HomeMy Public PortalAbout05.18.2022 Park Commission Meeting Packet Posted 5/13/2022 RevA Page 1 of 1
AGENDA
MEDINA PARK COMMISSION
WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2022 5:00 P.M.
Starts at City Hall, 2052 County Road 24
1) Call to Order
• Meet at City Hall at 4:45 p.m., bus departs at 5:00 p.m.
2) Annual Tour of Parks
• A bus will be waiting to take us to each of the stops listed below. Park
stops and timing subject to change.
a. Holy Name Park (5:05-5:20)
b. Medina Morningside Park (5:30-5:45)
c. Lakeshore Park, Walnut Park, Maple Park (5:55-6:20)
d. Drive past Tomann Preserve, new parkland acquisition, Arrowhead Drive,
Hackamore Road, Medina Lake Preserve (6:30-6:50)
e. Fields of Medina (stop for picnic dinner) (6:50-7:15)
f. Hamel Legion Park, Rainwater Nature Area (7:20-7:35)
g. Hunter Lions Park (7:40-7:45)
h. Drive down Medina Road (trail) (7:55)
3) Diamond Lake Regional Trail Discussion (approximately 8:00 p.m. at City
Hall)
4) Adjourn
Diamond Lake Regional Trail Page 1 of 2 May 18, 2022
Master Plan Park Commission Meeting
TO: Park Commission
FROM: Dusty Finke, Planning Director
DATE: May 13, 2022
MEETING: May 18, 2022 Park Commission
SUBJECT: Diamond Lake Regional Trail Master Plan
Background
The Diamond Lake Regional Trail is a
potential future north-south regional trail
identified by Three Rivers Park District
through western Hennepin County. The
regional trail would traverse multiple
communities, including potentially Medina.
Securing funding and implementation/
construction of the trail is expected to occur
over a significant period of time, likely years
or even decades into the future.
Three Rivers’ initial planning step for a
regional trail is to complete a Master Plan.
The City was involved with substantial
public engagement related to the master plan
from summer 2020 through the spring of
2021. This engagement was intended to
determine if a conceptual route through
Medina would be included within the Master
Plan, and to inform creation of the Master
Plan. This engagement is described within
the Master Plan document.
On June 15, 2021, the City Council
approved inclusion of a conceptual route
through Medina in the Diamond Lake
Regional Trail Master Plan. The conceptual
route is generally located from Baker Park Reserve east near Hamel Road to a point east of
Arrowhead Drive. From there, the route would go north, across Highway 55, and north to the
City border with Corcoran.
Since that time, Three Rivers has been preparing the Diamond Lake Regional Trail Master Plan
document. A 30-day public comment period is currently underway on the document. Three
MEMORANDUM
Diamond Lake Regional Trail Page 2 of 2 May 18, 2022
Master Plan Park Commission Meeting
Rivers is requesting resolutions of support from the communities through which the regional trail
would be located. The City Council is scheduled to consider the resolution of support on June 7,
2022.
Master Plan
The Master Plan is available electronically at
https://www.letstalkthreerivers.org/4713/widgets/21365/documents/30712. The document is
over 100 pages in length, so staff did not print for everyone. City staff can make hardcopies
available upon request at City Hall (2052 County Road 24) or the Public Works building (600
Clydesdale Trail). If Commissioners would like a hardcopy, please email
dusty.finke@medinamn.gov and lisa.demars@medinamn.gov and we will get it to you ASAP.
Staff will also have a couple of copies available at the Park Commission meeting.
The Master Plan is a long-term, high level planning document. It does not specify an exact
location for the trail through the entire corridor, but instead a conceptual route. The intent is that
there would be flexibility on precise location so that Three Rivers and the cities can identify
opportunities over time to acquire property rights.
The information most relevant to Medina are included on the pages noted below. Please note
that these page number reference the page of the PDF, not of the printed document:
• Pg. 1-9 (Executive Summary)
• Pg. 36-43 (Describing Engagement Process Results)
• Pg. 87-93 (Describing Route in Medina)
• Pg. 97-100 (Implementation)
Park Commission Feedback
Park Commissioners are encouraged to provide comments on the Master Plan document. The
Park Commission as a body is also welcome to provide a recommendation to the City Council on
whether to adopt a resolution of support for the Diamond Lake Regional Trail Master Plan.
If the Commission desires to do so, the following action could be taken:
Move to recommend adoption of a resolution supporting the Diamond Lake Regional
Trail Master Plan.
DRAFT
DIAMOND LAKE
REGIONAL TRAIL &
DAKOTA RAIL - LUCE LINE
CONNECTOR
MASTER PLAN
APRIL 21, 2022
i THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT
DISTRICT 1
Marge Beard
DISTRICT 2
Jennifer DeJournett
Brooklyn Park (all precincts except W1-0 and
W1-R), Champlin, Dayton, Maple Grove, Osseo
DISTRICT 3
Daniel Freeman
Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park (only precincts
W1-0 and W1-R), Crystal, Golden Valley, Hop-
kins (precinct 2), Robbinsdale, St. Anthony, St.
Louis Park
DISTRICT 4
John Gunyou
Deephaven, Edina, Excelsior, Greenwood,
Hopkins (all precincts except 2), Minnetonka,
Orono (precinct 2), Richfield (all precincts ex-
cept 6 & 9), Shorewood, Tonka Bay, Woodland
DISTRICT 5
John Gibbs
Bloomington, Chanhassen, Eden Prairie, Fort
Snelling, Richfield (precincts 6 & 9)
Jesse Winkler
Hennepin County Appointee - serves at large
Gene Kay
Hennepin County Appointee - serves at large
Board of Commissioners
DeJournett
Beard
Gunyou
Gibbs
Freeman
Winkler - At Large
Kay - At Large
Corcoran, Greenfield, Hanover, Independence, Long Lake,
Loretto, Maple Plain, Medicine Lake, Medina, Minnetrista, Min-
netonka Beach, Mound, New Hope, Orono (precincts 1, 3 &
4), Plymouth, Rockford, Rogers, Spring Park, St. Bonifacius,
Wayzata
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 nearly 13.8 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 170 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.
i
EXECUTIVE
SUMMARY
MASTER PLAN
The Diamond Lake Regional Trail will be a new north-south
regional trail through the western portion of Hennepin
County. The original trail corridor was envisioned from
the northern edge of the County in the Dayton/Rogers
area south through the communities of Corcoran, Medina
and Orono to the Dakota Rail Regional Trail in Wayzata.
However, through the planning process, and at the request
of the local communities, the vision for the trail corridor
changed to include two separate regional trail segments –
one on the north end of the original vision (Diamond Lake
Regional Trail) and the other on the south end (Dakota
Rail – Luce Line Connector). They are connected to each
other via one existing regional trail and one existing state
trail ultimately forming one contiguous trail corridor and
helping meet the original trail corridor intent (Map I).
The Diamond Lake Regional Trail will extend 28.1 miles
from Goodin Park and the West Mississippi Regional Trail
in Dayton, to the existing Lake Independence Regional
Trail and future Baker-Carver Regional Trail in Baker Park
Reserve in Medina. The Dakota Rail-Luce Line Connector
will extend 0.9-miles from the Luce Line State Trail in
Orono to the Dakota Rail Regional Trail in downtown
Wayzata. Since both regional trail segments share the
same planning process, they are both included in this
master plan. When the Dakota Rail Regional Trail Master
Plan is next updated to include an extension east to the
Lake Minnetonka Regional Trail, the Dakota Rail-Luce Line
Connector will become part of the Dakota Rail Regional
Trail, essentially creating two ‘tails’, which will work to
provide critical connections to the broader regional and
state trail systems.
Both regional trails will be 10-foot wide, paved and multi-
use and connect natural areas, local, regional and state
trails, and other local destinations like parks, schools,
iii THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT
Map I: Diamond Lake Regional Trail Master Plan Context
Source: TRPD and SRF Consulting Group
commercial areas, neighborhoods and places of worship.
Primary trail uses will include biking, hiking, dog walking,
running, and in-line skating.
The Diamond Lake Regional Trail is designated as a
destination regional trail and is envisioned to function as
a linear park or greenway. Similar to the Medicine Lake
or Rush Creek Regional Trails, the trail’s ideal design calls
for centering the trail through a 50 – 100 foot (or wider)
independent corridor separated from the road right-of-
way to the greatest extend possible. The vision is for
the corridor to be wide enough to incorporate land for
ecological restoration adjacent to the trail providing both
habitat value and improved trail user experience. While
the linear park design is the preferred design of the
Diamond Lake Regional Trail, some sections of the trail
will be located within existing road right-of-way to avoid
or minimize impacting existing development and private
property where no other reasonably feasible solution
exists.
The Diamond Lake Regional Trail route directly connects
recreational destinations such as the West Mississippi
River Regional Trail (northern terminus), Henry’s Woods,
Rush Creek Regional Trail, Lake Independence Regional
Trail, future Baker-Carver Regional Trail and Baker Park
Reserve. In addition, the Diamond Lake Regional Trail will
make direct connections to local parks and natural areas
as well as many new housing developments along the trail
corridor (MAP I).
The Dakota Rail – Luce Line Connector, on the other hand,
is envisioned as a linking regional trail and its primary
purpose is to connect people to the greater regional park
and trail system and to connect units of the regional and
state park and trail system to each other. Accordingly, the
Dakota Rail – Luce Line Connector makes an important
connection between the Luce Line State Trail and the
Dakota Rail Regional Trail, two very popular destination
trails as well as connections beyond to downtown
Wayzata, the future Baker-Carver Regional Trail, Lake
Independence Regional Trail and Baker Park Reserve.
INPUT: ENGAGEMENT AND EQUITY
As a new regional trail corridor without an identified
route, community engagement and a thoughtful
approach to considering and incorporating equity was key
to determining a route that best meet the needs of the
communities and their residents.
This was a large undertaking since the Diamond Lake
Regional Trail search corridor directly touched seven
communities while its service area included twenty
communities. Each affected community is at a different
stage of development with some being predominantly
rural/agricultural and others fully developed with low
density, high-end single-family housing and small pockets
of higher density housing and localized commercial nodes.
Additionally, each of the seven directly affected
communities had their own community engagement
expectations and processes for engaging their residents,
commissions, boards and councils – and some
communities had a healthy level of hesitation and concern
for a new regional trail. Fortunately, the engagement and
route selection processes were flexible and able to adapt
to address concerns, consider new routes and readily
incorporate community feedback.
Furthermore, most of the engagement occurred during
a pandemic requiring new creative approaches that
resulted in more one-on-one engagement opportunities,
a stronger virtual presence, increased notification mailings
and likely more residents being actively involved compared
to other previous plans. Many of these approaches will be
employed moving forward given their success.
ivDIAMOND LAKE REGIONAL TRAIL 2022
DRAFT 4/21/2022
ENGAGEMENT PLAN AND FINDINGS
The engagement plan followed a 7-phase engagement
plan which was flexible and tailored to each community
and engagement community group category (Figure A).
In fact, the engagement plan was significantly adjusted
several times in direct response to local community
feedback and the need to study alternative routes
which had less potential impact on property owners and
commercial districts.
The Diamond Lake Regional Trail engagement plan was
drastically impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. All
pandemic health protocols were followed during the
engagement which meant indoor in-person engagement
would be minimized. The engagement plan relied heavily
on virtual meetings and a robust on-line project website
for disseminating project information and collecting public
feedback. Early in the pandemic, several agency meetings
were postponed until virtual meetings could be set up.
Virtually all community events were cancelled.
The Park District’s engagement plan was modeled after
the Spectrum of Public Participation, an engagement
tool developed by the International Association of Public
Participation (IAP2). This spectrum describes five general
modes of public participation that work on a progressive
continuum of increasing influence over decision making
in a given civic-engagement process. Importantly, the
model not only describes the goals of a given mode of
public participation, but also the ‘promise’ that each mode
communicates – whether implicitly or explicitly – to the
public.
NATURAL RESOURCES
The Diamond Lake Regional Trail corridor extends north-
south across central Hennepin County through landscapes
that contain a variety of land cover, with several themes
of land use and land cover present along the proposed
corridor. Much of the northern part of the corridor, from
Baker Park Reserve to the Mississippi River has been
farmed or is currently in agricultural use. Industrial and
residential development is expanding throughout this part
of Hennepin County, with many of the larger undeveloped
tracts of land being slated for future development. During
the planning for the Diamond Lake Regional Trail, larger,
undeveloped parcels and areas of higher ecological
integrity such as wetlands and woodlands were identified
so that the trail corridor could act as a buffer and provide
some additional level of protection for the natural
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• Project Kick-off
• Potential Route
Identification
• 30-Day Official
Comment Period
• Alternate Route
Identification
• Assessment &
Local Approval
(Medina)
• Alternate Route
Identification
• Assessment &
Local Approval
(Long Lake, Orono)
• Public
Engagement • Route Review & Approval
FIGURE A | PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT PROCESS
SOURCE: PARK DISTRICT
https://www.letstalkthreerivers.org/
diamond-lake-regional-trail-master-plan
HELP PLAN THE NEXT REGIONAL TRAIL!
The Diamond Lake Regional Trail will be a new regional trail that extends from Wayzata to Rogers/
Dayton area. Scan the QR code or go to the URL below to provide your input on the trail alignment.
Rogers
Corcoran
Medina
Long Lake
Orono Wayzata
Dayton
ElmCreek Park Reserve
Baker ParkReserve
Lake RebeccaParkReserve
Crow-Hassan Park Reserve
Trail sign used to advertise the Diamond Lake Regional Trail Master Plan
that was placed along trail corridors.
Outdoor public engagement meeting in Dayton.
v THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT
resources. In addition, these natural resources could help
increase the desireability of the trail to potential users.
Notable landscape features along the corridor include the
following:
• Mississippi River
• Diamond Lake
• Grass Lake wetlands
• French Lake
• Henry’s Woods
• Stieg Woods
• Medina Preserve Wetland
• Baker Park Reserve
DEVELOPMENT CONCEPT | DIAMOND LAKE REGIONAL
TRAIL
The conceptual preferred route for the Diamond Lake
Regional Trail extends through the cities of Rogers,
Dayton, Corcoran, Medina, Orono and Wayzata. Two
communities, Medina and Long Lake, did not support
some of the studied routes which ultimately resulted in
one regional trail search corridor becoming two separate
regional trails. The resulting two regional trails will be
connected via the existing Lake Independence Regional
Trail and the Luce Line State Trail (Figure B).
The Diamond Lake Regional Trail will extend 28.1 miles
from Goodin Park and the West River Regional Trail in
Dayton to Baker Park Reserve and the future Baker-Carver
Regional Trail in Medina. The other trail segment, the
Dakota Rail – Luce Line Connector, will extend 0.9 miles
from the Luce Line State Trail in Orono to the Dakota Rail
Regional Trail in Wayzata.
SEGMENT A | CITY OF DAYTON AND CITY OF ROGERS
Segment A extends through the City of Dayton and the
City of Rogers and represents the northerly extents of the
Diamond Lake Regional Trail. Segment A is separated into
four subsegments.
Segment A Cost Estimate
The total acquisition and construction cost to build
Segment A in Dayton and Rogers is $13.33 million. This
segment requires right-of-way acquisitions and a trail
underpass.
SEGMENT B | CITY OF CORCORAN
Segment B will extend through the City of Corcoran. Much
of Segment B will be constructed independent of road
right-of-way through future and planned developments.
Segment B is separated into four subsegments.
Segment B Cost Estimate
The total acquisition and construction cost to build
Segment B in Corcoran is $11.58 million. This segment
requires right-of-way acquisitions and substantial
trail infrastructure including two boardwalks and trail
underpass.
SEGMENT C | CITY OF MEDINA
Segment C extends through the City of Medina from
the northern boundary with the City of Corcoran to the
trail terminus in Baker Park Reserve. Trail Segment C will
be constructed in both public right-of-way and across
some private parcels. Segment C is separated into five
subsegments.
