
❑ Hennepin County Bicycle Transportation
Plan (1997 and 2014 draft update)
Three Rivers Park District
❑ Kingswood Special Recreation Feature
Acquisition Master Plan (2013)
Minnehaha Creek Watershed District
❑ Six Mile Creek Diagnostic Study (2013)
nr,Rivers
Trail Open House
Independence City Hall
R.19 53opm-]:30pm
Along the Lake Independence Regional Trail near Baker
Park Reserve trailhead parking lot.
Along
Highway 12,
adjacent to
Maple Plain
City Hall.
PARK DISTRICT
Trail Open House
Independence City Hall
Oct. 29 5:30pm-7:30pm
Outdoor signage advertising the open house was
placed at key locations.
Source: Three Rivers Park District
Baker/Carver Regional Trail Master Plan, November 2014
9
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10
Three Rivers Park District
Demand Forecast
Baker/Carver Regional Trail is anticipated to become a significant regional trail destination due to its
connectivity with recreational amenities including existing and proposed regional trails, regional
parks and park reserves, in addition to downtown Maple Plain's retail and commercial nodes. The
proposed regional trail will help fill a significant north -south gap in the regional trail system - adding 17
miles, and providing trail users a recreation -based multi -modal, alternative transportation option across
the entire stretch of western Hennepin County.
Recreational Use Trends
National, state, regional, and Park District
recreational use trend studies support continued
expansion, improvement, and implementation of
trails. Recreational studies also indicate that of the
wide varieties of recreation activities, trails appear
to be the common thread across most demographics
groups.
National Trends
National recreation trends compiled within
the Outdoor Recreation Participation Report:
Topline 2013 by the Outdoor Foundation indicate
a clear increase in participation since 2006
in several regional trail activities for persons
over 6 years old: biking (road/paved surface)
2 percent increase; day hiking 16 percent
increase; running/jogging 35 percent increase;
and trail running 32 percent increase. This
same study found that running, jogging, and
trail running is the second most popular adult
activity with 14.9 percent of adults participating
(30.8 million participants); bicycling is the third
most popular adult activity with 12 percent of
adults participating (24.8 million participants);
and hiking is the fourth most popular adult
activity with 11.7 percent adults participating
(24.2 million participants).
The Outdoor Foundation found that accessibility
is a key factor to getting Americans outside. Not
surprisingly, their study found that people with
walking (56 percent participation) and biking
(58 percent participation) routes close to their
home get outside at significantly higher rates
than those without (47 percent participation for
walking and biking).
Statewide Trends
The 2008-2012 State Comprehensive Outdoor
Recreation Plan (SCORP), published by
Minnesota DNR, denotes that of Minnesota
adults, 54 percent participate in walking and 29
percent in biking as recreation activities (Figure
9).
Baker/Carver Regional Trail Master Plan, November 2014
11
Activity
Walking
Boating of all types
Swimming or wading all places
Driving for pleasure on scenic roads
Picnicking
Fishing of all types
Biking outdoors of all types
Visiting outdoor zoos
Camping of all types
Visiting nature center
Outdoor Recreation Activities
of Minnesota Adults
(population 20 years and older, participating annually)
Percent of population
54
43%
41
37
36 i
30
29
27
26 i
25
Top io outdoor recreation activities
Some of Minnesota's popular activities, like walking, are within
a 3o-minute drive of many participants' homes. Others, like
driving and camping, are popular tourist activities. Minnesota
has more boating and fishing participation than any other state.
Figure 9
How Minnesota Adults Recreate Outdoors
Source: MnDNR 2008-2012 SCORP
The SCORP identified the following key trends
and issues that are also relevant to regional
recreational activities and facilities such as the
Baker/Carver Regional Trail area:
❑ Two-thirds of all recreation use occurs within a
half-hour drive from home; creating the need
for outdoor recreation lands near areas of
higher population density and growth.
❑ Sustaining existing outdoor recreation facilities
for future generations remains a key issue.
❑ Obesity rates rose 132 percent in Minnesotans
between 1990 and 2006; creating the need to
improve opportunities for a healthier lifestyle
through outdoor recreation.
❑ The Last Child in the Woods phenomenon
extends to adults; access to "nearby" nature
and frequent unstructured play and exploration
is vital.
❑ The population is aging, more culturally and
ethnically diverse, and more concentrated in
urban and urbanizing areas; changes in who
participates, what activities they participate in,
where they participate, why they participate,
and when they participate are all changing.
The primary goal of the SCORP is to increase
participation in outdoor recreation by all
Minnesotans and visitors. By increasing
recreation facilities and increasing them in
or near populated areas and populated areas
with increasing diverse populations, the Baker/
Carver Regional Trail will help meet this goal
and start to respond to some of the trends and
issues identified in the SCORP.
Regional Trends
The Metropolitan Council's 2030 Regional
Parks Policy Plan notes that, according to the
SCORP, trail recreation is becoming increasingly
important as the interest and demand for more
trails is being felt at all levels of government.
This increased interest in trail recreation reflects
the fact that it is a healthful form of exercise
for people of all age groups; is suitable for all
levels of physical conditioning; can be carried
out by families, groups, or individuals; and is
often available close to home.
Park District Trends
Visitation to the Park District's regional trails
has increased 400 percent from 1999-2009
and is now estimated at approximately 4.1
million visits per year (2013). About half of this
phenomenal growth in visitation is explained by
the growth of the trail network itself, with the
number of miles approximately doubling from 56
miles to 120 miles. Use patterns within the Park
District's system of parks and trails have also
changed in the last 12 years. The Baby Boomers
who used to bring their children to Park District
parks are now empty -nesters, and they have
flocked to the regional trails to get exercise and
to get outdoors. Biking, as an alternative form
of transportation, has gained traction over the
past five years throughout the metro region
and more users are now bike commuting. The
Park District's work with local communities and
Hennepin County has resulted in a regional trail
network that is better connected to the local
12
Three Rivers Park District
"feeder" trail, sidewalk, and bike lane networks,
making the system more accessible to a larger
portion of the population.
In 2011, the Cedar Lake LRT Regional Trail
surpassed 500,000 visits (followed closely
by the North Cedar Lake Regional Trail at
496,000 annual visits) - marking the first time
in the Park District's history that a regional
trail received a half million visits and making
visitation comparable to French Regional Park.
Of the 14 Park District regional trails open in
2013, six received 300,000 or more visits. For
comparison purposes, seven of the 20 parks
and reserves received 300,000 or more visits.
As of 2014, regional trail visits accounted for
over 40 percent of all visits to the Park District's
facilities. Trail visitation is expected to continue
to increase at a rate greater than the expected
increase in population, and to increase at a rate
faster than expected visitation increases to the
Park District's park units.
Demographic Trends
Aging Baby Boomer Generation. The Baby
Boomer generation is one of the Park District's
primary user groups. The U.S. Census Bureau
considers a Baby Boomer to be someone born
during the demographic birth boom between
1946 and 1964 following World War II. The
recreational preferences and habits for this
group are well established and demand for
their preferred activities will continue to be
strong. However, as this group ages, physical
limitations will require some park and trail
visitors to change their recreational activities
from higher intensity activities such as running,
in -line skating, and biking to lower -impact
recreational activities such as walking, nature
observation, and educational opportunities.
Many of these activities are accommodated by
the regional trail system. As this generation
ages, trail use over time may initially decrease
and then increase when the housing stock turns
over to younger families with children.
Immigrant Groups. Metropolitan Council
demographers have identified that about half of
the total increase in population for the region
from 1990 to 2000 was due to immigration of
first -generation U.S. citizens and the births
of their children. This trend was expected to
continue through 2010, if not longer. Within the
region, there are several prevalent immigrant
groups: Hmong/Southeast Asian, Hispanic/
Latino, Somali, and West Africans. To date, this
influx of new immigrant groups are generally
not participating in regional trail use at the same
rates as non-immigrant populations. The Park
District is committed to better understanding
this phenomenon and will continue to
study this further with the ultimate goal of
attracting regional trail users which mirror the
demographics of the region.
Park District Regional Trail User Data
Regional trails are most heavily visited during the
spring, summer, and fall seasons with summer
receiving 40 percent of annual visits, spring and
fall each receiving 25 percent of annual visits,
and winter receiving 10 percent of annual visits.
Winter has seen more seasonal growth, in part due
to warmer winters, the increased use of trails for
commuting, and the use of trails for year-round
exercise regimens.