Segment C Cost Estimate
The total acquisition and construction cost to build
Segment C in Medina is $16.07 million. This segment
requires right-of-way acquisitions and substantial trail
infrastructure including a boardwalk and pedestrian
bridge.
DEVELOPMENT CONCEPT | DAKOTA RAIL - LUCE LINE
CONNECTOR
The original search corridor for the Diamond Lake Regional
Trail from Wayzata to Dayton included a more direct route
through eastern Medina and Orono and along Long Lake.
During the planning process, the Park District received
significant input from the Cities of Medina and Long Lake
that changed the final alignment of the Diamond Lake
Regional Trail. The Diamond Lake Regional Trail will end
in Baker Park Reserve at the intersection with the planned
Baker-Carver Regional Trail near the trailhead parking lot
along Baker Park Road. Trail users will be able to connect
with the Dakota Rail Regional Trail and Wayzata by
following the existing Lake Independence Regional Trail
south from Baker Park Reserve, past Orono Schools, and
connect with the Luce Line State Trail that will provide
access to Ferndale Road North in Wayzata.
SEGMENT D | CITY OF ORONO AND CITY OF WAYZATA
Segment D is the Dakota Rail – Luce Line Connector Trail
that extends through a small segment of Orono between
the Luce Line State Trail and the Highway 12 overpass
and continues south into the City of Wayzata (Map 24).
Trail segment D will be constructed in road right-of-way
and will provide a key connection to downtown Wayzata
from the Luce Line State Trail. Segment D is separated into
three subsegments.
viDIAMOND LAKE REGIONAL TRAIL 2022
DRAFT 4/21/2022
Segment D Cost Estimate
The total acquisition and construction cost to build the
Dakota Rail - Luce Line Connector is $4.138 million.
This segment does not require any additional right-of-
way acquisition, so the total cost is associated with trail
development.
DIAMOND LAKE REGIONAL TRAIL IMPLEMENTATION
SUMMARY
Acquisition
The Diamond Lake Regional Trail corridor will require
acquisition of significant land and/or easement for
an estimated cost of $6.4 million. For the purposes
of this master plan, a high-level, yet detailed analysis
of proposed trail corridor was conducted to identify
where property acquisitions and/or easements may be
necessary to develop the Diamond Lake Regional Trail
through Dayton, Rogers, Corcoran and Medina.
FIGURE B | DIAMOND LAKE REGIONAL TRAIL CORRIDOR MAP
SOURCE: PARK DISTRICT
vii THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT
The purpose of the analysis is to provide Three Rivers
Park District with an understanding of the specific
parcels and costs for acquiring fee title or easements
of portions or all of the parcels identified. Below is a
summary of the regional trail acquisition intent:
• In locations where development has yet to occur
in the proposed corridor, the intent is to acquire
a wide corridor of up to 200 feet to provide a
linear park-like experience that will allow natural
landscape buffers on either side of the trail as
well as to provide an opportunity to share the
corridor with other trail uses desired by the local
communities.
• In locations where development is occurring or
where larger parcels are not available, acquisition
of a corridor up to 75 feet wide will provide a
smaller but sufficient buffer for the trail corridor.
• There are several locations where the trail will
extend along roadways within public right-of-way.
In these locations, a width of 20 feet is identified
for limited use permits or permanent easements
that may be needed for trail development.
Temporary construction easements may also be
required from adjacent property owners and will be
further defined during the design phase.
In addition the above acquisition intent, the Park District
may also consider acquisition of additional, adjacent
property if it helps protect natural and cultural resources
which would further enhance or create a desirable, high-
quality trail user experience.
Development
Development of the Diamond Lake Regional Trail will
be phased and significantly tied to opportunities that
take advantage of external funding sources, road
reconstruction projects, development initiatives and
local and regional political will.
Trail development costs for each segment are summarized
in earlier chapters. The total trail development costs,
including acquisitions and construction are summarized
in Table A.
DAKOTA RAIL - LUCE LINE CONNECTOR
IMPLEMENTATION SUMMARY
Acquisition
The Dakota Rail - Luce Line Connector is anticipated
to be located solely within existing road right of way
as such there are no anticipated permanent private
property acquisition costs. However, property rights
likely in the form of limited use permits or easements
are required from Orono, MnDOT and Wayzata as they
have jurisdictional control of the affected right-of-way.
In addition, temporary construction easements are likely
required from adjacent property owners along the trail
corridor and will be further defined during the design
phase.
Development
The Dakota Rail - Luce Line Connector will require
coordination with the cities of Orono and Wayzata to
reconstruct existing sidewalks and streets to install the
regional trail. Three Rivers will coordinate with MnDOT
on plans and timing to modify the Ferndale North
Bridge over I-394 to accommodate the trail.
Total development costs for Segment D are summarized
in an earlier chapter. The total development cost is
summarized in Table B.
TABLE A | DIAMOND LAKE REGIONAL TRAIL: SUMMARY OF
ACQUISITION AND CONSTRUCTION COSTS BY SEGMENT
SOURCE: PARK DISTRICT
Segment Length
(miles)
Acquisition
Cost
Design &
Construction
Cost
Total
Estimated
Cost
A - Dayton/
Rogers 9.04 $4,030,000 $9,330,000 $13,330,000
B - Corcoran 8.89 $1,699,000 $9,882,000 $11,581,000
C - Medina 9.97 $669,000 $15,404,000 $16,073,000
TOTAL 28.78 $0 38,7111,000 $40,984,000
TABLE B | DAKOTA RAIL-LUCE LINE CONNECTOR: SUMMARY
OF ACQUISITION AND CONSTRUCTION COSTS BY SEGMENT
SOURCE: PARK DISTRICT
Segment
Length
(miles)
Acquisition
Cost
Design &
Construction
Cost
Total Esti-
mated Cost
D - Orono/
Wayzata
0.89 $0 $4,125,000 $4,125,000
TOTAL 0.89 $0 $4,138,000 $4,138,000
viiiDIAMOND LAKE REGIONAL TRAIL 2022
DRAFT 4/21/2022
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT (PARK DISTRICT) GRATEFULLY ACKNOWLEDGES THE STAFF, ELECTED
OFFICIALS, COMMUNITY MEMBERS AND OTHER PARTICIPANTS WHO CONTRIBUTED TO THE MASTER
PLAN. THE PARK DISTRICT EXTENDS A SPECIAL THANK YOU THE INDIVIDUALS LISTED BELOW WHO
PROVIDED GUIDANCE, TIME, QUESTIONS, AND CRITICAL INSIGHT THROUGHOUT THE PROCESS.
COMMUNITY STAFF STAKEHOLDERS
City of Dayton
Tina Goodroad, City Administrator/Development Director
Martin Farrell, Public Works Director
Teresa Schmiedlin, Activity Center Coordinator
City of Rogers
Mike Bauer, Parks and Recreation Director
Andrew Simmons, Public Works Superintendent
City of Corcoran
Brad Martens, Former City Administrator
Jessica Beise, City Administrator
Jessica Christensen Buck, Recreation Supervisor
City of Medina
Dusty Finke, Planning Director
City of Orono
Adam Edwards, City Administrator/City Engineer
City of Long Lake
Scott Weske, City Administrator
City of Wayzata
Mike Kelly, Director of Public Works/City Engineer
Hennepin County
Jordan Kocak, Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator
Emily Kattell, Planner
Metropolitan Council
Tracey Kinney, Senior Planner
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Rachel Henzen, Area Supervisor Parks and Trails
Minnehaha Creek Watershed District
Kate Moran, Policy Planning Coordinator
Grace Barlow, Permitting Technician
THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT
Boe R. Carlson
Superintendent & Secretary to Board
Jonathan Vlaming
Associate Superintendent
Division of Planning, Design & Technology
PLANNING
Kelly Grissman
Director of Planning
Stephen Shurson
Landscape Architect
Danny McCullough
Regional Trail System Manager
Heather Kuikka
Planning and Research Coordinator
SRF CONSULTING GROUP
Michael McGarvey, Project Director
Stewart Crosby, Senior Project Manager
Jonathan Fillmore, Landscape Architect
ix THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT
TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .II
Input: Engagement and Equity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .iii
ENGAGEMENT PLAN AND FINDINGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .iv
Natural Resources. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .iv
Development Concept | Diamond Lake REgional Trail. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .v
SEGMENT A | City of Dayton and City of Rogers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .v
SEGMENT B | City of Corcoran . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .v
SEGMENT C | City of Medina. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .v
Development Concept | Dakota Rail - Luce Line Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v
SEGMENT D | City of Orono and City of Wayzata . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v
DIAMOND LAKE REGIONAL TRAIL IMPLEMENTATION SUMMARY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .vi
DAKOTA RAIL - LUCE LINE CONNECTOR IMPLEMENTATION SUMMARY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .vii
1. INTRODUCTION PLANNING FRAMEWORK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Planning Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Regional Park System & Metropolitan Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Three Rivers Park District . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Precedent Planning Documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
2. PROCESS ENGAGEMENT AND EQUITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Input: Engagement and Equity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
ENGAGEMENT GOALS AND ROUTE SELECTION PRINCIPLES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
ENGAGEMENT SCOPE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
ENGAGEMENT PLAN AND FINDINGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Phase 1: Project Kick-off (November 2019 – February 2020) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Phase 2: Potential Routes Identification (March 2020 – June 2020). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Phase 3: Public Engagement (July 2020 – January 2021) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Phase 4: Alt. Route Identification, Assessment & Local Approval: Medina (February – June 2021) . . 30
Phase 5: Alt. Route Identification, Assessment & Local Approval: Long Lake/Orono (May 2021 – October
2021). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Phase 6: Route Review and Approval . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
PHASE 7: 30-Day Official Comment Period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
ACCOUNTABILITY MOVING FORWARD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
xDIAMOND LAKE REGIONAL TRAIL 2022
DRAFT 4/21/2022
TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS
3. RESEARCH TRENDS, DEMAND & FORECAST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
National Recreation Trends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Minnesota Recreation Trends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Twin Cities Regional Recreation Trends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Generational Recreation Trends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Three Rivers Park District Trends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Projected Use & Visitation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
4. NATURAL RESOURCES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Natural & Cultural Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
5. OPERATIONS & MAINTENANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
General Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Public Safety Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Share the Trail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Maintenance Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Permitted Uses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Access to All . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
6. DESIGN GUIDANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Design Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
7. DEVELOPMENT CONCEPT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
SEGMENT A | City of Dayton and City of Rogers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
SEGMENT B | City of Corcoran . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
SEGMENT C | City of Medina. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Connection Segment | Lake Independence Regional Trail and Luce Line State Trail . . . . . . . . . . 82
SEGMENT D | City of Orono and City of Wayzata . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
8. IMPLEMENTATION ESTIMATED COSTS & FUNDING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
DIAMOND LAKE REGIONAL TRAIL IMPLEMENTATION SUMMARY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
DAKOTA Rail - LUCE LINE CONNECTOR IMPLEMENTATION SUMMARY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
FUNDING PLAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
9. APPENDIX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
1 THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT
Three Rivers Park District (Park District) has developed a
robust regional trail system that extends along railroad
corridors, public road right-of-way, through parks and
along independent trail corridors. Today, the Park District
offers over 170 miles of off-road trails with an additional
230 miles envisioned. The Diamond Lake Regional Trail
search corridor is one of the envisioned future regional
trail corridors.
PLANNING SCOPE
The Diamond Lake Regional Trail will be a new north-south
regional trail through the western portion of Hennepin
County. The original trail corridor was envisioned from
the northern edge of the County in the Dayton/Rogers
area south through the communities of Corcoran, Medina
and Orono to the Dakota Rail Regional Trail in Wayzata.
However, through the planning process, and at the request
of the local communities, the vision for the trail corridor
changed to include two separate regional trail segments –
one on the north end of the original vision (Diamond Lake
Regional Trail) and the other on the south end (Dakota
Rail – Luce Line Connector). They are connected to each
other via one existing regional trail and one existing state
trail ultimately forming one contiguous trail corridor and
helping meet the original trail corridor intent (Map 1).
The Diamond Lake Regional Trail will extend 28.1 miles
from Goodin Park and the West Mississippi Regional Trail
in Dayton, to the existing Lake Independence Regional
Trail and future Baker-Carver Regional Trail in Baker Park
Reserve in Medina. The Dakota Rail-Luce Line Connector
will extend 0.9-miles from the Luce Line State Trail in
Orono to the Dakota Rail Regional Trail in downtown
Wayzata. Since both regional trail segments share the
same planning process, they are both included in this
1
INTRODUCTION
PLANNING FRAMEWORK
2DIAMOND LAKE REGIONAL TRAIL 2022
DRAFT 4/21/2022
MAP 1 | DIAMOND LAKE REGIONAL TRAIL CONTEXT
Source: Park District
3 THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT
master plan. When the Dakota Rail Regional Trail Master
Plan is next updated to include an extension east to the
Lake Minnetonka Regional Trail, the Dakota Rail-Luce Line
Connector will become part of the Dakota Rail Regional
Trail, essentially creating two ‘tails’, which will work to
provide critical connections to the broader regional and
state trail systems.
Both regional trails will be 10-foot wide, paved and multi-
use and connect natural areas, local, regional and state
trails, and other local destinations like parks, schools,
commercial areas, neighborhoods and places of worship.
Primary trail uses will include biking, hiking, dog walking,
running, and in-line skating.
The Diamond Lake Regional Trail is designated as a
destination regional trail and is envisioned to function as
a linear park or greenway. Similar to the Medicine Lake
or Rush Creek Regional Trails, the trail’s ideal design
calls for centering the trail through a 50 – 100 foot (or
wider) independent corridor separated from the road
right-of-way to the greatest extend possible. The vision
is for the corridor to be wide enough to incorporate land
for ecological restoration adjacent to the trail providing
both habitat value and improved trail user experience.
While the linear park design is the preferred design of the
Diamond Lake Regional Trail, some sections of the trail
will be located within existing road right-of-way to avoid
or minimize impacting existing development and private
property where no other reasonably feasible solution
exists.
The Diamond Lake Regional Trail route directly connects
recreational destinations such as the West Mississippi
River Regional Trail (northern terminus), Henry’s Woods,
Rush Creek Regional Trail, Lake Independence Regional
Trail, future Baker-Carver Regional Trail and Baker Park
Reserve. In addition, the Diamond Lake Regional Trail will
make direct connections to local parks and natural areas
as well as many new housing developments along the trail
corridor.
The Dakota Rail – Luce Line Connector, on the other hand,
is envisioned as a linking regional trail and its primary
purpose is to connect people to the greater regional park
and trail system and to connect units of the regional and
state park and trail system to each other. Accordingly, the
Dakota Rail – Luce Line Connector makes an important
connection between the Luce Line State Trail and the
Dakota Rail Regional Trail, two very popular destination
trails as well as connections beyond to downtown Wayzata,
the future Baker-Carver Regional Trail, Lake Independence
Regional Trail and Baker Park Reserve.
It is estimated that 90 percent of use on the Diamond
Lake Regional Trail will be for recreational purposes and
ten percent of use will be for transportation purposes. For
the Luce Line Connector, it is estimated that 83 percent
will be for recreation purposes and 17 percent will be for
transportation.
REGIONAL PARK SYSTEM & METROPOLITAN COUNCIL
The Metropolitan Regional Parks System includes 62
regional parks, park reserves and special recreation
features – plus 340 miles of regional trails open to the
public. Currently, there are 54,286 acres of protected
land open for public use, with planned acquisition of an
additional 70,000 parkland acres and 760 regional trail
miles over the next 25 years to meet the region’s growth
expectations. 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 Metropolitan Regional
Parks System. The Metropolitan Council develops 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.
Per the Metropolitan Council Regional Parks Policy Plan,
each regional park or trail must have a master plan
approved by the Metropolitan Council prior to receiving
Metropolitan Council funding. This master plan for the
Diamond Lake Regional Trail and the Dakota Rail-Luce Line
Connector reflects that guidance. The master plan must
include information regarding boundaries and acquisition,
demand, engagement and equity, development concept,
implementation schedule, costs and natural resources.
Public input and a critical equity lens is encouraged
throughout the master planning process. Ultimately the
Metropolitan Council’s planning requirements help ensure
consistency between the Council’s policy plans and the
implementing agencies’ plans. These regional trails are
currently identified as part of the Diamond Lake Regional
Trail search corridor in the Metropolitan Council’s 2040
Regional Parks System Plan (MAP 2).
4DIAMOND LAKE REGIONAL TRAIL 2022
DRAFT 4/21/2022
THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT
The Park District is an independent, special park district
charged with the responsibilities of acquisition, development
and maintenance of regional parks 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.
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 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. For either regional trail type, adjacent
land with significant natural or cultural resources may be
acquired as part of the trail corridor.
• 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.
The Diamond Lake Regional Trail & Dakota Rail-Luce Line Connector Master Plan
complements various previous planning documents.
Source: Met Council & Hennepin County
+ Acres 170
Annual visitors
+ Miles
Park District Overview
park reserves, regional parks, &
special recreation features
regional trails
13.8 million
26,500
MAP 2 | 2040 REGIONAL PARK SYSTEM
Source: Metropolitan Council
63
2040 REGIONAL PARKS POLICY PLAN THREE: System Plan
Figure 14: 2040 Regional Parks System Plan
Bloomington
88Three Rivers
Park District
Dakota County
Anoka County
Scott County
Carver
County
Ramsey County
Washington
CountySt. PaulMinneapolis
Park &
Rec Board
Figure 3-11: 2040 Regional Parks System Plan Map
0 5 10 15 202.5 Miles
City and Township Boundaries
County Boundaries
Lakes and Rivers
Regional Parks, Park Reserves,
Special Recreation Features
Existing
Planned
Boundary Adjustment
Search Area
Regional Trails
Existing Regional Trails
Planned Regional Trails
Regional Trail Search Corridors
2040 Regional Trail
Search Corridor Additions
State and Federal
State Lands
State Trails
Federal Lands
Diamond Lake Regional
Trail Corridor
5 THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT
For either regional trail type, adjacent land with
significant natural or cultural resources may be acquired
as part of the trail corridor. The Diamond Lake Regional
Trail is designated as a destination regional trail. The
Dakota Rail – Luce Line Connector is designated as a
linking regional trail.
PRECEDENT PLANNING DOCUMENTS
The Diamond Lake Regional Trail and the Dakota-Rail-
Luce Line Connector are consistent with several existing
adopted plans. This master plan serves to solidify the
related components of each plan into one, unified and
community supported master plan. The regional trails are
identified in the following plans:
• Three Rivers Park District 2040 System Plan
• Metropolitan Council 2040 Regional Parks Policy
Plan 2020 Amendment as the ‘Diamond Lake
Regional Trail Search Corridor.’
• Metropolitan Council 2040 Transportation Policy
Plan as a ‘Regional Bicycle Transportation Network
Tier 2 Alignment on Regional Trail’ for the portion
of the Diamond Lake Regional Trail which shares
an alignment with the Lake Independence Regional
Trail as well as the I-94 crossing (Map 3).
• Hennepin County 2040 Bicycle Transportation Plan
as a ‘Proposed/planned trail corridor – proposed
for inclusion in TRPD Regional Trail System’
(Hennepin County planned bikeway system, April
2015).
• City of Dayton 2040 Comprehensive Plan
• City of Corcoran 2040 Comprehensive Plan
• City of Medina 2040 Comprehensive Plan
• City of Orono 2040 Comprehensive Plan
• City of Wayzata 2040 Comprehensive Plan
With approval and adoption of this master plan, the
Diamond Lake Regional Trail and the Dakota Rail – Luce
Line Connector will be eligible for regional acquisition,
development and operation and maintenance funding.
109
2040 REGIONAL PARKS POLICY PLAN SEVEN: Recreation Activities and Facilities
ANOKA
WASHINGTON
DAKOTASCOTT
CARVER
RAMSEY
HENNEPIN
0 5 10 15 20
Miles
County Boundaries
City and Township Boundaries
Lakes and Rivers
Interstate Highways
County and State Highways
RBTN Alignments
RBTN Corridors
Tier 1
Other Trail Systems
State Trails (DNR)
Regional Destinations
Metropolitan Job Centers (>50,000 jobs)
Regional Job Centers (15,000 to 50,000 jobs)
Subregional Job Centers (7,000 to 15,000 jobs)
Colleges & Universities
Large High Schools (>2,000 students)
Highly Visited Regional Parks (>400,000 visits/year)
Tier 1
Tier 2
Regional Trails (Open to the Public)
Tier 2
RBTN Tier 1 Alignments on Regional Trails
RBTN Tier 2 Alignments on Regional Trails
Major Sport & Entertainment Centers
Figure 7-1: Regional Bicycle Transportation Network Designations
109
2040 REGIONAL PARKS POLICY PLAN SEVEN: Recreation Activities and Facilities
ANOKA
WASHINGTON
DAKOTASCOTT
CARVER
RAMSEY
HENNEPIN
0 5 10 15 20
Miles
County Boundaries
City and Township Boundaries
Lakes and Rivers
Interstate Highways
County and State Highways
RBTN Alignments
RBTN Corridors
Tier 1
Other Trail Systems
State Trails (DNR)
Regional Destinations
Metropolitan Job Centers (>50,000 jobs)
Regional Job Centers (15,000 to 50,000 jobs)
Subregional Job Centers (7,000 to 15,000 jobs)
Colleges & Universities
Large High Schools (>2,000 students)
Highly Visited Regional Parks (>400,000 visits/year)
Tier 1
Tier 2
Regional Trails (Open to the Public)
Tier 2
RBTN Tier 1 Alignments on Regional Trails
RBTN Tier 2 Alignments on Regional Trails
Major Sport & Entertainment Centers
Figure 7-1: Regional Bicycle Transportation Network Designations
109
2040 REGIONAL PARKS POLICY PLAN SEVEN: Recreation Activities and Facilities
ANOKA
WASHINGTON
DAKOTASCOTT
CARVER
RAMSEY
HENNEPIN
0 5 10 15 20
Miles
County Boundaries
City and Township Boundaries
Lakes and Rivers
Interstate Highways
County and State Highways
RBTN Alignments
RBTN Corridors
Tier 1
Other Trail Systems
State Trails (DNR)
Regional Destinations
Metropolitan Job Centers (>50,000 jobs)
Regional Job Centers (15,000 to 50,000 jobs)
Subregional Job Centers (7,000 to 15,000 jobs)
Colleges & Universities
Large High Schools (>2,000 students)
Highly Visited Regional Parks (>400,000 visits/year)
Tier 1
Tier 2
Regional Trails (Open to the Public)
Tier 2
RBTN Tier 1 Alignments on Regional Trails
RBTN Tier 2 Alignments on Regional Trails
Major Sport & Entertainment Centers
Figure 7-1: Regional Bicycle Transportation Network Designations
MAP 3 | METROPOLITAN COUNCIL 2040 REGIONAL PARKS POLICY PLAN REGIONAL BICYCLE
TRANSPORTATION NETWORK DESIGNATIONS
Source: Metropolitan Council
Diamond Lake Regional
Trail Corridor
6DIAMOND LAKE REGIONAL TRAIL 2022
DRAFT 4/21/2022
2
PROCESS
INPUT: ENGAGEMENT AND EQUITY
As a new regional trail corridor without an identified
route, community engagement and a thoughtful
approach to considering and incorporating equity was
key to determining a route that best meet the needs of
the communities and their residents.
This was a large undertaking since the Diamond Lake
Regional Trail search corridor directly touched seven
communities while its service area included twenty
communities. Each affected community is at a different
stage of development with some being predominantly
rural/agricultural and others fully developed with low
density, high-end single-family housing and small pockets
of higher density housing and localized commercial
nodes.
Additionally, each of the seven directly affected
communities had their own community engagement
expectations and processes for engaging their
residents, commissions, boards and councils – and some
communities had a healthy level of hesitation and concern
for a new regional trail. Fortunately, the engagement and
route selection processes were flexible and able to adapt
to address concerns, consider new routes and readily
incorporate community feedback.
Furthermore, most of the engagement occurred during
a pandemic requiring new creative approaches that
resulted in more one-on-one engagement opportunities,
a stronger virtual presence, increased notification mailings
and likely more residents being actively involved compared
to other previous plans. Many of these approaches will be
employed moving forward given their success.
ENGAGEMENT AND EQUITY
7 THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT
ENGAGEMENT GOALS AND ROUTE SELECTION
PRINCIPLES
The overarching goals of the public engagement process
were as follows:
• Engage all interested and affected parties.
• Make engagement easy, convenient, interactive,
thoughtful, valuable and safe and comfortable to
all parties during a pandemic.
• Purposefully engage with underrepresented
community members and groups and proactively
work to remove common barriers to their
participation.
• Develop/expand relationships and partnerships
with local communities, affected public agencies
and community groups.
• Focus engagement efforts to identify local
destinations, opportunities/concerns, willing-
sellers, future development plans and allow
for local input to guide the establishment of a
preferred route.
• Address concerns, remedy misinformation and
listen with an open mind and desire to learn.
The overarching route selection principles employed in
partnership with the engagement feedback to determine
the preferred regional trail route include:
• Safety, cost and construction feasibility
• Ability to secure land from willing-sellers or as part
of future development
• Ability to avoid, minimize or mitigate potential
impacts to natural resources and private property
• Connectivity to local and regional destinations and
trail/pedestrian systems
• Integration of existing natural areas and resources
to create a linear park-like or greenway experience
• Support from local partners
ENGAGEMENT SCOPE
The engagement scope or efforts were geographically
focused on those areas in which would be most likely to
benefit or use the regional trail(s) (Map 4). In accordance
with the Park District’s research findings and the 2040
System Plan, 50% of visits are anticipated to originate
from 1.5 miles of a regional trail (core service area) and
75% of visits are anticipated to originate from within 3
miles of a regional trail (primary service area) (Map 5).
Therefore, the Park District’s engagement efforts are
generally focused on reaching and engaging cities and
agencies located within or adjacent to the designated
service areas, as well as community members that live or
spend time within or near these service areas. The Park
District also pulled engagement findings from other
recent planning initiatives which shared a similar purpose
but may have occurred outside these areas and also
considered applicable industry research.
Table 1 (following page) compares the demographic
make-up of the DLRT service areas to that of greater
suburban Hennepin County. According to this comparison,
the following groups are considered under-represented
in the DLRT service area in relation to greater suburban
Hennepin County: Black, American Indian, Hispanic,
25-34 year-olds, 65 year-olds and older, low income,
families on assistance. These groups are also typically
under-represented on regional trails. This comparison
illustrates that community members that are typically
under-represented on regional trails are not as populous
in this area of Hennepin County compared to first tier
communities, thus posing a challenge to our engagement
efforts to reach out to them.
The Park District divided its engagement efforts into the
following five categories – each with its own customized
engagement approach:
General Public
The general public represents the full range of potential
trail users – and includes people of all ages, abilities,
races, ethnicity, income levels and more which generally
live or spend time within the defined service area. This
category includes everyone who is intended to benefit
from the project.
It includes both existing and non-trail users as well as
property owners, renters and visitors. This helps ensure
that feedback is not biased toward one group or the
other.
It also has the potential to capture feedback from
underrepresented community members; however,
typically underrepresented community groups have
significant barriers to participation and maybe less
represented within the feedback obtained through
engagement efforts focused solely on the general
public.
8DIAMOND LAKE REGIONAL TRAIL 2022
DRAFT 4/21/2022
MAP 4 | DIAMOND LAKE REGIONAL TRAIL ENGAGEMENT LOCATIONS
Source: Park District
9 THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT
TABLE 1 | DIAMOND LAKE REGIONAL TRAIL DEMOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS
*Source: 2020 Census | **Source: 2019 ACS 5-yr
DIAMOND LAKE REGIONAL TRAIL DAKOTA RAIL - LUCE LINE
CONNECTOR TRAIL
SUBURBAN
HENNEPIN CTY
CATEGORY Core Service
Area (1.5 Miles)
Primary Service
Area (3.0 Miles)
Core Service
Area (1.5 Miles)
Primary Service
Area (3.0 Miles)
RACE*
White 21740 80.5% 70369 79.4% 7943 87.0% 32032 86.0% 598821 70.4%
Black 824 3.1% 3754 4.2% 256 2.8% 1263 3.4%89431 10.5%
American Indian 85 0.3% 226 0.3% 21 0.2% 94 0.3%4493 0.5%
Asian 2058 7.6% 8203 9.3%341 3.7% 1395 3.7%72874 8.6%
Hawaiian 4 0.0% 20 0.0% 0 0.0% 6 0.0% 258 0.0%
Other 803 3.0% 1523 1.7%159 1.7% 473 1.3%28829 3.4%
Multi Race 1480 5.5% 4482 5.1% 414 4.5% 1988 5.3% 56117 6.6%
All BIPOC 5254 19.5% 18208 20.6% 1191 13.0% 5219 14.0%252002 29.6%
ETHNICITY *
Hispanic 1411 5.2% 3160 3.6% 318 3.5% 1221 3.3%53679 6.3%
Not Hispanic 25637 94.8% 85746 96.4% 8813 96.5% 36029 96.7% 797144 93.7%
AGE **
< 5 years 2002 7.5% 6148 7.6% 428 4.3% 2262 5.9% 53712 6.5%
5 to 9 years 2060 7.7% 6398 7.9% 573 5.8% 2368 6.2% 53835 6.5%
10 to 14 years 2238 8.3% 6958 8.6% 721 7.3% 2836 7.4% 52533 6.3%
15 to 17 years 1284 4.8% 4215 5.2% 523 5.3% 1520 4.0% 32116 3.9%
18 to 24 years 1508 5.6% 3982 4.9% 521 5.3% 1969 5.1% 50560 6.1%
25 to 34 years 2728 10.2% 7992 9.9% 885 9.0% 3759 9.8%119395 14.4%
35 to 44 years 3757 14.0% 12194 15.1% 1075 10.9% 4731 12.4% 110093 13.3%
45 to 54 years 4530 16.9% 13296 16.5% 1467 14.8% 5243 13.7% 111476 13.5%
55 to 64 years 3595 13.4% 10131 12.5% 1352 13.7% 6117 16.0% 115732 14.0%
65 to 74 years 1960 7.3% 6100 7.6%1156 11.7% 4220 11.0% 73336 8.9%
> 75 years 1198 4.5% 3379 4.2%1184 12.0% 3257 8.5% 55435 6.7%
GENDER **
Female 13795 51.4% 41353 51.2% 5015 50.7% 19277 50.4% 423682 51.2%
Male 13065 48.6% 39440 48.8% 4869 49.3% 19004 49.6% 404541 48.8%
HOUSEHOLD INCOME **
$0 - $24,999 590 6.2% 1592 5.6% 395 9.7% 1383 9.0%37125 11.2%
$25,000 - $49,999 1156 12.2% 2901 10.3% 510 12.5% 1601 10.4%53210 16.0%
$50,000 - $74,999 1421 15.0% 3453 12.2% 525 12.9% 2031 13.2%52103 15.7%
$75,000 - $99,999 945 10.0% 3209 11.4% 464 11.4% 1947 12.7% 44852 13.5%
$100,000 - $149,999 2172 22.9% 6217 22.0% 677 16.7% 2732 17.8% 63234 19.0%
$150,000 - $199,999 1234 13.0% 4414 15.6% 492 12.1% 1802 11.7% 34584 10.4%
$200,000 or more 1951 20.6% 6436 22.8% 998 24.6% 3871 25.2% 46848 14.1%
PUBLIC ASSISTANCE**
Households on SNAP 416 4.4% 939 3.3% 176 4.3% 576 3.7%21382 6.4%
Total Households 9470 28222 4061 15367 331956
POVERTY**
Families ≤ Poverty Level 178 2.4%401 1.8% 63 2.4% 227 2.2%8188 3.8%
Total Families 7269 22423 2615 10493 213528
Note: Bolded text represents groups within the DLRT service area that are under-represented when compared to all of suburban
Hennepin County.