The trend continues to indicate that biking is, and
will remain, the predominant regional trail activity
at 76 percent, followed by walking (15 percent),
and running (six percent). In -line skating, mobility -
device users and other miscellaneous uses make up
the balance of trail users.
The vast majority of regional trail visitors use
trails for recreation and exercise. However, 12
percent of all regional trail visits are now for
commuting purposes, up from about 1 percent in
1998. Regional trails that are paved, with few stop
conditions, limited interactions with vehicles, and
with seamless connections to employment, retail,
and commercial centers have a greater percentage
of regional trail visits attributed to commuting (19-
28 percent) than regional trails without these three
attributes. While these certainly are not the only
Baker/Carver Regional Trail Master Plan, November 2014
13
factors in determining the desirability of a regional
trail corridor for commuting purposes, they appear
to play an important role.
The 2009 regional trail survey data indicates
that regional trail users are predominantly white
(96 percent), male (60 percent), highly educated
(76 percent have a bachelor's degree or higher),
married/partnered (77 percent), middle-aged (41
percent are in the 45-59 age group), and upper -
middle class (43 percent have household incomes
over $100,000).
With the exception of premier "destination" trails
such as the Dakota Rail Regional Trail, the majority
of use comes from people living within three miles
of the trail corridor. Consequently, the American
Community Survey (2008-2012) demographics
analyzed for the Baker/Carver Regional Trail are
reflective of Park District trail user demographics
as aforementioned.
Several regional trails within the more diverse first -
tier communities (Richfield, Bloomington, Edina,
New Hope, Crystal, Robbinsdale, Brooklyn Center)
are planned for development in the next three
years, and the overall trail visitor profile is expected
to diversify once those trails are open for use.
Trail Visitor Preferences
Bicycle and pedestrian studies from across the
country, and over the last twenty-five years, have
come to the same general conclusions regarding
user preferences - regardless of user type. Trails
with these characteristics will attract visitors from
greater distances, will have greater annual use,
and will produce more enjoyable experiences for
trail users:
❑ Natural settings (scenic, leafy vegetation,
limited evidence of the built environment, etc.
❑ A diversity of natural settings (woodlands,
wetlands, prairies, etc.)
❑ Visual and physical separation from vehicles
❑ A continuous and contiguous route with limited
stop conditions
❑ A smooth surface (either paved or aggregate)
❑ Connectivity with destinations and other
bicycle/pedestrian facilities
❑ Opportunities for loops
❑ Trail amenities - drinking water, mileage
markers, restrooms, and wayfinding
Some bicycle and pedestrian studies also indicate
that participants are willing to spend more money
and travel longer distances to utilize facilities that
incorporate these preferences.
In recognition of user preferences, the Baker/
Carver Regional Trail route was selected to provide
linkages to regional recreation destinations; balance
recreation and natural resources; minimize stop
conditions, provide a safe, off -road, multi -modal
transportation option, and ultimately, increase
the desirability of the regional trail. As such, it is
reasonable to expect that a regional trail, such as
Baker/Carver Regional Trail, that incorporates these
preferences, will be used more and provide a more
enjoyable experience than a regional trail that does
not.
Projected Trail Use & Visitation
The percentage breakdown by activity of Baker/
Carver Regional Trail will generally mirror Park
District regional trail activity trends (Table 1).
Bicycling will be the primary regional trail use, with
ancillary uses such as walking, running and in -
line skating capturing a smaller percentage of the
total use. These expected uses remain consistent
throughout the trail corridor with the exception of
where the regional trail passes through the Maple
Plain downtown commercial area. In this location,
it is anticipated that the regional trail will receive
an increased percentage of pedestrian activity
associated with the sidewalk network.
Seasonal use percentages for the Baker/Carver
Regional Trail are expected to be consistent with
regional trail seasonal use with 90 percent of
visitation occurring in the spring, summer, and
fall seasons (Table 2). Winter use of the Baker/
Carver Regional Trail is dependent on weather
conditions, available budget, and the assistance of
local communities to maintain the trail. At the time
this master plan was written, it is anticipated that
the local communities will maintain the regional
trail during the winter months as resources allow
and demand warrants it.
14
Three Rivers Park District
When fully constructed, the Baker/Carver
Regional Trail is projected to generate 183,000
annual visits. This visitation estimate is
calculated based on the following cumulative
methodology: 1) connectivity to existing
regional recreational amenities, 2) destination
aesthetic qualities along the trail corridor
and, 3) connection to Maple Plain's downtown
(Appendix B).
Metropolitan Council studies indicate that 50
percent of regional trail users live within 0.75
miles from the trail (core service area) and
75 percent of users live within 3 miles of the
trail (primary service area). The core service
area includes the communities of Medina,
Independence, Maple Plain, Minnetrista,
Laketown Township, and Victoria (via
Carver Park Reserve). The primary service
area includes the core service area and
extends further into Medina, Orono, Mound,
Shorewood, and St. Bonifacius (Figure 10).
In addition, due to the regional trail's
destination qualities, it can be expected that
the regional trail will draw users from a larger
Twin Cities service area. This is reemphasized
by the regional trail's proximity to Lake
Minnetonka and looping opportunities to
adjacent trail networks.
Table 1
Regional Trail Use by Activity
Trail Activity
Percent of
Expected Use
Bicycling
76%
Walking/Hiking
15%
Running/Jogging
6%
In -line Skating
2%
Other
1%
Source: Three Rivers Park District
Table 2
Regional Trail Use by Season
Percent of annual
visitation
Projected annual
visitation
Spring Summer Fall Winter
25%
45,750
40%
73,200
25%
45,750
10%
18,300
Source: Three Rivers Park District
Figure 10
Regional Trail Service Area
Two service area categories exemplify core service area
(0.75-mile radius indicated in blue) and primary service
area (3-mile radius indicated in black).
Source: Metropolitan Council & Three Rivers Park District
Baker/Carver Regional Trail Master Plan, November 2014
15
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16
Three Rivers Park District
Trail Route Description & Development Concept
The 17-mile Baker/Carver Regional Trail is planned through the Cities of Medina, Independence, Maple
Plain and Minnetrista in Hennepin County and Laketown Township and City of Victoria in Carver
County. The regional trail will fill a critical north -south gap in the regional trail system while providing a
highly desirable recreation amenity to adjacent communities as well as the greater region. The regional
trail will also incorporate safe crossings of significant pedestrian and bicycle barriers including Highways
7 and 12.
The regional trail is planned as a destination regional
trail spanning some of the most scenic landscapes
within the western Twin Cities metropolitan area.
The incorporation and routing of the regional trail
through Baker Park Reserve, Kingswood Park,
Gale Woods Farm and Carver Park Reserve will
preserve the opportunity for regional trail users to
enjoy and experience some of the region's most
scenic landscapes and areas of high quality natural
resources in perpetuity.
The primary intended use of the regional trail is
recreation. However, the regional trail also will
serve a commuting or transportation function to
those users using the trail corridor to access one
or more of the places of interest along the regional
trail corridor including several existing regional and
state recreational amenities: Lake Independence
Regional Trail, Baker Park Reserve, Luce Line State
Trail, Kingswood Park, Gale Woods Farm, Dakota
Rail Regional Trail, Lake Minnetonka Regional Park
(indirect connection), Carver Park Reserve and
Lake Minnetonka LRT Regional Trail.
The Baker/Carver Regional Trail will traverse some of
the most scenic landscapes within western Hennepin
County.