10DIAMOND LAKE REGIONAL TRAIL 2022
DRAFT 4/21/2022
MAP 5 | DIAMOND LAKE REGIONAL TRAIL SERVICE AREA
Source: Park District
Diamond Lake
Regional Trail
Core Service
Area 1.5 Miles
Primary Service
Area 3.0 Miles
11 THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT
Engagement efforts with this group focus on increasing
awareness, understanding barriers and obtaining
more broad, general feedback on preferences and
recommendations.
Existing Regional Trail Users
Existing regional trail users tend to skew toward adults
aged 35-74, community members from households with
an annual income of $75,000 or greater and White adults.
They also generally represent the broader community
composition for Hispanic/non-Hispanic adults, males/
females (with some exceptions), American Indian and Asian
adults. About 93% use the trails for recreation purposes
and 23% use the trails for transportation purposes. Biking
is by far the most popular activity in the regional trail
system at 57% followed by hiking (34%), running (8%) and
roller blading/skiing (<1%) and other (<1%).
Typically, this group has a higher level of comfort on the trails
than non-trail users and greater trail awareness, access to
gear/equipment and knowledge of the wayfinding system
and locations of parking, drinking water, bathrooms and
rest areas. Taking this into consideration, engagement
efforts with this group often focus on identifying specific
ideas for improvements (i.e., specific trail crossings,
missing wayfinding signage or desired local connection),
connectivity improvements and preferred routes.
Underrepresented Community Members/Groups
Underrepresented community members or groups are
those who are not visiting or using the regional trails to
the extent which is expected given their percentage of
the overall population and often were historically left out
of park/trail planning processes. Since this varies from
one regional trail to another, common underrepresented
community groups for the regional trails as well as
applicable Three Rivers’ broader underrepresented
community groups as defined by the 2040 System Plan
were considered throughout engagement efforts. These
groups included Black, Indigenous and People of Color
(BIPOC), Hispanic, seniors and youth.
Additional context as what demographic groups are
growing, why some unrepresented community groups are
still underrepresented and how the region’s history has
contributed to inequitable outcomes throughout these
regional trail corridors is detailed in Table 2.
These community groups were mapped within and around
the regional trail’s service area to help inform where to
conduct engagement to reduce engagement barriers and
make engagement convenient to these community
members (Maps 6-9).
The engagement efforts for this group focused primarily
on building awareness, understanding barriers, and
Medina
Sochacki Park
Crow-HassanPark Reserve
Lake RebeccaPark Reserve
Baker
Park Reserve
French
Reg Park
Eagle LakeReg Park
Fish Lake
Reg Park
Elm
Creek
Park Reserve
Mississippi
Gateway
Reg Park
Noerenberg
Gardens
LakeMinnetonkaReg Park
Kingswood
Gale Woods Farm
Bryant Lake
Reg Park
Lake Sarah
Reg Park
55
7
610
!"#394
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169
12
169
100
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55
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WRI
G
H
T
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O
U
N
T
Y
HEN
N
E
P
I
N
C
O
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N
T
Y
AN
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K
A
C
O
U
N
T
Y
HE
N
N
E
P
I
N
C
O
U
N
T
Y
Legend
Master Plan Segment
Diamond Lake Reg. Trail Route
Dakota Rail - Luce Line Connector
Primary Service Area - 3.0 miles
BIPOC Population/Ac
<=0.25 People/Ac
>0.25 - <=0.5 People/Ac
>0.5 - <=1 People/Ac
>1 - <=2 People/Ac
>2 - <=5 People/Ac
>5 - <=10 People/Ac
>10 People/Ac
MAP 6 | BIPOC COMMUNITIES
Source: Park District
Medina
Sochacki Park
Crow-HassanPark Reserve
Lake RebeccaPark Reserve
Baker
Park Reserve
French
Reg Park
Eagle LakeReg Park
Fish LakeReg Park
Elm
Creek
Park Reserve
Mississippi
Gateway
Reg Park
Noerenberg
Gardens
LakeMinnetonkaReg Park
Kingswood
Gale Woods Farm
Bryant LakeReg Park
Lake Sarah
Reg Park
55
7
610
!"#394
!"#94
169
12
169
100
!"#694
!"#494
55
!"#94
0 31 2 Miles¯
WRI
G
H
T
C
O
U
N
T
Y
HEN
N
E
P
I
N
C
O
U
N
T
Y
AN
O
K
A
C
O
U
N
T
Y
HE
N
N
E
P
I
N
C
O
U
N
T
Y
Legend
Master Plan Segment
Diamond Lake Reg. Trail Route
Dakota Rail - Luce Line Connector
Primary Service Area - 3.0 miles
Hispanic Population/Ac
<=0.25 People/Ac
>0.25 - <=0.5 People/Ac
>0.5 - <=1 People/Ac
>1 - <=2 People/Ac
>2 - <=5 People/Ac
>5 - <=10 People/Ac
>10 People/Ac
MAP 7 | HISPANIC COMMUNITIES
Source: Park District
12DIAMOND LAKE REGIONAL TRAIL 2022
DRAFT 4/21/2022
identifying route preferences which provide an inviting and
comfortable user experience and best meet the preferences
and needs of these community groups. (Meeting notes are
included in Appendix B.)
Property Owners, Businesses and Developers
Property owners, businesses and developers represent
individuals/groups which have a higher level of investment
or connection to the area and likely view the regional trail
differently than the general public. While this group is
intended to benefit from the creation of a new regional trail,
real or perceived negative impacts to this group are possible
depending on acquisition needs, proximately of the trail to
homes/businesses, ability to preserve privacy, driveway or
road crossings and overall trail use.
With this in mind, engagement opportunities focused on this
group is critical - as is ensuring that their concerns are readily
addressed and that they have convenient and timely access
to accurate information. Efforts to build relationships and
trust are fundamental to gaining support from this group
which may have a higher potential for negative impact than
other groups. (Meeting notes are included in Appendix B.)
Cities, Public Agencies and Other Organizations
Cities are those in which the trail is proposed to run through
or adjacent to and their support and coordination for
acquisition, implementation and operation and maintenance
may be required. For this master plan effort, this includes
Dayton, Rogers, Corcoran, Medina, Long Lake, Orono and
Wayzata with active participation from their respective staff
park/planning commissions and city councils.
Public agencies are defined as those in which the trail is
proposed to impact their facilities or land and their support
and coordination is desired. For this master plan effort,
this includes the Minnesota Department of Transportation,
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Hennepin
County (Public Works and Active Transportation Committee),
Minnehaha Creek Watershed District, Wayzata Public
Schools, and Orono Public Schools. (Meeting notes are
included in Appendix B.)
Organizations are defined as organized groups which
represent a group of individuals with a shared perspective,
purpose or goals. While their support is desired, it is not
necessarily required as part of the planning or future project
phases. For this regional trail, this includes the Friends of the
Wolsfeld Woods SNA and the Northwest Trails Association
(snowmobile) (Meeting notes are included in Appendix B.)
Medina
Sochacki Park
Crow-Hassan
Park Reserve
Lake Rebecca
Park Reserve
BakerPark Reserve FrenchReg Park
Eagle Lake
Reg Park
Fish Lake
Reg Park
ElmCreekPark Reserve
Mississippi
Gateway
Reg Park
NoerenbergGardens
Lake
Minnetonka
Reg Park
Kingswood
Gale Woods Farm
Bryant Lake
Reg Park
Lake Sarah
Reg Park
55
7
610
!"#394
!"#94
169
12
169
100
!"#694
!"#494
55
!"#94
0 31 2 Miles¯
WRI
G
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C
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N
T
Y
HEN
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P
I
N
C
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AN
O
K
A
C
O
U
N
T
Y
HE
N
N
E
P
I
N
C
O
U
N
T
Y
Legend
Master Plan Segment
Diamond Lake Reg. Trail Route
Dakota Rail - Luce Line Connector
Primary Service Area - 3.0 miles
Population Seniors (75+) / Ac
<=0.25 People/Ac
>0.25 - <=0.5 People/Ac
>0.5 - <=1 People/Ac
>1 - <=2 People/Ac
>2 - <=5 People/Ac
>5 - <=10 People/Ac
>10 People/Ac
MAP 8 | SENIOR POPULATIONS
Source: Park District
Medina
Sochacki Park
Crow-HassanPark Reserve
Lake Rebecca
Park Reserve
Baker
Park Reserve
French
Reg Park
Eagle LakeReg Park
Fish LakeReg Park
Elm
Creek
Park Reserve
Mississippi
Gateway
Reg Park
Noerenberg
Gardens
Lake
Minnetonka
Reg Park
Kingswood
Gale Woods Farm
Bryant LakeReg Park
Lake SarahReg Park
55
7
610
!"#394
!"#94
169
12
169
100
!"#694
!"#494
55
!"#94
0 31 2 Miles¯
WRI
G
H
T
C
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N
T
Y
HEN
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P
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C
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N
T
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AN
O
K
A
C
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U
N
T
Y
HE
N
N
E
P
I
N
C
O
U
N
T
Y
Legend
Master Plan Segment
Diamond Lake Reg. Trail Route
Dakota Rail - Luce Line Connector
Primary Service Area - 3.0 miles
Population <18 years / Acre
<=0.25 People/Ac
>0.25 - <=0.5 People/Ac
>0.5 - <=1 People/Ac
>1 - <=2 People/Ac
>2 - <=5 People/Ac
>5 - <=10 People/Ac
>10 People/Ac
MAP 9 | YOUTH POPULATIONS
Source: Park District
13 THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT
Under-
represented
Groups Brief Description
Common Underrepresented Regional Trails
Elementary
aged
youth and
younger
Although youth are not underrepresented across the Park District, they are underrepresented on several regional trail corridors. For some age groups
(ages 0-3) this is partly expected due to life stage and ability. For youth ages 4- 12, this is due to a wide range of factors including:
• Lack of time and other priorities or preferences (i.e., playgrounds, sports, school, dance, etc.)
• Economic and racial factors (e.g., economic hardship, lack of cultural competency among service providers, and racist encounters in parks and on
trails)
• Lack of desirable youth destinations along the route
• Speed, amount of use and shared-use nature of the regional trails – this can create an unwelcoming environment for new users/those learning new
skills (youth tend to be slower, do not stay to the right and/or frequently stop without warning)
• Preference toward shorter distances and duration of time (e.g., effort involved to use a regional trail with a child may not outweigh the benefit if
other options closer to home exist)
• Safety concerns around the isolated nature of some regional trail corridors which may require adult supervision/ participation
Since developing healthy habits and strong connections to nature at an early age helps set the stage for lifelong habits, additional focus on making the
regional trail system a welcoming, safe, and enjoyable experience for youth is needed.
Seniors
over 75
years old
Older adults, specifically those over 75 years old represent an increasingly large share of the population, but their use of regional trails is
disproportionately low, which research attributes to a lack of inter-generational design and perceived and actual safety concerns. Specific factors likely
include:
• Speed, amount of use and shared use nature of the regional trails – this can create an unwelcoming environment to older seniors that may require
assistance, travel at a slower speed, are more likely to fall/be injured by a fall or simply prefer a quieter, less busy experience
• Lack of supportive amenities like benches
• Not easily accessible or part of shorter, more localized loops
• Limited or poor winter maintenance
• Preference for other activities
• Reduced physical ability
As this age cohort continues to grow and the trend for seniors to age in place and remain active longer than previous generations, strengthens,
additional effort to provide convenient high-quality and safe recreation opportunities is needed. While improvements to the regional trail system may
create a more welcoming and safe experience for this community group, it is acknowledged that regional trails may not be the best method to serve this
group due to preference, ability, and other user behavior.
Black
Adults
The Minnesota State Demographic Center reported that Black and African American is the fastest growing racial group in Minnesota between 2010 and
2018, increasing by 36% and adding nearly 100,000 new residents, however they are underrepresented on the regional trail system. There is still a lack of
definite research to explain this finding, but the following items are believed to contribute to why Black adults are unrepresented on many regional trail
corridors:
• Lack of awareness, including awareness of the following: a) what a regional trail is; b) where regional trails are located; c) how to get to regional trails;
d) regional trail rules; e) what to do on regional trails; and f) events occurring on regional trails
• Proximity, transportation, and safe pedestrian/bicyclist connectivity of trail from home, place of work and desired destinations
• Safety – the Met Council outreach efforts found a sense of safety was one of the top five reasons for BIPOC groups not visiting regional parks and
trails. African Americans spoke specifically about their fears of violent crime and accidents preventing them from visiting parks and trails
• Map Challenges – the Met Council outreach efforts found understanding maps and lacking directions were among the top three barriers for African
American focus groups since it led to people being afraid of getting lost on their way or while recreating
• Cultural Insensitivity/Discrimination – the Met Council outreach efforts also found questions around cultural accommodations prevented people
from visiting parks and trails
• Available free time and free time priorities/preferences
• Cost/access to outdoor recreation gear/equipment
Systemic racism, meaning the compounded and cumulative economic, social and health inequities that many Black community members endure,
requires a collective response. Black Americans have historically been discriminated against in housing, employment, community development (e.g.
park systems and parks and trails) and more. Due to the long history of systemic racism in institutions that intersect with park systems themselves, this
community group deserves thoughtful time and attention to better understand the barriers they face as well as their preferences, which will require
building trust and collaboration between the Black community and public agencies such as the Park District.
Hispanic Minnesota Compass reports that Hispanics are one of the fastest growing community groups in Minnesota, in addition to being younger and earning
less than Minnesota’s overall population. They are also underrepresented on some Park District regional trails. The Met Council’s in-depth focus groups
and conversations indicated the following factors influence participation:
• Lack of time, e.g., Met Council outreach efforts found that they perceived people were too busy or that they were consumed with trying to meet their
basic needs
• Lack of awareness, including wayfinding and providing materials in Spanish
• Safety concerns, such as darkness/lighting and getting lost
• Cost/access to outdoor recreation gear/equipment
• Other outdoor preferred activities, including celebrations and parties, picnicking and/or barbecuing and spending time with family
Proximity and safe pedestrian/bicyclist connectivity of regional trail from their home, place of work or other destination also likely contributes to
participation but perhaps to a lesser degree. Because this community group is growing, younger and more frequently from lower income households,
efforts to increase their participation and enjoyment of the regional trails will also support several other underrepresented community groups.
TABLE 2 | EQUITY CONSIDERATION: UNDERREPRESENTED GROUPS BACKGROUND
Source: Park District
14DIAMOND LAKE REGIONAL TRAIL 2022
DRAFT 4/21/2022
Women Prior to 2009 women were underrepresented across most of the regional trail system. At that time, it was not entirely clear why women did not use the
regional trails as expected, however it was assumed personal safety was a contributing factor. Regional trail survey findings, as well as women having a
long history of being subjected to unwanted sexual harassment and violence especially in isolated settings support this assumption.
In 2009, the Dog Walking Policy was updated to allow dog walking on regional trails and a notable difference was observed in subsequent regional trail
surveys. However, women remain slightly underrepresented on a few regional trail corridors. This is likely due to: differences in recreational preference
(women are not typically underrepresented at Park District parks), safety concerns/comfort and available free time.
Until women are represented as expected on all the regional trail corridors or clear research findings indicate the discrepancy is due solely to recreation
preference, this will remain an area of thoughtful consideration and effort.