Top: Carver Park Reserve, Bottom: Gale Woods Farm
Source: Three Rivers Park District
Baker/Carver Regional Trail Master Plan, November 2014
17
Luce Line
Minnetrista
Whale Tail Lake
"Maple;
Plain
Independence
Orono
Kingswaod Park
as 9 net Trott
Mound
Lake Minnetonka
Regional Park
Carver
Park Reserve
Victoria
Laketown 0
Township'
Baker
Park
Reserve
endence
...eev
Lake
Minnetonka
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Figure 11
Baker/Carver Regional Trail Segmentation
Source: Three Rivers Park District
Segment A 1 Downtown Maple Plain
Lake Independence
Regional Trail
(Baker Park
Reserve) to Luce
Line State Trail
Medina, Maple Plain
and Independence
Future
Construction
2.25 miles
Segment B I Luce Line State Trail
Luce Line State Trail
Independence
Constructed
(unpaved)
2.16 miles
Segment C I Kingswood
Luce Line State Trail
to CR 15 (through
Kingswood Park)
Independence and
Minnetrista
Future
Construction
3.26 miles
Segment D 1 Gale Woods Farm
CR 15 to Dakota
Rail Regional Trail
(through Gale
Woods Farm)
Minnetrista
Future
Construction
0.9 miles
Segment E I Dakota Rail Regional Trail
Dakota Rail
Regional Trail
Minnetrista
Constructed
1.28 miles
Segment F I Six Mile Marsh
Dakota Rail
Regional Trail to
Kings Point Road
Minnetrista
Future
Construction
53 miles
Segment G 1 Woodland Cove
Kings Point Road
to TH 7 (through
Woodland Cove)
Minnetrista
Anticipated
Construction
2014-2019
1.70 miles
Segment H I Carver Park Reserve I
TH 7 to Lowry
Nature Center
(through Carver
Park Reserve)
Laketown Township
Anticipated
Construction
2019
1.71 miles
Segment I 1 Carver Park Reserve II
Lowry Nature
Center (through
Carver Park
Reserve) to Lake
Minnetonka LRT
Regional Trail
Laketown Township
and Victoria
Constructed
2.25 miles
Total Miles 17.04
Trail Segmentation
For purposes of further describing the regional trail corridor and associated land acquisition and
development plans, the regional trail is divided into nine segments (Figure 11). Each trail segment
documents its particular location and status, context and destinations, natural resources, Minnesota
Land Cover Classification System (MLCCS), species of special concern, acquisition needs and design and
construction assessment. Larger regional trail segment, MLCCS and acquisition maps can be found in
Appendices C, D & E.F
Upon adoption of the Baker/Carver Regional Trail Master Plan, communities with jurisdictional control
of their street network are encouraged to coordinate with the Park District to realize the regional trail
through road reconstruction and ancillary construction projects. In addition, the Park District will continue
to coordinate with Hennepin County transportation projects to ensure construction of the regional trail
when road reconstruction is slated along the selected route.
18
Three Rivers Park District
Segment A I Downtown Maple Plain
Norlhside
Park
•...Downtown
Maple' Plain\
Main Street/OR 19
Existing
HRWN Signal
Future Railroad
Grassi,
Independence
Segment A Map
Medina
Location and Status
Segment A begins in Baker Park Reserve - linking
to the Lake Independence Regional Trail - and
traverses through Maple Plain downtown and
surrounding residential ares of both Maple Plain
and Independence before connecting to the Luce
Line State Trail. This trail segment is 2.25 miles in
length and is not yet constructed.
Context and Destinations
Extensive evaluation and community input was
collected to select the trail alignment for Segment
A (see Section II and Appendix A). Collective
guidance was received from the Maple Plain and
Independence public and decision -makers to
route the trail.
The recommended route alignment from the
Baker Park Reserve trailhead parking lot follows
the north side of Main Street, across Highway 12
at the existing High -Intensity Activated crossWalk
(HAWK) signal, along the east side of CR 19 and
then along the north side of CR 6 and west side of
CR 110 to the Luce Line State Trail.
The Baker/Carver Regional Trail provides access
to Baker Park Reserve and the Lake Independence
Regional Trail via the trailhead parking lot on
the southwestern edge of the park reserve
adjacent to CR 19. Baker Park Reserve offers
2,700 acres of natural landscape and offers a
range of recreational activities including camping,
water -based recreation, picnicking, play areas,
golfing, horseback riding trails, and cross-country
skiing, sledding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing and
skijoring and dog sledding during the winter
months. Baker Park Reserve is also home to Baker
Near -Wilderness Settlement, an environmental
learning center offering guests the opportunity
to connect with nature and explore the outdoors
overnight.
Home to nearly 2,000 residents, Maple Plain
offers trail users and adjacent residents direct
and indirect access to restaurants and businesses,
a Hennepin County Library branch, city hall,
churches, post office, and the Orono Discover
Center.
With effective dissemination of informational
material, it is surmised that Maple Plain could see
an uptick in visitors using the trail from the Baker
Park Reserve - especially overnight campground
users. Depending on their needs, park users and
campers may visit Maple Plain seeking camping
supplies/groceries/sundries, local restaurants,
coffee, WiFi and other associated necessities.
Natural Resources
The natural resources assessment of Segment A
is best described by the following; 1) adjacency to
Baker Park Reserve, 2) rural/urban environment
of Maple Plain, and 3) adjacency to rural county
roads leading to the Luce Line State Trail.
Baker Park Reserve offers access to a diverse
glacial landscape of gently undulating landscape
dotted with wetlands and moderately -sized
forest patches (Big Woods and tamarack bogs).
As the trail traverses through Maple Plain and
Independence, the landscape becomes a matrix
of tree lined residential streets, road crossings
Baker/Carver Regional Trail Master Plan, November 2014
19
and county road right-of-way with vast vistas of
adjacent large -lot residential lawns dotted with
forested patches. The trail crosses Painters Creek
along CR 6 (the creek has been culverted under
the roadway).
MLCCS
The Minnesota Land Cover Classification
System defines the area immediately adjacent
to Segment A as mostly artificial surfaces and
planted and cultivated vegetation. There are also
pockets of herbaceous plant communities with a
noteworthy wetland complex on the southern leg
of Segment A. There are also a small handful of
small forest pockets near the trail corridor, but
not immediately adjacent to it.
Species of Special Concern
The Minnesota Department of Natural Heritage
Inventory System includes the following species
of special concern/plant communities within one -
mile of Segment A.
American Ginseng
Panex quinquefolius
Species of Special Concern
Sugar Maple Forest (Big Woods)
---
Not Classified
Trumpeter Swan
Cygnus buccinator
Threatened
Acquisition Needs
Segment A is intended to be realized within
available road right-of-way. Select easement
areas adjacent to the road right-of-way may exist
along portions of Main Street in Maple Plain and
CR 6 and 110 in Independence. Further details
regarding necessary easements will be defined in
future design development phases.
Design and Construction Assessment
A detailed planning level design and construction
assessment was conducted as part of the route
selection process. Segment A requires the
typical base trail construction with additional
considerations for embankment work, curb and
gutter conversion/reconstruction along rural
roads, retaining walls, wetland impact mitigation,
power pole relocations, major tree impacts and a
railroad crossing. Wayfinding signage is proposed
at the Baker Park Reserve trailhead and at three
county road intersection locations along Segment
A. Two rest stops are also proposed as right-of-
way allows.
Segment B I Luce Line State Trail
i
Independence
Segment B Map
Location and Status
Segment B utilizes the existing Luce Line State Trail
from Highway 110 to Game Farm Road through
Independence, a distance of 2.16 miles. Owned
and operated by the Minnesota Department
of Natural Resources, the Luce Line State Trail
stretches 63 miles from Plymouth to the small
town of Cosmos in west -central Minnesota. The
Park District operates and maintains the Luce
Line Regional Trail from the state trail's terminus
in Plymouth - connecting eastward 8.8 miles to
the Minneapolis park and trail system at Theodore
Wirth Regional Park.
A noteworthy recommendation for future
consideration eliminates the Luce Line State Trail
alignment in favor of continuing north/south along
Highway 110 and then east/west along Highway
26 to Game Farm Road. At the time of the master
plan, this alignment's additional cost to maintain a
continuous bituminous trail (without the limestone
interruption of the Luce Line State Trail) did not
outweigh the benefits. This alternative alignment
could be reviewed again in the future should
circumstances or user preference change.
Context and Destinations
This portion of the Luce Line State Trail is
limestone, and will continue to be limestone under
MnDNR guidance. This portion of the state trail
allows biking, hiking, running, jogging, walking,
dog walking, snowmobiling, and cross-country
skiing. Additionally, an adjacent horse trail also
parallels this portion of the Luce Line State Trail.
The Park District respects the existing uses and
20
Three Rivers Park District
does not propose any changes in existing uses or
pavement conditions.
Natural Resources
The Luce Line State Trail is an abandoned rail
corridor. As with similar converted rail corridors, a
linear forested vegetative pattern has developed
adjacent to the trail, offering glimpses to the rural
landscape of large -lot residential properties and
farm fields.
MLCCS
The Minnesota Land Cover Classification System
defines the area immediately adjacent to
Segment B as predominately planted or cultivated
vegetation with a large herbaceaous wetland node
centrally located along the southern boundary of
the corridor. Small patches of forests, woodlots,
shrublands, and artificial surfaces and associated
areas are also scattered along Segment B.
Species of Special Concern
The Minnesota Department of Natural Heritage
Inventory System includes the following species
of special concern/plant communities within one -
mile of Segment B.
Sugar Maple forest (Big Woods)
Not Classified
Acquisition Needs
As this segment of the Baker/Carver Regional
Trail is proposed to utilize the existing Luce Line
State Trail, no land is required by the Park District
for Segment B.
Design and Construction Assessment
As aforementioned, if the MnDNR determines that
trail user demand warrants consideration to pave
portions of the Luce Line State Trail, the Park
District respects the underlying property owner's
decision -making authority. At this time, the Park
District does not propose any pavement changes
to Segment B. Wayfinding signage is proposed at
the start and terminus of the shared route with a
rest stop, to be coordinated in conjunction with
the MnDNR.
Segment C I Kingswood
Independence
Mlnnetrista
Q,s
Segment C Map
Location and Status
Measuring 3.26 miles, Segment C begins at the
junction of the Luce Line State Trail and Game
Farm Road. Here it traverses in a north/south
orientation through Kingswood Park, eventually
connecting to Gale Woods Farm by way of
property owned and operated by the Boys and
Girls Club. Part of Minnetrista's early planning
that identified this area as a trail search corridor
(Section II), this regional trail route segment
was solidified with the acquisition of Kingswood
Park by the Park District in 2013. Segment C is
currently unconstructed.
Context and Destinations
Kingswood Park, consisting of 106 acres on
Little Long Lake, includes 70 percent of the
lake's shoreline as well as a tamarack bog and
unique glacial landscape. Little Long Lake and the
surrounding uplands are considered some of the
most pristine, high -quality natural resources in
Baker/Carver Regional Trail Master Plan, November 2014
21
the area. Until fully operational, the park will be
open on a limited/interim basis - offering passive
recreational hiking trails to experience the park.
The Boys and Girls Club operates Voyager
Environmental Center at the southern terminus
of Segment C. The environmental center operates
as a residential camp in the summer and on
weekends during the school year. During the
school year, the environmental center offers
environmental education and recreational camp
activities to schools. Safe trail access between the
environmental center, Kingswood Park and Gale
Woods Farm to the south may provide additional
opportunities to coordinate programming between
the organizations.
Natural Resources
The natural resources adjacent to Game Farm
Road exist as a dotted forest patch edge condition
with sporadic open areas of fenced pasture. As
previously mentioned, Kingswood Park offers
trail users a unique opportunity to visit a glacial
landscape with an array of natural resources. The
relatively undeveloped shoreline of Little Long
Lake, maple -basswood forest covering a glacial
esker along the western shore, oak woodland along
the eastern shore and a 25-acre managed prairies
and tamarack bog are symbolic of landscape
and plant communities found throughout the
region prior to European settlement. Eighty
six percent (86%) of Kingswood Park resides
under conservation easement, providing further
environmental protection of the park's significant
natural resource inventory.
MLCCS
The Minnesota Land Cover Classification System
defines the area immediately adjacent to Segment
C as a diversity of land covers with a larger
presence of planted or cultivated vegetation
concentrated along the western boundary of the
northern half of Segment C complemented with
patches of artificial surfaces and herbaceous
plant communities. The eastern boundary of the
northern half of Segment C is a diverse complex
with generally equal parts artificial surfaces,
herbaceous cover, forests, woodlands, shrublands,
and planted and cultivated vegetation. The
southern half of Segment C is more ecologically
significant and includes larger woodland areas
through Kingswood Park with areas of herbaceous
cover, shrubland, and artificial surfaces in near
proximity to the trail corridor.
Species of Special Concern
The Minnesota Department of Natural Heritage
Inventory System includes the following species
of special concern/plant communities within one -
mile of Segment C.
Sugar Maple Forest (Big Woods)
---
Not Classified
Humped Bladderwort
Utricularia gibba
Non -Threatened
Trumpeter Swan
Cygnus buccinator
Threatened
Least Darter
Etheostoma microperca
Species of Special Concern
Acquisition Needs
The preliminary planning assessment indicates that
the regional trail can generally be accommodated
within the road right-of-way adjacent to Game
Farm Road and CR 15 with minimal easement
requirements. An easement for the Boys and
Girls Club will be required from the southern end
of Kingswood Park to CR 15. It is anticipated that
this easement may be obtained through a larger
land exchange in conjunction with the acquisition
needs of Segment D.
Design and Construction Assessment
Trail design and construction assumes significant
embankment work to address erosion along the
glacial esker ridgeline within Kingswood Park and
conversion of a rural road to curb and gutter
section in addition to base trail construction.
Wayfinding signage is proposed along Game Farm
Road, at the Kingswood parking lot, at the south
end of Kingswood, and at the CR 15 road crossing.
Four rest stops are proposed approximately every
mile, where reasonably feasible.
22
Three Rivers Park District
Segment Di Gale Woods Farm
immediately west of the privately held properties.
Pasture
Gale
Woods
Farm
Active
Farm
Area
Location and Status
Segment D Map
Segment D, measuring approximately 0.9 miles,
is located entirely within Gale Woods Farm with
the exception of a small segment located on the
northern end along CR 15 and through private
property owned by the Boys and Girls Club.
Segment D is not yet constructed.
Gale Woods Farm is a living, working farm with
farm and folk educational programing, reservation
pavilion, hiking and cross country running trails,
fishing, and picnic areas.
Context and Destinations
At the northern terminus, Segment D is proposed
over two privately -held parcels along the south
side of CR 15. These parcels are fragments
of larger parcels located on the north side of
CR 15 and remain undeveloped. The regional
trail is proposed to cross CR 15 at the existing
Gale Woods Farm service access road located
Several potential regional trail alignments were
evaluated through Gale Woods Farm. A route
through the eastern portion of the property
was selected as it utilizes an existing utility
easement through a wooded area and skirts
around the western edge of an existing hay field
- minimizing potential negative impacts to the
farming operations and associated programming
components by introducing a new, semi -conflicting
use. Although direct access to the Gale Woods
Farm core activity center from Segment D is not
planned as it would create a conflict between
regional trail users, program participants, and the
operations of a working farm, direct access to the
core activity center of the farm is provided along
Segment E through a local trail connection.
Natural Resources
The Minnesota Land Trust holds a conservation
easement over the entire Gale Woods Farm
property. The conservation easement's purpose
is to, 'preserve and protect the conservation
values of the protected land' - the working farm,
general park activities, and future regional trail
corridor are consistent with this intent.
MLCCS
The Minnesota Land Cover Classification System
classifies the area immediately adjacent to
Segment D as planted or cultivated vegetation,
forest, woodland, and herbaceous plant
communities.
Species of Special Concern
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources'
Natural Heritage Inventory System includes
the following species of special concern/plant
communities within 1-mile of Segment D.
Zai'li,
Prairie Rich Fen Class
---
Not Classified
Native Plant Community -
Undetermined Class
---
Not Classified
Acquisition Needs
Almost the entire Segment D is located within Gale
Woods Farm; however, a short 100 foot segment
is planned either within CR 15 right-of-way or -
more preferably as it provides for more feasible
Baker/Carver Regional Trail Master Plan, November 2014
23
construction and safer alignment - through a
small portion of two parcels that are each tied to
a larger parcel primarily located on the opposite
(north) side of the road and owned by the Boys
and Girls Club.
During preliminary discussions between the Park
District and Boys and Girls Club, the Boys and
Girls Club expressed an interest in a larger land
exchange arrangement. As currently proposed
the Park District will convey the property it owns
north of CR 15 to the Boys and Girls Club and
the Boys and Girls Club will convey the property
it owns south of CR 15 to the Park District. In
addition, the Boys and Girls Club will convey the
required regional trail easement (Segment C)
between CR 15 and Kingswood Park. The details
of this arrangement are not yet finalized and may
include a financial transaction if the land values
associated with the proposed transaction do not
balance.
Design and Construction Assessment
New base trail construction is required for
Segment D with one rest stop at an undetermined
location.
Segment E 1 Dakota Rail Regional Trail
MInnestrista
E
Location and Status
Segment E Map
Segment E utilizes the existing Dakota Rail
Regional Trail for 1.28 miles from Gale Woods
Farm to Westonka Recreational Park.