Households
with an
Annual
Income
Under
$75,000
Community members from households with an annual income between $50,000 and $75,000 are unrepresented on some regional trail corridors and
community members from households with an annual income of under $50,000 are underrepresented on many regional trail corridors. The greatest
factors are likely:
• Proximity and safe pedestrian/bicyclist connectivity of a regional trail from their home, place of work or other desired destination
• Available free time and free time priorities/preferences
• Cost/access to outdoor recreation gear/equipment
• Awareness
Of the above barriers, the biggest barrier is likely the location of the trail relative to affordable housing options. Routing the regional trail to purposely
connect to areas of affordable housing options was a key goal in route selection.
Many community members from households with an annual household income under $75,000 also fall into other underrepresented community groups;
as such, they may face compounding barriers which may participation even more challenging and, perhaps, less enjoyable. They will remain a focus
moving forward.
Three Rivers: 2040 System Plan Focus1
BIPOC BIPOC community members have historically been underrepresented within the Park District system of parks and trails. This is likely due to a wide range
of items: location of parks and trails relative to where BIPOC community members live and work, lack of public transit options which serve parks/trails,
the composition of offerings and whether they match the preferences of the BIPOC community, the racial makeup of Park District representatives, the
fees and cost of recreation equipment, past marketing efforts and priorities, and rules and regulations which may restrict access and use of the parks and
trails.
While much work remains on this front, the Park District has prioritized better serving this community group and has seen significant growth of BIPOC
visitors over the last ten years. In fact, if the past growth trend continues over the next five to ten years, BIPOC community members will reflect the
broader community composition within the Park District’s system of parks and trails.
Regardless of recent growth and success, the BIPOC community has historically been discriminated against; therefore, continued collaboration will
remain a priority for the future to ensure more equitable access and enjoyment of the Park District and its offerings.
New
Immigrants
& Refugees
Minnesota has a rich history on accepting and welcoming new immigrants and refugees. This continues with the recent Afghan refugee resettlement
efforts. Immigrants and refugees experience barriers around their differences in language and culture and may also have different recreation preferences,
limited free time, reduced awareness, lack of recreation equipment and less disposable income. Although not always, these community members are
often also BIPOC community members and/or community members from lower-income households – both of which are also underrepresented and have
additional barriers to participation.
Because this community group is constantly evolving given current immigrant and refugee patterns as well as acclimation from one generation to the
next, the work to better understand the needs and barriers for immigrants and refugees is ongoing and will remain a Park District focus in the future.
Community
Members
with a
Range of
Abilities
Community members with one or more disabilities have a long history of facing additional barriers and challenges which contribute to them being
underrepresented in parks, trails, and nature. This is due in part to many facilities not being designed with a wide range of users and abilities in mind.
Many outdoor recreation facilities do meet current ADA guidelines and provide unwelcoming and uncomfortable experiences for those that may require
additional support. Additionally, many facilities focus primarily on better serving those with physical disabilities that primarily affect mobility (13.7%
of adults) and do not fully embrace the wide range of disabilities (cognitive, independent living, hearing, vision and self care) and abilities within the
broader community that prohibit or reduce one’s ability to fully participate in a recreation offering independently or with support.
Examples of barriers include unstable surfaces, tripping hazards, signage/maps that are difficult or impossible for people with visual impairments to read,
sensory overload, and lack of support facilities/amenities (e.g., benches, ADA restrooms/parking, and equipment like all terrain wheel chairs).
This is something that merits additional consideration and focus moving forward especially in consideration that the CDC reports that one in four adults
have some type of disability. This is a significant and growing part of our community that likely affects nearly every household in some manner.
1 Seniors over 75 years old and households with an annual income under $50,000 are also identified as an underrepresented community groups
within the 2040 System Plan. However, since they are noted and discussed as part of regional trail summary information, they are not noted and
discussed as part of the 2040 System Plan summary information. The 2040 System Plan also identifies the First-tier communities as a key focus;
however, due to the location of the Diamond Lake Regional Trail corridor relative to the location of the first-tier communities this was not a priority
or consideration for this master plan.
15 THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT
ENGAGEMENT PLAN AND FINDINGS
The DLRT engagement plan followed a 7-phase
engagement plan which was flexible and tailored to each
community and engagement community group category
(Figure 1). In fact, the engagement plan was significantly
adjusted several times in direct response to local
community feedback and the need to study alternative
routes which had less potential impact on property owners
and commercial districts.
The Diamond Lake Regional Trail engagement plan was
drastically impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. All
pandemic health protocols were followed during the
engagement which meant there were limited indoor in-
person engagement. The engagement plan relied heavily
on virtual meetings and a robust on-line project website
for disseminating project information and collecting public
feedback. Early in the pandemic, several agency meetings
were postponed until virtual meetings could be set up.
Virtually all outdoor community events were cancelled.
Despite the complexities of community engagement
during the pandemic, the Park District opted to move
forward given the speed of which development was
occurring along some trail segments because there was a
risk of losing the ability to secure a regional trail corridor
as part of those development efforts.
The Park District’s engagement plan was modeled after
the Spectrum of Public Participation, an engagement
tool developed by the International Association of Public
Participation (IAP2). This spectrum describes five general
FIGURE 1 | PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT PROCESS
Source: Park District
FIGURE 2 | PUBLIC PARTICIPATION SPECTRUM
Source: International Association for Public Participation
modes of public participation that work on a progressive
continuum of increasing influence over decision making
in a given civic-engagement process. Importantly, the
model not only describes the goals of a given mode of
public participation, but also the ‘promise’ that each mode
communicates – whether implicitly or explicitly – to the
public (Figure 2).
The engagement strategies, phases, findings and impact
on the master plan are summarized in greater detail in this
section.
PHASE 1: PROJECT KICK-OFF (NOVEMBER 2019 –
FEBRUARY 2020)
At the very start of the project, the Park District worked
closely with local city partners to inform them of the
regional trail search corridor and desired upcoming master
plan process. This was done over the course of three-
meetings to ensure all critical staff and decision makers
were on the same page (Table 3).
During this phase local partners – specifically elected and
appointed officials - were asked to confirm their support
for commencing the regional trail master planning efforts
and to help craft an engagement framework which would
keep them updated on the project and provide decision
making and oversight at critical project milestones. The
identified ‘check-in’ points were instrumental for sharing
current and accurate information so elected and appointed
officials were positioned to answer general project
questions, help correct misinformation when contacted
INFORM
To provide the pubic with
balanced and objective
information to assist them in
understanding the problem,
alternatives, opportunities
and/or solutions.
CONSULT
To obtain public feedback
on analysis, alternatives
and/or decisions.
To work directly with the
public throughout the
process to ensure that public
concerns and aspirations are
consistently understood and
considered.
COLLABORATE
To partner with the public
in each aspect of the
decision including the
development of alternatives
and the identification of the
preferred solution.
EMPOWER
To place final decision
making in the hands of the
public.
INVOLVE
Phases 1, 2 & 5Phases 3, 4, & 5Phases 2, 3, 4, & 5Phases 1-7 Phases 2, 6 & 7
PHASE 1 PHASE 2 PHASE 3 PHASE 4 PHASE 5
PHASE 6
PHASE 7
No
v
2
0
1
9
Ju
l
2
0
2
0
Ma
y
2
0
2
1
Ap
r
i
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Ma
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Fe
b
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Ju
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2
2
Oc
t
2
0
2
1
• Project Kick-off
• Potential Route
Identification
• 30-Day Official
Comment Period
• Alternate Route
Identification
• Assessment &
Local Approval
(Medina)
• Alternate Route
Identification
• Assessment &
Local Approval
(Long Lake, Orono)
• Public
Engagement • Route Review & Approval
16DIAMOND LAKE REGIONAL TRAIL 2022
DRAFT 4/21/2022
by their constituents and build an ownership role in the
project.
The agreed upon engagement plan was crafted based
on this input, and important to note, developed pre-
pandemic. The pandemic started shortly after the project
kick-off and engagement plans were approved by our city
partners. The engagement plan was crafted to help build
relationships with and support from local city partners – it
was also crafted to be flexible to account for the obtained
feedback which also allowed adjustments to account for
the challenges associated with collecting feedback during
a pandemic.
Phase 1 was considered ‘Inform’ and ‘Collaborate’ on the
International Association of Public Participation – Public
Engagement Spectrum as the process and outcome as the
Park District and City worked collaboratively to develop
options and recommendation yet final decision making
was held by the Park District. A project website was
available throughout all phases to inform the public of the
project and how/when to engage.
PHASE 2: POTENTIAL ROUTES IDENTIFICATION
(MARCH 2020 – JUNE 2020)
Phase 2 also followed a three-meeting approached
and centered on reviewing existing local bike, trail and
sidewalk plans as well as development patterns, locations
of underrepresented community groups, transportation/
land use plans and natural resources (Table 4). The
Park District and SRF worked with City staff to identify
potential routes that provided a north-side connection,
were consistent with existing planning efforts and, where
all possible, helped meet the goal of a linear park-like or
greenway experience.
Local park commissions were provided an opportunity
to build off of this preliminary work and further refine
potential routes to best meet their city’s expectations in
a collaborative work session type meeting. The pandemic
forced all the meeting to be held virtually and some were
postponed. Their recommendations were forwarded
to local city councils for further review, discussion and,
in some cases, revisions before providing preliminary
approval to commence with public engagement efforts.
It is important to note that the city council approval at
this point was only to move forward with engagement and
additional assessment of the identified potential routes
and not a final approval for any one route(s).
At these same meetings, city staff, park commissions and
city councils were again encouraged and provided an
opportunity to share ideas and additional expectations for
public engagement – especially in light of the pandemic
and stay home orders, cancelled events, social distancing,
masking and gathering size limits. The engagement plan
was adjusted to account for any new feedback obtained
during this stage, including a re-tooling of the on-line
engagement website, Let’s Talk Three Rivers, to provide
more information and capabilities to disseminate/collect
public input.
This phase was a mix of ‘Collaborate’ and ‘Empower’ on
the International Association of Public Participation –
Informal Pre-Kick-off Parks Commission: Project
Introduction/Kick-off
City Council: Project Introduction/
Kick-off
General Attendees Park District Commissioner, Mayor,
Parks Chair, Staff, SRF*Parks Commission, Staff and SRF City Council, Staff and SRF
Purpose
• Review regional trail search corridor
• Propose general engagement/approval processes
• Identify preliminary concerns
• Discuss initial questions
Dayton 11/22/2019 2/4/2020 2/4/2020
Rogers 11/12/2019 2/13/2020 1/14/2020
Corcoran 9/13/2019 1/06/2020 12/19/2019
Medina 11/05/2019 2/26/2020 11/19/2019
Long Lake 12/07/2019 Did not meet due to pandemic 1/21/2020
Orono 11/04/2019 2/03/2020 1/13/2020
Wayzata 11/18/2019 Did not meet due to pandemic 1/21/2020
TABLE 3 | PROJECT KICK-OFF APPROVALS
Source: Park District
* SRF Consulting Group, Inc., consultant to the Park District
17 THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT
Staff Identification and Initial
Evaluation of Potential Routes
Park Commission Identification and
Initial Evaluation of Potential Routes
and Approval to Conduct Public
Engagement on Identified Routes
Initial City Council Approval to
Conduct Public Engagement on
Identified Routes
DAYTON 3/30/2020 Referred directly council 5/26/2020
Feedback/Master Plan Influence:
• Preference for either the eastern or western routes, not middle. The west side of French Lake has some existing
easements and plans for future road expansion which could be utilized, while the east side is more scenic. Potential trail
routes on both sides of French Lake were offered. The preferred route includes connections to both the east side of
Diamond Lake and the west side of French Lake with other local connections recommended.
• Community park is planned east of French Lake. This area is also prime for residential development. This route was
included as a potential route. Ultimately, a local trail connection around the east side of French Lake connecting to the
preferred route is proposed.
• DNR boat landing on east side of Diamond Lake is proposed to be expanded. City staff recommends showing this route
as an option. This landing was highlighted and an eastern route was included as a potential route option. Ultimately,
the preferred route connects to this area.
• Daytona Golf Course may be redeveloping in the future. This route was included as a potential route and was ultimately
part of the preferred route.
• Brockton Road will be expanded in the future which could include a trail component. A potential trail route along
Brockton Road was included.
• Waterfronts around Lake Laura, Diamond Lake and French Lake are envisioned to public lands with trails. Master plan
recognizes that these lakes are a valuable local and regional destination and maximizes connections to them.
ROGERS 3/23/2020 5/14/2020 5/26/2020
• Interest in trail options along the west sides of French, Grass and Diamond Lakes and in connecting to Henry’s Woods
Park. This route was included as a potential route. Ultimately, the preferred route did go along the west side of French
and Grass Lakes and connect to Henry’s Woods.
• Two main local trails along S. Diamond Lake Road and 147th Ave N. should be shown and connect to the regional trail.
• Noted that the County has right-of-way on the north side of I-94 south of Rogers Drive which could be used as a
crossing of the freeway. This was included as a potential trail route option.
• Several community events were mentioned for possible engagement opportunities.
CORCORAN 2/11/2020 2/20/2020 4/23/2020
• Several new and potential developments are under consideration by the City which the trail route may be able to
coordinate with. Potential trail routes through many of these developments were included.
• City is planning on developing linear park along CR 116 in conjunction with a bigger town square-type commercial
development. A potential trail route was included in the area.
• Several community events were mentioned for possible engagement opportunities.
MEDINA 3/13/2020 2/26/2020 4/21/2020
• Parks Commission liked the potential trail route options as proposed especially the route along Cherokee Road to get
to Holy Name Lake Park. Undeveloped land north of Holy Name Lake was identified as a possible opportunity. This was
included as an option.
• Parks Commission was okay with a route next to Wolsfeld Woods SNA. This was included as an option.
• The City’s easement east of Navajo Road could be used as a connector between Tamarack Dr and Hunter Road. This was
included as an option.
• City recommended connections to the future Wayzata School along TH 55 and the Hennepin County Public Works site,
also good locations for grade-separated crossings of TH 55. These ideas were included as trail options.
• Parks Commission suggested a route along the east side of Medina Country Club. This was not included as other routes
had better connections and aligned with better crossings of TH 55.
• Several community events and locations of under-represented populations were mentioned for possible engagement
opportunities.
TABLE 4 | PHASE 2 POTENTIAL ROUTE IDENTIFICATION/INITIAL EVALUATION AND APPROVAL FOR PUBLIC
COMMENT
Source: Park District
Public Engagement Spectrum as the process to identify
and recommend potential routes for public engagement
efforts was very collaborative and the local communities
were generally empowered to determine what route(s) the
Park District should moved forward with evaluating and
soliciting public feedback on.
The only exception to this was if a route did not meet the
regional trail intent. In those cases, the Park District did
not move forward with additional engagement or study
of that route(s) and this was generally understood and
supported by the respective local community.
18DIAMOND LAKE REGIONAL TRAIL 2022
DRAFT 4/21/2022
LONG LAKE 3/31/2020 4/27/2020 5/05/2020
• Park Board was in favor of the proposed route options as presented along Old Long Lake Road to East Long Lake Road
and requested a paved trail spur to the existing City trail along CR 112. This was included in the proposed trail route
options.
• Park Board also noted that a proposed boat house project at Summit Park and that the Luce Line h and adjacent horse
trail to consider as well. Preliminary trail route plan included a possible trailhead at Summit Park.
ORONO 1/24/2020 2/03/2020 5/11/2020
• City is in the process of developing a trail along the east side of Long Lake, replacing the abandoned road. Narrow
road width and steep embankments will be a challenge for a new trail along East Long Lake Road. Parks Commission
suggested looking into going through the adjacent, soon to be sold, Dayton property. This was evaluated and
determined to not be feasible.
• Park Commission suggested considering the existing underpass owned by Springhill Golf Club as a possible crossing of
CR 6. This was explored with the golf club but rejected as a possibility.