Context and Destinations
This existing segment, which is shared with
the Dakota Rail Regional Trail, is located on an
abandoned railroad corridor currently owned
by the Hennepin County Regional Rail Authority
(HCRRA) and leased to the Park District for
regional trail purposes. The corridor width is
approximately 100' allowing for the establishment
of narrow vegetative buffers along portions of
Segment E.
Within Gale Woods Farm, there is a paved trail
connecting Segment E with an existing trailhead
complete with parking, signage, benches, waste
receptacle, and bathrooms at the main farm
education building.
Westonka Recreational Park, which offers 5
baseball fields, a playground, swings, and picnic
areas, is located immediately adjacent to the
south side of Segment E. A private mini golf
course that incorporates art and natural elements
into each hole is also located on the south side of
the regional trail.
Trail users can also access via the Dakota Rail
Regional Trail downtown St. Bonifacius, located
approximately 2 miles west, or downtown
Mound, located approximately 1.5 miles east.
St. Bonifacius offers access to local parks,
churches, restaurants, bank, and gas station/
convenience store. Mound offers access to
restaurants, churches, medical clinics, seasonal
farmers market, transit, hardware store, library,
pharmacy, bank, grocery store, post office, and
other retail.
Natural Resources
The area adjacent to the regional trail is rural in
nature offering scenic views over open grassy
land, patches of woodlots and forest, and adjacent
parks. There are no significant natural resources
within the trail corridor itself; however, trail users
can still observe many wildlife species that thrive
in edge conditions as well as large open spaces.
Common songs birds and waterfowl, whitetail
deer, turkey, and osprey can be observed from
Segment E.
MLCCS
The Minnesota Land Cover Classification System
classifies the area immediately adjacent to
Segment E as a generally equally balanced
mix of artificial surfaces, planted or cultivated
vegetation, forests, woodland, and herbaceous
24
Three Rivers Park District
cover.
Species of Special Concern
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources'
Natural Heritage Inventory System does not
include any species of special concern/plant
communities within one mile of Segment E.
Acquisition Needs
No additional acquisition needs are foreseen for
this segment in the immediate future as the Park
District has a permit from HCRRA for regional
trail purposes along Segment E.
Design and Construction Assessment
At this time, no significant upgrades or
reconstruction to the existing shared Dakota
Rail Regional Trail segment are proposed. Trail
parking, bathrooms and drinking water are
accessible via Gale Woods Farm facilities. An
upgrade is proposed to the existing wayfinding
signage and two additional directional signs are
proposed at the start and terminus of the shared
trail segment. One rest stop is proposed along
Segment E.
Segment F 1 Six Mile Marsh
Location and Status
Segment F Map
Segment F is located southeast of the Dakota
Rail Regional Trail and connects to the Woodland
Cove residential development portion of the
Baker/Carver Regional Trail - through the Six Mile
Marsh. Segment F measures approximately 1.53
miles and is unconstructed.
Segment F's general route is the result of
significant planning and public input conducted
by Minnetrista (see Section II). Previously
referred to in Minnetrista planning documents as
the Tarmhill Route,' this trail alignment was the
preferred crossing of Six Mile Marsh. As stated
in the Minnetrista Regional Trail Master Plan,
area residents have a high concern for potential
impacts to the natural environment, especially
along Six Mile Marsh. Several options were
considered and ultimately rejected due to the
potential for impacts to wetlands. The alignment
depicted crosses the marsh at the narrowest
point in an effort to avoid these wetland impacts.
Context and Destinations
Segment F serves as a critical link between the
Dakota Rail Regional Trail and crossing the Six Mile
Marsh and associated creek. As the trail leaves
the Dakota Rail Regional Trail, the route provides
vistas across farmland, small hobby farms and
wetlands. As the trail route passes along Farmhill
Road, the landscape becomes large lot single
family homes. The Baker/Carver Regional Trail
crosses Six Mile Creek, which outlets into Halsted
Bay, one of Lake Minnetonka's many inlets.
Natural Resources
The Six Mile Marsh wetland and creek complex
drains a large area south and west of Halsted
Bay. It runs through agriculture and residential
development and has a very low gradient which
often results in stagnant backwater conditions.
According to the Minnehaha Creek Watershed
District (Watershed District), Halsted Bay water
quality is among the worst in the Watershed
District due in part to excessive nutrients. The
watershed district continues to actively pursue
opportunities to improve water quality in this
vicinity.
MLCCS
Baker/Carver Regional Trail Master Plan, November 2014
25
The Minnesota Land Cover Classification System
defines the area immediately adjacent to Segment
F as generally equal parts artificial surfaces,
herbaceous cover, and planted or cultivated
vegetation with a pocket or two of woodland and
forest plant communities. The plant communities
along Segment F are not anticipated to change
in the near future as the human impacted plant
communities (artificial surfaces and planted
and cultivated vegetation) are not planned
for restoration and the herbaceous areas are
associated with the Six Mile Marsh complex which
are protected by existing wetland and water body
laws and regulations.
Species of Special Concern
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources'
Natural Heritage Inventory System does not
include any species of special concern/plant
communities within one mile of Segment F.
Acquisition Needs
The proposed trail route requires significant
acquisition/easement coordination to achieve
a contiguous trail segment. Several Segment F
properties require negotiations, of which the Park
District is committed to a willing seller approach,
again as defined by the Minnetrista Regional Trail
Master Plan.
An easement across one private property is
required to achieve connection from the Dakota
Rail Regional Trail to Farmhill Drive. Road right-
of-way is proposed for the remaining length
of Farmhill Drive, with acknowledgement that
in select areas, easements may be required to
achieve the typical trail section.
Crossing Six Mile Marsh is proposed at the
Farmhill Drive cul-de-sac. Minnetrista owns a
small property at the Farmhill Drive cul-de-sac for
purposes of routing a trail. The property is narrow,
located directly on the wetland edge and does not
extend all the way to Six Mile Creek. Additional
property rights likely in the form of an easement
or fee title are required in this location. Due to
the shape, configuration and similar ownership of
the affected and adjacent parcels, it is possible
that a creative approach to land acquisition will be
needed in this location. Preliminary conversations
with the current affected property owner indicate
that multiple parcels may require acquisition to
secure the regional trail corridor as several of the
parcels are landlocked and have little to no value
without the association of the buildable parcel(s)
located off of Farmhill Drive. In this situation,
the Park District would likely resell the surplus
property with a regional trail easement over it.
The south side of Six Mile Creek will also require
additional property rights acquisition. Several
easements will be needed from three to five private
property owners depending on the final trail
design and success of land acquisition negotiation.
Several of the easements are anticipated to be
relatively minor, one to two located right at Six
Mile Creek and away from the private residences
and possibly one to two along Kings Point Road.
There is one significant easement need that
essentially spans the distance from Six Mile Creek
to Kings Point Road. In this instance, the Park
District is exploring the complete acquisition of
the property with the intent to place a regional
trail easement on the property and then resell
the property. This approach is being explored
as the current property owner has indicated a
willingness to sell the entire property, but not sell
an easement.
Design and Construction Assessment
Trail construction for Segment F will include
typical base trail construction for the northern
portion and more specialized construction as the
trail crosses Six Mile Marsh including a series of
boardwalks and a pedestrian bridge to cross Six
Mile Creek.
While cursory review by the Watershed District
has been conducted, design details will need
to consider the Watershed District's rules and
requirements associated with crossing the marsh.
Wayfinding signage is proposed near the crossing
of Six Mile Creek with two rest stops proposed
along the route.
26
Three Rivers Park District
Segment G I Woodland Cove
I
1
1
I
I
r
Segment G Map
Park District OP
Property /
Carver Park Reserve
1
Halsted Ball
Future Boardwalk
Ilsil
rFuture Boardwalk
iSpr.,,,, Future Boardwalk
I
6- Future Boardwalk
Woodland Cove
Development
Lake Minnetonka
Regional Park Connection (2019-2020)
Location and Status
Segment G is located between Kings Point Road
and the existing grade -separated crossing of TH
7. There are currently two alternatives for this
segment: Alternative Route G1 which is located
through the heart of the new Woodland Cove
residential development and a 40-acre parcel
owned by the Park District and Alternative Route
G2 which is located adjacent to Kings Point Road.
At the time the master plan was written, there was
local support to move forward with Alternative
Route G1, and as such, the master plan is written
to reflect that this route is the most likely to be
implemented. An alternative route (G2) is still
identified in the event an agreement cannot be
reached to utilize the planned local trail system
through Woodland Cove as part of the greater
regional trail corridor. In the event Alternative
Route G2 is implemented, local connections would
provide access from Woodland Cove residents to
the regional trail.
Context and Destinations
Most of Alternative Route G1 will be located
within a new local open space network through
the Woodland Cove development and a 40 acre
wooded lot owned by the Park District. The open
space network, which will ultimately be owned
by Minnetrista, is a composition of a series of
outlots with a minimum width of approximately
160'. The adjacent open space network will be
a mix of 11 housing types catering to a variety
of price points and ranging from custom homes
to row townhouse to multi -family homes. The
open space network is planned to be restored to
a more natural aesthetic with wetlands, prairies,
and some wooded areas.
A major destination within this segment is a
direct connection to Lake Minnetonka Regional
Park offering hiking, biking, swimming, boating,
fishing, geocaching, picnicking, and a creative play
area. There will also be a combination of private
(homeowners association owned/operated) and
public parks within Woodland Cove which will be
accessible via the connecting local trails.
Natural Resources
The existing natural resources along Alternative
Route G1 are limited to the portion of the trail
which will traverse the 40 acre parcel owned by
the Park District. The Park District's property is
a high -quality maple -basswood forest protected
by a conservation easement. The remainder
of Alternative Route G1 is heavily impacted by
the development of Woodland Cove. The long-
term plans of the open space network within
the Woodland Cove development calls for the
recreation of wetlands, prairies, and some
wooded areas that will provide for an aesthetically
pleasing - but not necessarily a natural resource
significant corridor - given the corridor width and
surrounding residential development.
MLCCS
The Minnesota Land Cover Classification System
classifies the area immediately adjacent to
Alternative Route G1 as forested and planted
or cultivated. A significant portion of this route
Baker/Carver Regional Trail Master Plan, November 2014
27
will be heavily impacted by the Woodland Cove
development; however, the development plans
call for the reestablishment of a more natural
landscape such as prairies and wetlands. As such,
in the long term some of this corridor may be
redesignated to a more natural classification such
as herbaceous, shrubland, or woodlands. Since
the 40-acre parcel owned by the Park District
is classified as forest and since this is within a
conservation easement it is intended to remain
this way well in perpetuity.
Species of Special Concern
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources'
Natural Heritage Inventory System does not
include any species of special concern/plant
communities within one mile of Segment G.
Acquisition Needs
A 20' wide regional trail corridor through the
Woodland Cove open space network is required
from the City of Minnetrista. The City and Park
District are seeking creative ways to transfer the
property rights to the Park District. The ultimate
solution will account for the City's use of park
dedication authority to secure the land and may
account for potential future Park District parkland
impacts due to proposed City improvements.
Design and Construction Assessment
Alternative Route G1 is planned for construction
to the local standard of 8' wide. The Park District
will upgrade to typical regional trail standards at
which time adjacent trail segments are complete
and after the pavement's useful life. Four road
crossings and several boardwalks are anticipated
and require additional design considerations.
Wayfinding signage is proposed at the Kings
Point Road crossing into the Woodland Cove
development and one rest stop is proposed as
space availability allows.
Segment H I Carver Park Reserve I
xisting
Underpass
Grimm Farm.
a' eaareary
Carver
Park Reserve
Segment H Map
Location and Status
Segment H is located between the existing grade
separated crossing of TH 7 and the Lowry Nature
Center, completely within Carver Park Reserve.
This segment is not yet built but is anticipated to
be constructed approximately in 2019.
Context and Destinations
Segment H passes through a more open area of
Carver Park Reserve with vistas over open fields,
prairies, and other managed open areas to the
surrounding forests, woodlots, and wetlands. The
topography of Segment H is similar to Segment
I - gently rolling.
Segment H trail users have access to a wide
variety of recreation opportunities such as
picnicking, archery, the Grimm Farm Historic Site,
geocaching, cross country skiing, birding and other
wildlife viewing, hiking, and the Lowry Nature
Center complex (the first public environmental
education center of its kind in the state) via the
existing interior trail network. Many of these
recreational offerings are on the west side of CR
11 (the opposite side of the road as the regional
trail). The next Carver Park Reserve Master Plan
update is expected to review and evaluate a grade-
28
Three Rivers Park District
separated crossing of CR 11 in the northern half
of the park reserve to complement the existing
grade -separated crossing in the southern half
of the park reserve. Such a crossing would offer
improved safety and ease of crossing CR 11 and
connectivity of the park as well as connectivity
of the park with the regional trail. Trail users can
also access other recreation opportunities such as
fishing, camping, swimming, and a dog -off leash
area; however, these areas are best accessed via
Segment I.
Natural Resources
Carver Park Reserve is a system of interconnected
lakes, marshes, and sloughs. Many of the wetlands
are rich in biological diversity and classified as
sanctuaries — the highest level of protection within
the Park District's internal land use guidance. On
upland sites, the dominant plant community is
oak forest, but there are good stands of maple -
basswood as well. Similar to natural areas
across the region, state, and nation, there is an
ongoing battle to minimize the establishment and
spreading of many invasive species including a
few noteworthy examples of buckthorn, Eurasian
water milfoil, poison ivy, wild parsnip, and leafy
spurge.
The wildlife in Carver Park Reserve may be more
diverse than any other Park District park reserve.
There are open field species like bobolinks and
meadowlarks, species that require large open
areas or wooded areas near water bodies such
as ospreys and barred owls, and wide variety of
other wildlife species like Trumpeter Swans, mink,
white-tailed deer, otters, as well as common and
more rare waterfowl and songbirds.
Natural resource management of the adjacent
land will occur as part of the natural resources
management of Carver Park Reserve and not the
Baker/Carver Regional Trail.
MLCCS
The Minnesota Land Cover Classification System
classifies the area immediately adjacent to
Segment H as planted or cultivated vegetation
and forests with a scattering of woodlands,
shrublands, and herbaceous plant communities.
Especially noteworthy along the east side of the
northern half of Segment H is the '7-11 Woods'
which is a forest comprised of lowland hardwood
forests, maple -basswood forest, and oak forest.
The quality and integrity of this forest is exceptional
and is designated as a sanctuary within the Park
District's internal land use guidance classification
system.
Species of Special Concern
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources'
Natural Heritage Inventory System includes
the following species of special concern/plant
communities within one mile of Segment H.
Common Name
Bald Eagle
Scientific Name
Haliaeetus leucocephalus
Species of Special Concern
Cerulean Warbler
Setophaga cerulea
Species of Special Concern
Tamarack Swamp
Not Classified
Halberd -leaved Tearthumb
Polygonum arifolium
Non -threatened
Trumpeter Swan
Cygnus buccinator
Threatened
Acquisition Needs
No additional land is required for Segment H.
Design and Construction Assessment
The proposed design and construction for
Segment H include typical base trail assumptions
through Carver Park Reserve. Wayfinding signage
is proposed on the south side of Highway 7 and
within the park reserve. Two additional rest stops
are proposed at locations to be determined.
Baker/Carver Regional Trail Master Plan, November 2014
29
Segment I I Carver Park Reserve II
a
Carver Park
Reserve
e
3
Segment I Map
Location and Status
Segment I is located between the Lowry Nature
Center and Lake Minnetonka LRT Regional Trail,
completely within Carver Park Reserve. This
segment is already constructed and open for
public use.
Context and Destinations
Segment I passes through a complex of woods,
wetlands, and open prairie and a landscape best
described as ground moraine comprised of gently
rolling relief within the southeast quadrant of
Carver Park Reserve. There are vistas to Steiger
Lake and the southern lobe of Lake Zumbra and
existing resting nodes to take in the landscape
and more personally connect with nature.
Segment I trail users have access to a wide
variety of recreation opportunities such as
fishing, camping, swimming, a dog -off leash area,
geocaching, birding and other wildlife viewing,
hiking, and the Lowry Nature Center complex
(the first public environmental education center
of its kind in the state) via the existing interior
trail network. Trail users can also access other
recreation opportunities such as picnicking,
archery, cross-country skiing, and the Grimm
Farm Historic Site within Carver Park Reserve;
however, these areas are best accessed via
Segment H.