WAYZATA 4/02/2020 5/20/2020 6/02/2020
• Parks & Trails Board was split on whether a route on Ferndale Road should be considered. They voted to proceed with
showing the option at this time and proceeding to public engagement.
• City Council was supportive of the trail route options.
PHASE 3: PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT (JULY 2020 –
JANUARY 2021)
Phase 3 (IAPP Consult Level) focused on engaging
general public members, underrepresented community
members, existing regional trail members and property
owners, businesses and developers and allowing them an
opportunity share their concerns and preferences on the
many potential routes under consideration.
The goal of this phase was to better understand regional
trail route preferences as well as issues and opportunities
which may support or inhibit a successful end product.
Phase 3 obtained feedback from engaged parties and
keep them informed of decisions and how their feedback
was considered during the process. While community
members were welcomed to offer suggestions and
ideas, they did not have a promised role in evaluating
and determining the final route as this was held by local
appointed and elected officials as well as the Park District.
By the start of Phase 3, the pandemic was well established
and many of the local community events which were
planned as engagement opportunities were cancelled or
postponed indefinitely (Table 5). In addition, new guidance
and mandates pertaining to social distancing, masking,
gathering size and similar dictated the development and
implementation of several new engagement opportunities.
The revised engagement plan for Phase 3 included the
strategies outlined in Table 6 and generally places a
greater emphasis on online engagement and virtual
offerings including an online interactive map for public
comments, general message board comments, online
survey, individual and neighborhood virtual meetings
and a robust website with the project description/goals/
GENERAL PUBLIC UNDERREPRESENTED COMMUNITY
MEMBERS
Dayton Farmer’s Market Outdoor Afro
Heritage Day, Dayton Orono Woods Senior Living
Fireman’s Dance – Daytona Golf
Course, Dayton Orono Public Schools (Youth)
Rockin Rogers Major Taylor Bicycling Club
Clean-up Day, Rogers Cross Services
Hennepin County Fair, Corcoran ICOP
Medina Celebration Day
Country Daze – Corcoran
Nite to Unite – Corcoran
St. Thomas Parish Festival, Corcoran
Corcoran Farmer’s Market
Medina Clean-up Day
Hamel Youth Baseball, Medina
Corn Days – Long Lake
Buckhorn Days, Long Lake
Long Lake Fire Dept Pancake Breakfast
Tour de Tonka
Wayzata Art Experience
James J. Hill Days, Wayzata
TABLE 5 | CANCELED EVENTS DUE TO THE PANDEMIC
Source: Park District
19 THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT
process, an informational video, maps, FAQs, public
meeting dates, schedules and contact info. In addition,
outdoor community meetings/open houses replaced
attendance at public events and notification efforts were
increased. Some of the enhanced notification efforts
included:
• Over 25 social media posts from community
partners and Three Rivers
• Project email list serves
• Postings on community partner and Three Rivers
websites
• 10 city newsletters articles,
• 3,645 direct mailings to property owners along
potential trail routes,
• 431 direct mailings to underrepresented
community groups (Dayton Mobile Park Maple Hill
Estates in Corcoran
• Direct mailings to local food shelf members…
• Over 50 yard/road signs
• Articles in local church newsletters
Additional details regarding the notification process,
engagement opportunity, feedback themes and how
the feedback influenced the master plan outcomes is
summarized in Table 7. Summaries of engagement
analysis and public comments for each segment and city
are shown in Figures 3-7.
GENERAL PUBLIC UNDERREPRESENTED COMMUNITY
MEMBERS EXISTING REGIONAL TRAIL USERS PROPERTY OWNERS, BUSINESSES
AND DEVELOPERS
Let’s Talk website-Interactive webmap
for public comments
Dayton Mobile Park neighborhood
meeting (outdoors)Pop Ups on Regional Trails Outdoor & virtual listening sessions
with adjacent property owners
Community Events: Farmers Markets in
Rogers and Wayzata Outdoor Latino Bike Ride Pop up at Gear West, Long Lake
Virtual meetings and phone
conversations with local businesses and
developers
Pop-ups in city parks and along trails Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration
Hunter Drive, Medina neighborhood
meeting
Yard/road signs along potential trail
routes
Medina Townhome open house
(outdoors)
Direct mailings to 3,645 adjacent
property owners.
Social media posts Outreach to Maple Hill Estates
neighborhood
City newsletters Outreach to Cross Services member
Online Survey Outreach to ICOP members and
partners
Emails and phone conversations Outreach to Boardwalk Apartments
City Council meeting public comments
TABLE 6 | PHASE 3 ENGAGEMENT STRATEGIES
Source: Park District
https://www.letstalkthreerivers.org/
diamond-lake-regional-trail-master-plan
HELP PLAN THE NEXT REGIONAL TRAIL!
The Diamond Lake Regional Trail will be a new regional trail that extends from Wayzata to Rogers/
Dayton area. Scan the QR code or go to the URL below to provide your input on the trail alignment.
Rogers
Corcoran
Medina
Long Lake
Orono Wayzata
Dayton
ElmCreek Park Reserve
Baker ParkReserve
Lake RebeccaParkReserve
Crow-Hassan Park Reserve
Trail sign used to advertise the Diamond Lake Regional Trail Master Plan
that was placed along trail corridors.
Outdoor public engagement meeting in Dayton.
20DIAMOND LAKE REGIONAL TRAIL 2022
DRAFT 4/21/2022
ENGAGEMENT STRATEGY ENGAGED
PERSONS COMMON FEEDBACK THEMES MASTER PLAN INFLUENCE
GENERAL PUBLIC
Let’s Talk website –
Interactive webmap for public
comments – Dayton area
85 comments • Liked trail routes that provided access to French
and Diamond Lakes, Henry’s Woods Park and
connections to Elm Creek Park Reserve.
• Preferred a more scenic off-road trail route than
along busy roads.
• Concern about safe crossing of busy roads.
• Concern about impacts to private property.
• Preferred route in Dayton is mostly off
road and connects to all lakes in the area
as well as Henry’s Woods Park.
• Plan recommends a local trail connection
into Elm Creek Park Reserve and other
local trail connections (with possible
partnership with the Park District) to
provide a looped trail system around the
lakes.
• Grade-separated crossings of major
highways or other safety features are
recommended for crossing busy roads.
Preferred route utilizes the trail on the
newly constructed Dayton Parkway
Interchange bridge over I-94.
Let’s Talk website –
Interactive webmap for public
comments – Rogers area
63 comments • Strong desire for trails.
• Many positive comments about trail access for
Rogers neighborhoods, connecting to French
and Diamond Lakes, Henry’s Woods Park,
downtown Dayton, area schools, shopping areas
and other regional trails.
• Concern about safe crossings of busy roads.
• Trail along Brockton Lane is less desirable than a
more scenic route.
• Master plan recommends that local trail
connections along 147th Ave North and
South. Diamond Lake Road be used to
connect to the Diamond Lake Regional
Trail from Rogers.
• Grade-separated crossings of major
highways or other safety features are
recommended for crossing busy roads.
• Brockton Lane is not the preferred route.
Let’s Talk website –
Interactive webmap for public
comments – Corcoran area
118 comments • Strong preference for an off-road trail route,
scenic experience, not along busy CR 116.
• Strong support for the trail close to
neighborhoods – convenient for families with
kids.
• Concern about impacts to private property,
farmland operations and wetlands.
• Concern about impacts to existing snowmobile
routes.
• Brandywine neighborhood had concerns about
loss of privacy and safety concerns.
• Concern about crossing CR 116.
• Preferred route is mostly off-road, away
from CR 116.
• Preferred trail route takes advantage of
planned housing developments design,
incorporating the trail route.
• Master plan recognizes an opportunity to
acquire extra wide trail corridor in order to
create a more natural, park-like setting, as
well as an opportunity for shared space for
snowmobile trail.
• Conversations with farmers assuring them
that the trail would not be developed until
their land is redeveloped or sold on a
willing seller basis.
• Boardwalks are proposed for any wetland
crossings.
• Brandywine neighborhood is avoided.
• Grade-separated crossing or other safety
features are recommended for crossing
CR 116.
Let’s Talk website –
Interactive webmap for public
comments – Medina area
202 comments • Approximately 40% of comments expressed
positive comments and about 60% expressed
concerns.
• Positive comment themes included the desire
for more off-road trails that are more scenic,
quiet and park-like. Other comments were in
favor of a trail in road right of way to avoid
impacts to private property.
• Connections to more densely populated
neighborhoods in eastern Medina for easy
access, as well as to downtown Hamel, Long
Lake and Wayzata are desired.
• Several neighborhoods expressed strong
opposition to a trail in their neighborhood,
including the areas of Hunter Drive,
Tuckborough Trail/Navajo Road and the western
route near Wolsfeld Woods Scientific and
Natural Area.
• The majority of the concerns in these
neighborhoods included a loss of privacy
& seclusion, personal safety and decline of
property values and impacts to the environment.
• Crossing of TH 55 not safe.
After several meetings and public hearings,
the City Council rejected all the potential route
options south of Hamel Road and asked the
Park District to evaluate and engage the public
on a new potential route along Hamel Road
leading the Baker Park Reserve. See Phase 4.
TABLE 7 | PHASE 3 ENGAGEMENT SUMMARY & MASTER PLAN INFLUENCE
Source: Park District
21 THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT
ENGAGEMENT STRATEGY ENGAGED
PERSONS COMMON FEEDBACK THEMES MASTER PLAN INFLUENCE
GENERAL PUBLIC- CONTINUED
Let’s Talk website –
Interactive webmap for public
comments – Orono area
46 comments • Safety concerns crossing County Road 6 at
either Tamarack Drive or Hunter Drive.
• Trail along the east side of Long Lake was
viewed as an amenity.
• Trail option along Old Long Lake Road was
viewed as a very scenic segment but local
residents had concerns about loss of privacy and
personal safety.
• Trail safety concerns for the segment through
the Wayzata Country Club.
• Trail along Wayzata Blvd was viewed as safer
than along Ferndale Road.
• Most of the comments regarding the Luce Line
State Trail were opposed to paving it.
• A grade-separated crossing was proposed
for County Road 6.
• The preferred route was proposed to
utilize the Luce Line to avoid the Wayzata
Country Club and go along the east side of
Long Lake utilizing the newly constructed
City trail.
• The master plan does not recommend
paving the Luce Line.
Let’s Talk website –
Interactive webmap for public
comments – Wayzata area
31 Comments • Majority of comments were pertaining to the
choice of routes in Wayzata south of Wayzata
Boulevard.
• Many negative comments about the narrowness
and steepness of Ferndale Rd and impacts to
the landscapes and private properties.
• Berry Ave. was viewed a better option because
it is less steep, wider right of way and better
access to businesses.
• The preferred route uses Barry Avenue
to Wayzata Boulevard to Ferndale Road,
north to the Luce Line, avoiding the issues
of Ferndale south of Wayzata Boulevard.
Let’s Talk website –
General guestbook comments
In addition to the interactive webmap
comments on the Let’s Talk website.
People could leave longer (non-
geographically based) comments in a
general guestbook.
88 Comments • Dayton residents (7):
• Love more trails; would like to accommodate
snowmobile and horse trails too; connect to
Elm Creek Park Reserve and Crow Hassan Park
Reserve (but not through).
• Rogers residents (20):
• Most commenters are supportive of trails in
Rogers to provide a safe alternative to biking
on roads.
• Would like to see a trail along Highway 101.
• Some are opposed because of privacy concerns
• Corcoran residents (3):
• The area is lacking for trails and is greatly
needed. Build it in Corcoran even if Medina
does not support it.
• Opposed to trails through farm fields.
• Medina residents (26)
• Most of the comments were strongly opposed
to the trail in general as unwanted and
exorbitant.
• Avoid Wolsfeld Woods, wetlands and private
property impacts.
• Several commenters were supportive of the trail
and look forward to using it.
• Orono residents (1)
• Opposed to a trail on Ferndale, supportive of a
trail on the east side of Tamarack Drive.
• Wayzata residents (18)
• Majority of commenters preferred Berry Ave to
Ferndale Rd. as it is wider and less steep.
• Include a trailhead parking area to relieve
parking pressure in Wayzata.
• Connections to Crow Hassan Park Reserve
will be accomplished with the Crow River
Regional Trail and Rush Creek Regional
Trail.
• A local connection to Elm Creek Park
Reserve is recommended.
• Park District is supportive and the master
plan recognizes the use of local trails to
connect Rogers residents to the Diamond
Lake Regional Trail.
• Trails typically will be constructed as
farmland is redeveloped, not before.
• All potential trail routes in Medina south
of Hamel Road were eliminated in favor of
a route along Hamel Road to Baker Park
Reserve.
• Barry Ave is the preferred route for the
Diamond Lake Regional Trail in Wayzata.
• Trailhead parking at the Wayzata Middle
School on Wayzata Blvd is recommended.
Friends of Wolsfeld Woods
Park District staff engaged with three
members of the Friends of Wolsfeld
Woods via a virtual meeting to listen to
and discuss their concerns.
3 Members • Friends of Wolsfeld Woods had strong
opposition to any trail near the SNA.
• All routes near Wolsfeld Woods have been
removed from consideration including new
routes that were suggested by the Long
Lake Park Board later in Phase 5.
Rogers Farmers Market
The Park District tabled at the Rogers
Farmers Market event twice to share
information and gather feedback on
the Diamond Lake Regional Trail, but
participants were also welcomed to
comment on any regional trail.
The goal of this event was to reach
general public members in the Rogers
and Dayton area.
Participants were notified of these
community events through city
communication.
49 • Love the idea of a new reg trail, need more
trails.
• Too many busy roads in Rogers – biking not
safe on roads.
• Would like to see connections to and around
French and Diamond Lakes.
• Would like to see connections to Elm Creek PR,
local schools and downtown Rogers.
• Would like to see trailheads along the trail due
to the lack of trail connections from Rogers.
• Concern about Bike/Ped conflicts, recommend
separate trails.
• Preferred route in connects to all lakes in
the area as well as Henry’s Woods Park.
• Plan recommends a local trail connection
into Elm Creek Park Reserve and other
local trail connections (with possible
partnership with the Park District) to
provide a looped trail system around the
lakes.
• Master plan recommends that local trail
connections along 147th Avenue North
and South. Diamond Lake Road be used to
connect to the DLRT from Rogers.
22DIAMOND LAKE REGIONAL TRAIL 2022
DRAFT 4/21/2022
ENGAGEMENT STRATEGY ENGAGED
PERSONS COMMON FEEDBACK THEMES MASTER PLAN INFLUENCE
GENERAL PUBLIC- CONTINUED
Wayzata Farmers Market
The Park District tabled at the Wayzata
Farmers Market event twice to share
information and gather feedback on
the Diamond Lake Regional Trail, but
participants were also welcomed to
comment on any regional trail.
The goal of this event was to reach
general public members in the Wayzata,
Long Lake and Orono area.
Participants were notified of these
community events through the City of
Wayzata communications and other
websites.
57 • Loved the idea of a connection to the Luce Line
and Long Lake.
• Barry Avenue is preferred because it is less steep
and less busy.
• Loved the plan, build it ASAP.
The preferred route is along Barry Avenue.
Online Survey
An online survey was included in
the Let’s Talk webpage with specific
questions regarding the Diamond Lake
Regional Trail master plan.
28 • Desired destinations to connect to:
-Rogers neighborhoods
-Elm Creek Park Reserve
-Local businesses (restaurants, grocery and
convenience stores)
-Future Wayzata school on Trunk Highway 55
-Area lakes
• Connections from where we live.
• Majority of respondents preferred a more park-
like scenic trail but realize some sections next to
roads will be necessary to access businesses and
other connections. If along roads, preference is
for a landscaped boulevard.