Downtown Victoria, located within .8 miles of
the southern terminus of Segment I via the Lake
Minnetonka LRT Regional Trail, offers trail users
access to a community center, grocery store,
post office, churches, restaurants, and other
commercial and retail destinations.
Natural Resources
Please see Segment H narrative for more
information regarding natural resources
associated with Carver Park Reserve. Since both
segments are completely within Carver Park
Reserve, the general natural resource assessment
and description are the same.
MLCCS
The Minnesota Land Cover Classification System
classifies the area immediately adjacent to
Segment I as primarily woodland, shrubland, and
herbaceous plant communities with a scattering
of planted or cultivated vegetation and forests.
Species of Special Concern
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources'
Natural Heritage Inventory System includes
the following species of special concern/plant
communities within one mile of Segment I.
Maple Basswood Forest
---
Not classified
Least Darter
Etheostoma microperca
Species of Special Concern
Acquisition Needs
No additional land is required for Segment I.
Design and Construction Assessment
This segment of the Baker/Carver Regional Trail
exists and is in use. No redesign or reconstruction
is anticipated. Wayfinding signage is anticipated
near the parking lot on Park Drive, near the Lowry
Nature Center, with an additional directional sign
placed at the Lake Minnetonka LRT Regional Trail
terminus. Future improvements to parking may
be considered if demand warrants.
30
Three Rivers Park District
Design Guidance
The Baker/Carver Regional Trail is intended to
safely accommodate 183,000 annual visits, an
array of non -motorized uses, a variety of skill levels,
and persons with special needs. In addition, the
regional trail is intended to support both recreation
and commuting uses and incorporate trail amenities
that enhance trail users' experiences.
Similar to many regional trail corridors, the Baker/
Carver Regional Trail corridor includes several
challenges associated with constructing a regional
trail where trail right-of-way doesn't exist, providing
access to and across natural resources areas, and
balancing safety, public expectations, natural resource
protection, and potential private property impacts.
One of the key elements to constructing the Baker/
Carver Regional Trail is to design and construct it in
a manner that meets users expectations and needs,
meets industry standards and best management
practices, and is financially responsible. As such, the
Park District utilizes a series of District -wide regional
trail practices and guidelines in respect to trail design
and support amenities. These practices and guidelines
are summarized in this chapter and will serve as the
basis for design and construction of the Baker/Carver
Regional Trail.
Various images along the Baker/Carver Regional
Trail route exemplify rural characteristics and
adjacent landscape imagery.
Baker/Carver Regional Trail Master Plan, November 2014
31
Permitted Regional Trail Uses
The regional trail will be open to the general public.
Its intended uses include walking, jogging, in -line
skating, bicycling, and other uses mandated by state
law including, but not limited to, non -motorized
electric personal assisted devices. Motorized vehicle
and equestrian uses will be prohibited, except for
motorized vehicles used by the Park District and
partner cities for maintenance or law enforcement
activities or otherwise permitted for ADA access.
Equestrian uses are allowed on the Luce Line State
Trail Segment B per MnDNR rules.
Access to All
The Park District is committed to providing access
and recreational opportunities to all people,
including persons with disabilities, minorities, and
other special -population groups. The Park District
meets this commitment through appropriate facility
design, programming considerations, and by actively
addressing potential barriers to participation.
All regional trail facilities, including associated
trailheads and trail amenities, will be designed
to accommodate individuals with disabilities and
developed in accordance with Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA) standards and guidelines.
Specific design guidelines are discussed on the
following pages of this section.
The Park District pursues promotional outreach
activities and works with special -interest
organizations such as the Courage Kenny
Rehabilitation Institute and Wilderness Inquiry to
further encourage participation in activities and use
of park facilities by persons with special needs. If
arrangements are made in advance, interpreters
and alternative forms of printed material are
available at programmed events.
In addition to accommodating individuals with
disabilities, the trail corridor passes through rural
underdeveloped areas to small towns, providing
access to people with different social and cultural
backgrounds and connecting those persons with
important local community destinations such as
parks, commercial areas, community facilities,
cultural destinations, and transit facilities.
On a broader scale, communities adjacent to
the trail will not only have access to the Baker/
Carver Regional Trail, but also gain direct access to
several existing park reserves, regional parks, and
regional and state trails. To improve local access,
neighborhood trail connections are anticipated at
regular intervals.
The Park District does not charge entrance fees
for its regional trails; therefore, the regional trail
is available for all users to enjoy regardless of
financial status.
Design Guidelines
In accordance with its regional designation and
associated anticipated use, the Baker/Carver
Regional Trail will be designed as an off -road 10-foot-
wide, non -motorized paved multi -use trail (Figure
11), with the exception of Segment B owned and
operated by the MnDNR and maintained as aggregate
in this vicinity. A bituminous trail surface is preferred
because it is cost-effective, less prone to erosion
than aggregate surfaces, provides a desirable trail
user experience, and is more appropriate given
the anticipated visitation and connections to other
paved facilities. In consideration of the wetlands
associated with this regional trail, boardwalks and
bridges are anticipated in a few isolated locations
along the regional trail corridor.
Curb ramps will be used at all roadway crossings.
The preferred maximum trail grade is 5 percent
with a 2 percent cross slope for drainage. Much
of the Baker/Carver Regional Trail is anticipated
to be an independent trail corridor separate from
roadways. However, in areas where the trail will be
located adjacent to a roadway, the following design
considerations apply. Where right-of-way allows,
final trail design will attempt to maximize the
boulevard width to account for sign placement, snow
storage, and possibly trees or other complementary
enhancements. In circumstances with limited right-
of-way, the trail is still planned to be located off -
road, but with less boulevard between the trail
edge and back of the curb. In these locations, the
trail will be separated from the road by a minimum
paved two -foot -wide clear zone. This paved clear
32
Three Rivers Park District
zone between the back of the
curb and the trail edge provides a
buffer between the trail users and
motorists and will be striped to
delineate the edge of the trail.
In the event there are instances
where the trail will not initially
meet the preferred design, trail
designers will evaluate a wide
variety of design tools to determine
the best fit for the unique situation.
Unless the alternative trail design is
an acceptable long range solution,
it is anticipated that noncompliant
trail segments would be improved
as funding, right-of-way, or other
opportunities present themselves.
A number of factors will be
considered during the design
phase, such as:
Maertain 9{f'WrYtiral
Clear Zone Above Trail.
—nrn-ree Branches
Accordingly.
See Place
For Seeding ar
Restoration Nees.
6' Topsail, Tip. —
Figure 11
Regional Trail Typical Section
Source: Three Rivers Park District
❑ Right-of-way width/acquisition
needs
❑ Topography and drainage impacts
❑ Existing vegetation
❑ Driveway/road crossings
❑ Overhead and subsurface utilities
❑ Proximity to adjacent buildings, homes,
businesses, and industrial facilities
❑ Wetlands/floodplain locations, potential
impacts, and rules
❑ Wildlife (species, nesting/breeding areas and
times, concentrations)
❑ Existing infrastructure
❑ Connectivity with other trail/sidewalk/bicycle
facilities
❑ Safety
❑ Cost
❑ Obstructions
❑ Trail user preferences/desired trail user
experience
❑ Opportunities to coordinate with other
projects/agencies
In addition to the discussed design considerations,
regional trail segments will be designed in
accordance with all applicable federal, state, and
NOTES:
2. WIDTH AT MAX. 2% SLOPE ON
SHOULDER.
0 2:1 MP.XIMJS_OPE I+V'I
OUTSIDE OF 2' SHOULDER.
0 PREFERRED 3' CLEP.RANCE [7
MIN.; FROM TREES OR OTHER
OBSTRJCTIGN.
0 SEE PLAN SHEETS FOR TRAIL
STRIPING.
0 BOULEVARD VARIES IN 'WIDTH,
BUT SHALL BE A MIN. OF
2i. siaN INSTALLATION NOT
APPLICABLE IN AL AREAS.
0 MAX.. CROSS.. SLOPE 2%.
SEE CROSS SECTIONS FOR
SLOPE DIRECTION.
0 MIN. 2' BETWEEN EDGE OF
TRAIL AND EDGE OF SIGN.
Roadwa
1 D'
local codes. More specifically, the following sources
will be referred and adhered to when preparing the
design and construction plans as appropriate:
❑ Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities,
prepared by the American Association of
State Highway and Transportation Officials
(AASHTO), 1999.