• Majority of respondents would use the trail for
recreation, followed by running errands
• Respondents feel more comfortable on trails
that are away from or separated from busy
roads, minimal road crossings, enjoying nature
and biking on loop trails.
• Better and more wayfinding was the #1 area for
improvement for regional trails.
• Respondents would use trails more if they
are closer to home or had local connections,
maintained in the wintertime or there were
more events scheduled on them.
• Local trail connections are encouraged and
noted in the plan.
• Preferred route considers going through
future housing developments, close to
business centers, local parks and natural
resource areas.
• The preferred route recognizes
opportunities for an expanded corridor
width in order to create a more secluded
park-like experience and shared uses.
• Master plan recognizes the importance of
good wayfinding and safe crossings for
busy roads.
Emails and Phone Conversations 160 • Most of the emails and phone conversations
during this phase were from property
owners who had questions and wanted more
information about why a proposed trail route
was shown on their property, what impacts will
there be, details about the trail construction,
alignment, easement compensation, etc.
• The plan acknowledges that the acquisition
of property rights is a long process and
done so on a willing seller basis where
sellers are fairly compensated based on
current appraised values. All possible
measures to reduce the impact on adjacent
property owners will be taken during the
design development of the trail.
• The master plan acknowledges the goal of
looking for opportunities to partner with
cities and developers to incorporate trails
into housing development planning.
• Responses to property owners’ questions
and concerns regarding loss of privacy,
property values and safety were addressed
promptly, usually during the engagement.
UNDERREPRESENTED COMMUNITY MEMBERS
Neighborhood Meetings
Dayton Mobile Park neighborhood
meeting monthly resident meeting.
The Park District attended a regular
monthly meeting and solicited feedback
on the Diamond Lake Regional Trail
and regional trail planning in general.
The Dayton Mobile Park Resident
Board coordinated meeting details and
notifications with their residents.
21 Low-income,
BIPOC and Hispanic
community
members
• Dayton Mobile Park community members
indicated safety for kids as a top priority. Their
community does not have sidewalks, so kids
have to walk on roads. They would like to see
local trails that connect their neighborhood
regional trails.
• Residents preferred more scenic, park-like trails,
rather than road based regional trail corridors.
They enjoy being in nature and being able to
access Elm Creek Park Reserve. Currently, they
must drive to Elm Creek to use the facilities
there. Residents would like to have trail access
from their neighborhood to the park.
• The Park District is very supportive of
local trail connections – especially those
that better help integrate the regional
trail directly into the communities it is
intended to serve and connect to local and
regional destinations. With that in mind,
the Park District works closely with local
communities to connect their local trail
plans to the regional system.
• The DLRT in the Dayton and Corcoran
areas will be primarily an off-road trail,
connecting to local parks and natural areas
• Elm Creek Park Reserve will be accessible
via the Medicine Lake Regional Trail
extension, Rush Creek Regional Trail
and Dayton local trail system expansion.
Location for a local trail connection into
Elm Creek PR in Dayton is proposed in the
master plan.
23 THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT
ENGAGEMENT STRATEGY ENGAGED
PERSONS COMMON FEEDBACK THEMES MASTER PLAN INFLUENCE
UNDERREPRESENTED COMMUNITY MEMBERS- CONTINUED
Outdoor Latino Bike Ride
The Park District in partnership with
Outdoor Latino provided bike tours
and shared information with the
Latino community in attendance at the
Hispanic Heritage Celebration.
Participants were notified by word of
mouth, social media, and personal
invitations from both Outdoor Latino
and the Park District.
22 Latino
community
members
• Participants expressed an interest in trails that
are more scenic and go through natural areas.
• Having trail connections directly from their
home, not having the drive to a trail destination,
was also important to participants.
• Improved wayfinding signage was very
important to participants. The fear of getting
lost was mentioned as a barrier to using trails,
especially for families with young children.
• The Park District is very supportive of
local trail connections – especially those
that better help integrate the regional
trail directly into the communities it is
intended to serve and connect to local and
regional destinations. With that in mind,
the Park District works closely with local
communities to connect their local trail
plans to the regional system.
• The Diamond Lake Regional Trail in
the Dayton and Corcoran areas will be
primarily an off-road trail, connecting to
local parks and natural areas
• This master plan includes wayfinding
signage designed to help users negotiate
the trail system.
Hispanic Heritage Celebration
The Park District in partnership with
Outdoor Latino provided bike tours
and shared information with the
Latino community in attendance at the
Hispanic Heritage Celebration.
Participants were notified by word of
mouth, social media, and personal
invitations from both Outdoor Latino
and the Park District.
40 Latino
community
members
• Participants provided the following insights:
• Wayfinding along the trail is hard to follow;
there is a lack of awareness of the regional trail
system; transporting bikes to the regional trails
is a barrier; and they would prefer additional
facilities such as bathrooms and water fountains
along the trails.
• Overwhelmingly, participants stated they would
use the regional trail system more often if they
knew where to go. They suggested improving
wayfinding and increasing trail awareness to
eliminate the most pressing barriers keeping
them from visiting the regional trails.
• This master plan includes wayfinding
signage designed to help users follow the
regional trail route and understand their
location. In addition, trailhead parking
areas, rest stops and other amenities (fix
it stations, benches, garbage cans) are
proposed to support regional trail users.
• Wayfinding kiosks identify where water
and bathrooms are publicly available, often
in adjacent local parks are already in place.
Medina Townhomes
(BIPOC and new immigrant populations)
The Park District tabled at an Interfaith
Outreach & Community Partners
(BIPOC) event. Interfaith Outreach &
Community Partners organized and
notified residents.
7 people,
BIPOC communities,
new immigrants
• Respondents commented that they loved trails,
being outside and in nature. Most commented
that it was very important to have a good trail
system close to home, connecting to other trail
systems and parks.
• Many were unaware of where all the trails and
parks were in the area.
• The preferred route for the Diamond Lake
Regional Trail is primarily an off-road trail,
connecting to local parks and natural
areas, including nearby Baker Park.
• The Park District understands the
importance of and is very supportive
of local trail connection to the regional
system. Medina Townhomes has a local
trail which leads to the location of the
Diamond Lake Regional Trail preferred
route in Medina.
Boardwalk Apartments
(low income and senior housing)
Residents were sent a mailing inviting
them to provide feedback at the project
website and complete a questionnaire
regarding the Diamond Lake Regional
Trail master plan.
77 Low-income
senior households
• Respondents appreciate trails that were easily
accessible and wide. Extra width provides
better separation from bikers and safety for
pedestrians. They liked trails that were ADA
compliant and not steep.
• Per Park District Design Guidelines, all
regional trails should be 10’ wide with
centerline striping and be ADA compliant
with grades not exceeding 5%. This master
plan includes improving all sub-standard
pedestrian ramps up to current MnDOT
ADA standards. Several trail segments are
proposed to be widened from 8’ to 10’.
Dayton Mobile Park
Maple Hill Estates
(Mobile home communities in Dayton
and Corcoran)
Interfaith Outreach & Community
Partners (food shelf and coordinator of
many under-represented groups)
Cross Services (food shelf organization
in Rogers)
Participants were sent a mailing inviting
them to provide feedback at the project
website and complete a questionnaire
regarding the Diamond Lake Regional
Trail master plan.
Many Low-income
households were
solicited, including
elderly, BIPOC and
Hispanic community
members
• Respondents liked trails that connect them to
destinations like parks, trails and shopping.
• Like many community members, they want to
feel safe. This means local trail connections close
to home and good wayfinding to avoid the
feeling of being lost are desired.
• They liked trails with more natural, park-like
experiences rather than road based.
• The Park District is very supportive of
local trail connections – especially those
that better help integrate the regional
trail directly into the communities it is
intended to serve and connect to local and
regional destinations. With that in mind,
the Park District works closely with local
communities to connect their local trail
plans to the regional system.
• This master plan includes wayfinding
signage designed to help users follow the
regional trail route and understand their
location. In addition, trailhead parking
areas, rest stops and other amenities (fix
it stations, benches, garbage cans) are
proposed to support regional trail users.
• As a natural resources agency, the Park
District supports efforts to better integrate
natural areas directly into and along
regional trail corridors where there are
opportunities to do so.
24DIAMOND LAKE REGIONAL TRAIL 2022
DRAFT 4/21/2022
ENGAGEMENT STRATEGY ENGAGED
PERSONS COMMON FEEDBACK THEMES MASTER PLAN INFLUENCE
EXISTING REGIONAL TRAIL USERS
Pop-ups in city parks and along
regional trails
The Park District set up two pop-ups
tabling events along Dakota Rail
Regional Trail and Medicine Lake
Regional Trail.
70 • More local connections to neighborhoods for
easy access by families.
• Connect Dakota Rail Regional Trail to Luce Line
State Trail and Baker Park Reserve.
• Prefer a more scenic off-road trail experience.
• Safer road crossings.
• Love to see more trails!
• Local trail connections are encouraged and
noted in the plan.
• Connection to Luce Line State Trail is
accomplished.
• An off-road, scenic trail route was a goal of
the project and the preferred route reflects
that as much as possible.
• Safe crossings are highlighted in the plan,
with crossings at controlled intersections
or grade separation noted.
Pop up at Gear West, Long Lake
Park District staff tabled a popup
informational session outside the
popular bike/ski sporting goods
business in Long Lake.
7 • Comments from focused on an appreciation of
additional trails in the region.
• Preference for off-road trail away from busy
roads.
• Commenters like biking around area lakes.
• An off-road, scenic trail route was a goal of
the project and the preferred route reflects
that as much as possible.
PROPERTY OWNERS, BUSINESSES AND DEVELOPERS
Outdoor & virtual listening sessions
with adjacent property owners
All 120 property owners which had
a potential trail route intersect their
property were invited via a direct-
mail letter to three different outdoor
listening sessions and one virtual
session to share information and answer
questions about the regional trail
master plan and how it might directly
impact their property.
Approximately 75
people
Property owners expressed the following
perceptions/concerns:
• Loss of privacy
• Concern about crime/personal safety.
• Decline of property values. They paid a
premium price for their property and do not
want to lose value.
• They do not see the need nor public demand
for trails in east and southeast Medina. They are
happy driving to biking destinations.
• A trail was viewed as an intrusion into the rural
and private character of Medina.
• Trail safety concerns for crossing busy roads.
• Concern about the potential environment
impacts to Wolsfeld Woods SNA and other
sensitive natural areas.
• Concern about impacts to existing horse trails.
• Questions/concerns about how a trail would
impact farm land and operations.
• Some participants preferred a more scenic off-
road trail route, while property owners preferred
a road-based route (along CR 116) to avoid
property impacts.
• Participants suggested to work with developers
to incorporate the trail into current housing
developments.
• Trail options south of Hamel Road in
Medina were eliminated in the approval
process.
• The master plan acknowledges the rights
of private property owners and states
that all acquisitions will be made on a
willing-seller basis and sellers are fairly
compensated based on current appraised
values.
• The master plan acknowledges the goal of
looking for opportunities to partner with
cities and developers to incorporate trails
into housing development planning.
• Opinions regarding loss of privacy,
property values and safety were addressed
during the engagement.
• Trails are designed to minimize impacts to
adjacent properties.
Hunter Drive, Medina neighborhood
meeting
At the request of the local residents,
Park District conducted a listening
session for the residents along Hunter
Drive in Medina. Residents were
notified by emails from both Park
District and resident hosts.
23 people • Residents expressed strong concerns about
how a potential trail in the road right-of-way
of Hunter Drive would impact vegetation, entry
monuments, fencing and driveways.
• Safety concerns were raised given the speed and
volume of Hunter Drive.
• The Medina City Council rejected all routes
in this area. Park District staff addressed
the stated concerns during the meeting.
• Comments were recorded and added as
part of the public record.
Virtual meetings and phone
conversations with local housing
developers
The Park District reached out to 3 major
land developers working in the trail
corridor area.
3 developers • The developers expressed that trail systems
in or near their housing developments were
viewed as an amenity, added value and was a
good selling point for buyers.
•
• They concurred on the importance of early
awareness and communication of master
planned trail routes as development occurs.
• The preferred route recognizes and
takes advantage of known upcoming
housing developments in Corcoran and
Medina, as well as other future potential
redevelopment sites such as golf courses.
Direct mailings to approximately
3,500 adjacent property owners
Post cards were sent to 3500 property
owners that are adjacent to or near
potential trail routes inviting them to
the Let’s Talk website to offer feedback
and get more information.
3,500 property
owners
• See Let’s Talk comments.• N/A
25 THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT
ENGAGEMENT STRATEGY ENGAGED
PERSONS COMMON FEEDBACK THEMES MASTER PLAN INFLUENCE
PROPERTY OWNERS, BUSINESSES AND DEVELOPERS- CONTINUED
Direct mailing to an additional 37
property owners in Medina
Based on early input and an attempt
to lessen impacts to private property,
wetlands and create an opportunity for
a trailhead at City Hall, revisions were
made to the western-most route in
Medina.
Property owners were notified via a
letter mailed to their properties of a
virtual informational meeting regarding
a revised route.
• Most residents express opposition to the
western-most trail route. The trail was
viewed as an intrusion into their secluded
neighborhood and privacy. There were also
environmental concerns regarding the trail
boardwalk going through wetlands.
• The Medina City Council rejected all routes
in this area.
• Park District staff addressed the stated
concerns during the meeting.
During the middle of Phase 3 it was clear that previously
identified routes through Medina and into the very
north boundary of Orono did not have broad support
from those who owned property adjacent to potential
routes. Most Medina community members who voiced
opposition to the routes lived south of TH 55, except
for those who lived in the neighborhoods directly south
of Hamel, who supported it. The major themes of their
opposition included concerns over the loss of privacy,
perceived safety issues and impacts to private properties.
To address the feedback, The Park District then worked
closely with Long Lake and Orono to identify additional
route considerations and adjusted the engagement plan
accordingly. This is further discussed in the Phases 4 and
5 summaries.