❑ Selecting Roadway Design Treatments to
Accommodate Bicycles, Federal Highway
Administration, January 1994.
❑ MnDOT Bikeway Facility Design Manual,
Minnesota Department of Transportation
(MnDOT), March 2007.
❑ State Aid Rule 8820.9995 Minimum
Bicycle Path Standards, State Aid for Local
Transportation.
❑ Trail Planning, Design, and Development
Guidelines, Minnesota Department of Natural
Resources (MnDNR).
❑ Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices
(MUTCD), MnDOT, May 2005.
Baker/Carver Regional Trail Master Plan, November 2014
33
Q' P u b l i c R i g h t - o f - w a y A c c e s s G u i d e l i n e s
( P R O W A G ) .
Q' B e s t P r a c t i c e s f o r T r a f f i c C o n t r o l a t R e g i o n a l
T r a i l C r o s s i n g s , A c o l l a b o r a t i v e e f f o r t o f T w i n
C i t i e s r o a d a n d t r a i l m a n a g i n g a g e n c i e s , J u l y
2 0 1 1 .
Q' B i c y c l e a n d P e d e s t r i a n W a y f i n d i n g ,
M e t r o p o l i t a n C o u n c i l , O c t o b e r 2 0 1 1 .
Q' D e s i g n i n g S i d e w a l k s a n d T r a i l s f o r A c c e s s , P a r t
I a n d I I : B e s t P r a c t i c e s D e s i g n G u i d e ( F H W A ) ;
A D A A c c e s s i b i l i t y G u i d e l i n e s f o r O u t d o o r
D e v e l o p e d A r e a s ( U n i t e d S t a t e s A c c e s s B o a r d ) ;
a n d A D A a n d A B A A c c e s s i b i l i t y G u i d e l i n e s f o r
B u i l d i n g s a n d F a c i l i t i e s ( U . S . A c c e s s B o a r d ) .
Q' G u i d a n c e f o r T h r e e R i v e r s P a r k D i s t r i c t T r a i l
C r o s s i n g s , D e t e r m i n i n g E f f e c t i v e T r a i l C r o s s i n g
P r a c t i c e s i n T R P D P a r k s a n d P u b l i c R i g h t s - o f -
W a y , S R F C o n s u l t i n g G r o u p , I n c . , D e c e m b e r
2 0 1 3 .
T h r o u g h o u t t h e d e s i g n p r o c e s s o f B a k e r / C a r v e r
R e g i o n a l T r a i l , t h e P a r k D i s t r i c t w i l l w o r k c l o s e l y
w i t h t h e l o c a l c o m m u n i t y t o d e s i g n t h e t r a i l i n a
m a n n e r t h a t h a s t h e g r e a t e s t p u b l i c b e n e f i t a n d
l e a s t a m o u n t o f p r i v a t e p r o p e r t y i m p a c t s .
A d d i t i o n a l T r a i l E l e m e n t s
T r a i l i d e n t i t y , c r o s s i n g s , w a y f i n d i n g , t r a f f i c s i g n a g e
a n d d e v i c e s , r e s t s t o p s , d r a i n a g e , a n d t r a i l h e a d s
a r e i m p o r t a n t e l e m e n t s o f r e g i o n a l t r a i l s . T h e i r
p r o p e r d e s i g n a n d p l a c e m e n t a d d b o t h a e s t h e t i c
a n d f u n c t i o n a l v a l u e t o t h e t r a i l .
U n i f y i n g , D e s i r a b l e C o r r i d o r
A s a d e s t i n a t i o n r e g i o n a l t r a i l , a p r i m a r y
d e s i g n g o a l i s t o c r e a t e a s e n s e o f p l a c e a l o n g
t h e r e g i o n a l t r a i l a n d a n e n j o y a b l e t r a i l u s e r
e x p e r i e n c e . D e s i g n i n g t h e t r a i l w i t h u n i f y i n g
e l e m e n t s a n d i n c o r p o r a t i n g l o c a l p a r k s a n d
a d j a c e n t n a t u r a l r e s o u r c e s w i l l h e l p a c h i e v e t h i s
g o a l . U n i f y i n g e l e m e n t s m a y i n c l u d e d i s t i n c t i v e
t r a i l d e s i g n , w a y f i n d i n g s i g n a g e , r e s t s t o p s , a n d
t r a i l c r o s s i n g s . W h e r e i t i s n o t p o s s i b l e t o u t i l i z e
p a r k l a n d o r a c q u i r e a w i d e r c o r r i d o r w i d t h , i t i s
d e s i r a b l e t o i n c o r p o r a t e o t h e r e n h a n c e m e n t s t h a t
h e l p e v o k e a s e n s e o f p l a c e s u c h a s w i d e t r e e -
l i n e d b o u l e v a r d s a n d b u f f e r s f r o m a d j a c e n t l a n d
u s e s .
T r a i l / R o a d C r o s s i n g s
T h e r e a r e s e v e r a l l o c a t i o n s w h e r e t h e r e g i o n a l t r a i l
c r o s s e s r o a d w a y s a n d i n w h i c h c a r e f u l a t t e n t i o n t o
d e t a i l i s r e q u i r e d t o p r o v i d e a s a f e a n d u s e r f r i e n d l y
c r o s s i n g . T h e t y p e s o f t r a i l c r o s s i n g t r e a t m e n t s
w i l l b e d e s i g n e d i n a c c o r d a n c e w i t h i n d u s t r y b e s t
s t a n d a r d s t o e n s u r e c o n f l i c t s b e t w e e n t r a i l u s e r s
a n d r o a d w a y t r a f f i c a r e m i n i m a l .
I n a l l c a s e s , e x i s t i n g r o a d w a y c o n f i g u r a t i o n ,
i n f r a s t r u c t u r e e l e m e n t s , v e g e t a t i o n , a n d o t h e r
p o t e n t i a l v i s u a l o b s t r u c t i o n s w i l l b e e v a l u a t e d s o
s i g h t l i n e s c a n b e m a i n t a i n e d . S p e c i a l p r o v i s i o n s ,
s u c h a s m i r r o r s , m a y b e a d d e d t o i m p r o v e t r a i l
v i s i b i l i t y f r o m d r i v e w a y s i f d e e m e d a p p r o p r i a t e .
A s v e h i c u l a r t r a f f i c f l u c t u a t e s , t h e r e m a y b e a
n e e d f o r a d d i t i o n a l t r a f f i c s i g n a l s o r m o d i f i c a t i o n s
t o e x i s t i n g s i g n a l i z e d i n t e r s e c t i o n s . T h e s e t y p e o f
d e s i g n c o n s i d e r a t i o n s a n d t r a i l e n h a n c e m e n t s w i l l
b e a d d r e s s e d d u r i n g t h e t r a i l d e s i g n p h a s e .
W e t l a n d a n d F l o o d p l a i n C r o s s i n g
T h e r e a r e p o r t i o n s o f t h e r e g i o n a l t r a i l t h a t w i l l
t r a v e r s e w e t l a n d s a n d f l o o d p l a i n s . I n t h e s e
i n s t a n c e s , t h e r e g i o n a l t r a i l d e s i g n m a y i n c o r p o r a t e
b r i d g e s , b o a r d w a l k s , a n d o t h e r c r e a t i v e s o l u t i o n s
t o m i n i m i z e p o t e n t i a l n a t u r a l r e s o u r c e s i m p a c t s
w h i l e m a i n t a i n i n g a c o n t i g u o u s a n d c o n t i n u o u s
t r a i l c o r r i d o r . D e s i g n a n d i m p l e m e n t a t i o n o f
b r i d g e s a n d b o a r d w a l k s w i l l b e c o o r d i n a t e d w i t h
t h e a p p r o p r i a t e r e g u l a t o r y a g e n c i e s t o e n s u r e a l l
r e q u i r e m e n t s a r e m e t a n d a n y p o t e n t i a l i m p a c t s
a r e m i n i m i z e d .
W a y f i n d i n g
R e g i o n a l t r a i l w a y f i n d i n g s i g n a g e p r o v i d e s t r a i l
u s e r s w i t h o r i e n t a t i o n a n d l o c a t i o n i n f o r m a t i o n
f o r a m e n i t i e s a n d s e r v i c e s . W a y f i n d i n g s i g n a g e
t y p i c a l l y p r o v i d e s :
Q' A n o v e r v i e w m a p o f t h e P a r k D i s t r i c t '