26DIAMOND LAKE REGIONAL TRAIL 2022
DRAFT 4/21/2022
DIAMOND LAKE REGIONAL TRAIL MASTER PLAN
ANALYSIS & PUBLIC COMMENTS SUMMARY- DAYTON-ROGERS
MARCH 2021
BROCKTON
MEADOWS
CAMBRIA
FARMS
ERICKSON
HENRY'S WOODS
WALKER
PARK
BROOKSIDE
MEADOWS
"COW"
STIEG WOODS
CLOQUET
OVERLOOK
PARK
DIAMOND LAKES
DIAMONDS
TRIANGLE PARK
SUNNYSIDE
PARK
FERNBROOK SCHOOL
COMMUNITY
PLAYFIELD
MAPLE GROVE
SH COMMUNITY
PLAYFIELD
MAPLE GROVE
ARBORETUM
ELM CREEK
PARK RESERVE
HASSAN
HILLS II
HASSAN
HILLS PARK
SHADOW
WOODS
PARK
CROW
RIVER
HEIGHTS PARK
MISSISSIPPI
RIVER
PARK
MCNEIL PARK
GOODIN PARK
ELSIE
STEPHENS
PARK
RUSH CREEK
LINEAR PARK
ERICKSON PARK
ROGERS
ELEMENTARY
SCHOOL
DUTCH
KNOLLS
PARK
ROGERS HIGH
SCHOOL
ROGERS
MIDDLE
SCHOOL
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HILLS I
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PARK
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117TH AVENUE NORTH
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D-6
D-14 D-10
D-8
C-8
D-17
C-2
C-14
D-4
D-16
C-5
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C-7
D-13
D-9
D-2
D-7
D-15
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D-5
C-3
D-1
D-11
MAPLE GROVE
RAMSEY
ELK RIVER
CORCORAN
S A I N T
M I C H A E L
OTSEGO
DAYTON
ROGERS
0 800 1,600400US Feet
Existing Off-Street Trail
Proposed Off-Street Trail
Existing On-Street Trail
Proposed On-Street Trail
Snowmobile Trails
Developments
Scientific and Natural Area Boundaries
TRPD Parks
Parks
Public Land
City Limits
Existing Regional Trail
Planned Regional Trail
French Lake
Diamond Lake
Lake Laura
Mississippi River
Crow
R
i
v
e
r
CITY OF ROGERS & CITY OF DAYTON
DIAMOND LAKE REGIONAL TRAIL MASTER PLAN MARCH 2021
CRO
W
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I
V
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REGIONAL TRAIL
MISSISSIPPI RI V E R R E G I O N A L T R AIL
ME
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RUSH CRE
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EGI O N A L T R A I L DAYTON INTERCHANGE
BROCKTON
MEADOWS
CAMBRIA
FARMS
ERICKSON
HENRY'S WOODS
WALKER
PARK
BROOKSIDE
MEADOWS
"COW"
STIEG WOODS
CLOQUET
OVERLOOK
PARK
DIAMOND LAKES
DIAMONDS
TRIANGLE PARK
SUNNYSIDE
PARK
FERNBROOK SCHOOL
COMMUNITY
PLAYFIELD
MAPLE GROVE
SH COMMUNITY
PLAYFIELD
MAPLE GROVE
ARBORETUM
ELM CREEK
PARK RESERVE
HASSAN
HILLS II
HASSAN
HILLS PARK
SHADOW
WOODS
PARK
CROWRIVERHEIGHTS PARK MISSISSIPPIRIVERPARK MCNEIL PARK GOODIN PARK
ELSIE
STEPHENS
PARK
RUSH CREEK
LINEAR PARK
ERICKSON PARK
ROGERS
ELEMENTARY
SCHOOL
DUTCH
KNOLLS
PARK
ROGERS HIGH
SCHOOL
ROGERS
MIDDLE
SCHOOL
HASSAN
HILLS I
NORTH
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PARK
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PARK
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99TH AVENUE NORTH
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COUNTYR
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D-14 D-10
D-8
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D-17
C-2
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D-4
D-16
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MAPLE GROVE
RAMSEYELK RIVER
CORCORAN
S A I N TM I C H A E L OTSEGO
DAYTON
ROGERS
0 800 1,600400US Feet
Existing Off-Street Trail
Proposed Off-Street Trail
Existing On-Street Trail
Proposed On-Street Trail
Snowmobile Trails
Developments
Scientific and Natural Area Boundaries
TRPD Parks
Parks
Public Land
City Limits
Existing Regional Trail
Planned Regional Trail
French Lake
Diamond Lake
Lake Laura
Mississippi River
Crow River
CITY OF ROGERS & CITY OF DAYTON
DIAMOND LAKE REGIONAL TRAIL MASTER PLAN MARCH 2021
CROW RIVER REGIONAL TRAIL
MISSISSIPPI RI V E R R E G I O N A L T R AIL
ME
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EGI O N A L T R A I L DAYTON INTERCHANGE
Snowmobile Trail
Planned Local Trail
KEY
D-2: Capitalizes on views
of lakes; potential for wider
corridor; connections to
DNR boat launches on both
lakes; over 25 private parcels
crossed.
D-12: Closes loop around
French Lake; some wetland
impacts; up to 5 private
parcels crossed; align with
future development
D-1: Utilizes new Dayton
Interchange; some wetland
conflicts; potential to align with
future development
D-4: Requires expansive
trail bridge over I-94; good
connection to communities
south of interstate;
significant wetland
conflicts;up to 18 private
parcels crossed.
D-5: Views of French
Lake; up to 10 private
parcels crossed; some
wetland impacts; some
of segment may be along
roadways
D-7: Views of Grass Lake;
connection to Henry’s
Woods; up to 7 private
parcels crossed; low
wetland impactsD-6: Off-road alignment;
adjacent to development
on north side of French
Lake; up to 7 private
parcels crossed
D-11: Along Brockton Lane N. in right of way; up
to 25 driveway and 13 roadway crossings; high
speed traffic; connection to downtown Dayton
D-9: Views of Grass Lake;
up to 6 private parcels
crossed; low wetland
impacts; close to existing
residential development
D-14: Along N. Diamond Lake Rd; up to 7
driveway and 2 roadway crossings; connection
to Rogers High School and Middle School
D-16: East/west
connection to west side
of Diamond Lake along
S. Diamond Lake Rd;
within road right of way; 3
driveway crossings;
D-8: Adjacent Diamond Lake;
up to 9 private parcels crossed;
some wetland impacts; off-
road alignment with potential
for wider right of way
D-10: Along N. Diamond
Lake Rd; up to 9 driveway
and 3 roadway crossings;
potential to link with local
trails into Rogers
D-15: Views of Diamond
Lake; connection to DNR boat
landing; within road right of
way; 3 driveway crossings
D-3: Potential for wider,
off-road corridor; 13
private parcels crossed;
connection to Goodin Park
as trailhead and terminus
D-13: Extends around
Lake Laura; crosses up
to 7 private parcels and
1 roadway crossing; no
wetland impacts
#
Pos
i
t
i
v
e
Neg
a
t
i
v
e
Neu
t
r
a
l
Public Comments Received (updated 12-28-20)##
D-12:
+ prefer trail route away
from busy roads
D-2:
+ Connections to Elm Creek PR,
Miss. River, access to/around
lakes.
+ great views of lakes
- Impacts to private property
-possible negative impacts to
horse trails
D-1:
+ Safe access to Elm Creek PR,
French Lake and crossing of CR 81
- safety concerns crossing CR 101
D-4:
+ Connections from the
neighborhoods to local
shops and restaurants,
Henry’s Woods and the
lakes.
+ Safe crossing of CR 81
D-5:
+ Liked the ability to go
around both lakes
D-7:
+ Connecions from
neighborhoods to Henry’s
Woods and Rogers High
School
D-6:
+ Ability to access the trail
from the neighborhood for
families and kids
+ Access to the lakes
without being near busy
Brockton Lane
+ strong desire for trails in
general
D-11:
+ Neighborhood trail connections to downtown
Dayton, Miss. River and Rogers High School
- Brockton was too busy
- Trail was not necessary because of the
proximity of the planned Crow River RT
D-9: No comments.D-16: No comments.
D-13: No comments.
D-14:
+ Ability for families to access trail from the
neighborhood to connect to the high school
and Elm Creek PR
- busy traffic along 144 and Brockton Lane
D-8:
+ Connection from housing
developments to Henry’s Woods
and to/around lakes
D-10:
+ Liked connections to the
lakes and Elm Creek PR
+ preferred a safer. off-
road trail
D-15:
+ Liked trail next to Diamond
Lake
- Traffic on road was too fast
and busy
- Private property concerns
D-3:
+ More scenic and safer
route than along Brockton.
- dangerous crossing of
144
- impacts to golf course
16 3 2
1 0 0
19 1 1
1 0 0
4 2 0
2 0 01900
7 2 2
6 3 1
6 3 0
---6 1 3
4 0 0
---
---4 0 0
FIGURE 3 | ANALYSIS & COMMENT SUMMARY- DAYTON/ROGERS
Source: Park District
27 THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT
DIAMOND LAKE REGIONAL TRAIL MASTER PLAN
ANALYSIS & PUBLIC COMMENTS SUMMARY CORCORAN
JULY 2021
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109TH AVENUE N109TH AVENUE N
BELLWETHERBELLWETHER
DEVELOPMENTDEVELOPMENT
C-4: Utilizes County right
of way and up to 16 private
parcels; utilities on west side
along CR 116; connects to City
Hall
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up to 22 private parcels
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C-13: East/west
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potential for wide corridor
C-11: East/west connection
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#
Pos
i
t
i
v
e
Neg
a
t
i
v
e
Neu
t
r
a
l
Public Comments Received (updated 12-28-20)
Public Comments
Segment Analysis
##
C-7:3UR[LPLW\WR
housing, including Maple
Grove neighborhoods (no
H[LVWLQJWUDLOV
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regarding allowing
VQRZPRELOHV
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safety concerns along
Brandywine
C-4:3UHIHUUHGWKLVURXWHZKHQ
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CR 116
+ Connect to current and future
KRXVLQJGHYHORSPHQWV
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CR 116 and being too close to
116
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woods
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busy CR 116
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- Concerned about
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- Safety concerns along CR
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strong preference to avoid
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0 0 0 4 2 1
4 9 1
0 0 0
0 2 2
4 0 0
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1 3 1
0 0 0
0 0 0
KEY
FIGURE 4 | ANALYSIS & COMMENT SUMMARY- CORCORAN
Source: Park District
28DIAMOND LAKE REGIONAL TRAIL 2022
DRAFT 4/21/2022
DIAMOND LAKE REGIONAL TRAIL MASTER PLAN
ANALYSIS SUMMARY MEDINA
FEBRUARY 2021
LEGEND
Diamond Lake RT Route Alternative
New Medina Route Alternative
Local Trail
Planned Local Trail
Snowmobile Trail
Regional Trail Search Corridor
Park, Golf Course, Natural Area
Oႇ -road, meets major
objective of TRPD; many
private parcels; signi cant
quantity of wetlands along
route Within road ROW;
many utility con icts;
many driveway
crossings; 4 roadway
crossings; connection
to local park
Signi cant quantity
of wetlands; within
road ROW; several
road crossings; many
driveway crossings
Potential bene cial east/
west connector to local
parks; adjacent to several
large parcels
Utilizes road ROW
along CR 116; could
utilize local trail along
roadway
Up to 30 driveway
crossings; connection
to Lions Park; some
wetland impacts;
potential to utilize
existing local trail;
close proximity to
higher population
density
Connections to future
school and parks; large
wetland crossing; private
and public property
utilized
Within road ROW;
adjacent large wetland
with scenic value;
connects to existing local
trail
Mostly oႇ -road, meets
major objective of
TRPD; many private
parcels; potential use
of Hennepin County
parking;
+ More scenic
+ Quiet and safer than
CR 116
- Narrow road, steep
ditches
- Loss of privacy
+ Scenic, natural route
+ Oႇ -road experience
- Impacts to private
property
- Possible impacts to
Wolsfeld Woods
- Dangerous crossing of
CR 24 & CR 6
14 2 10
24 22 2
+ More scenic, oႇ -
road experience
+ Avoids busy CR 116
- Safety concern
crossing TH 55
- Loss of privacy
- Safety concerns
- Impacts to trees &
wetlands
+ Quiet, natural setting
+ Desire for trails in this
area
- Safety concerns at
dangerous crossings
+ Connections to Holy
Name Lake, Long
Lake, Wayzata
- Loss of privacy/
seclusion
- Safety concerns
- Impacts to trees
+ Closer to more
homes
+ Connections to
Plymouth trails
+ Less private property
impacts
- Safety concerns and
congestion along CR
116
- Safety concern
crossing TH 55
+ Connection to
downtown Hamel
+ Close to more
homes
- Safety concerns
along busy roads
- Impacts to privacy &
wildlife
+ Less impacts to private
property
+ Closer to more homes
- Congestion concerns at
city park
7 1 0
1 27 1
9 3 0
6 19 0
11 9 0
20 18 1
7 7 1
COMMENT SUMMARY
COMMENT SUMMARY COMMENT SUMMARY
COMMENT SUMMARY
COMMENT SUMMARY
COMMENT SUMMARY
COMMENT SUMMARY
COMMENT SUMMARY
COMMENT SUMMARY
ANAYSIS SUMMARY
ANAYSIS SUMMARY
ANAYSIS SUMMARY
ANAYSIS SUMMARY
ANAYSIS SUMMARY
ANAYSIS SUMMARY
ANAYSIS SUMMARY
ANAYSIS SUMMARY
ANAYSIS SUMMARY
Note: These maps are for planning purposes only and are subject to change.
FIGURE 5 | ANALYSIS & COMMENT SUMMARY- MEDINA
Source: Park District
29 THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT
DIAMOND LAKE REGIONAL TRAIL MASTER PLAN
CITY OF ORONO
FEBRUARY 2021
PUBLIC COMMENTS & ANALYSIS SUMMARY
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W-2
O-1: Two comments in
favor of paving between
DLRT and Vicksburg Ln,
1 opposed.
O-8:
- Safety concerns
about crossing CR 6 at
Tamarack. Suggestions
include grade separation.
O-7:
-Safety concerns
about crossing
CR 6 at Hunter.
Suggestions include
grade separation
or other crossing
improvements.
O-3: Six comments
opposed to paving
Luce Line
O-4 & O-5: No comments
other than don’t pave the
Luce Line
O-2:
+ Scenic route
+ Safer than biking on the road
- Residents concern for loss of
privacy and narrowness of road
O-6:
+ Beautiful scenic area
+ Great idea
0 00
4 3 0
4 0 1
1 4 0250
0 0 3
0 0 3
#
Pos
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Neg
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Neu
t
r
a
l
Public Comments Received (updated 12-3-20)##
O-1: Existing State Trail;
no additional impact or
development necessary;
unpaved surface
O-3: Existing State Trail;
no additional impact or
development necessary;
unpaved surface
O-2: Direct access to DNR
SNA; 9 driveway crossings;
mature vegetation in ROW
O-6: Utilizes existing
local trail; high quality of
experience; lake views
O-8: Shorter distance
than O-7; would require
underpass at CR-6; Within
road ROW; 4 driveway
crossings
O-7: Longer distance
than O-8; challenging
crossing of CR-6;
Within road ROW; 5
driveway crossings
O-4 & O-5: Utilizes existing
local trail; in road ROW;
would require walls and
boardwalk
DIAMOND LAKE REGIONAL TRAIL MASTER PLAN
CITY OF WAYZATA
FEBRUARY 2021
PUBLIC COMMENTS & ANALYSIS SUMMARY
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LUCE LINE STATE TRAIL
DAKOTA RAIL RE
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2
0
2
1
W-1:
+ Wider, less steep than
Ferndale
+ Access to parking and
businesses
W-3:
- Narrow road
- Impacts to existing
vegetation
W-2:
- Negative comments regarding
safety next to GC and WCC
entrance. Some concern over
safety on Old Long Lake Road
being too narrow.
+ Positive comments about
scenery and a thought that
Wayzata Blvd. seemed safer
than Ferndale Rd.
O-1:
+ Majority preferred leaving
the Luce Line State Trail
unpaved
0-3:
- Six comments
opposed to paving
Luce Line
O-2:
- Neighboring residents are
concerned about loss of
privacy and safety concerns.
+ Others see it as a wonderful
scenic route.
W-4:
+ Prefer this route as
a direct connection to
the Dakota Rail Trail.
8 00
3 11 1
2 6 0
#
Pos
i
t
i
v
e
Neg
a
t
i
v
e
Neu
t
r
a
l
Public Comments Received (updated 12-3-20)##
2 00
5 4 0
0 0 3
0 0 3
W-1: Fewer driveway
crossings; adjacent to
school, public transit; less
steep slopes
W-3: More driveway
crossings; Steep slopes;
mature vegetation in ROW
W-4: Existing
sidewalk can be
widened; most direct
connection to Luce
Line Trail
W-2: Steep shoulder grades;
challenging access at Club
entrance; mature vegetation in
ROW
O-1: Existing State Trail;
no additional impact or
development necessary;
unpaved surface
O-3: Existing State
Trail; no additional
impact or development
necessary; unpaved
surface
O-2: Direct access to DNR
SNA; 9 driveway crossings;
mature vegetation in ROW
FIGURE 6 | ANALYSIS & COMMENT SUMMARY- ORONO
Source: Park District
FIGURE 7 | ANALYSIS & COMMENT SUMMARY- WAYZATA
Source: Park District
30DIAMOND LAKE REGIONAL TRAIL 2022
DRAFT 4/21/2022
PHASE 4: ALTERNATIVE ROUTE IDENTIFICATION,
ASSESSMENT AND LOCAL APPROVAL: MEDINA
(FEBRUARY – JUNE 2021)
Phase 4 obtained feedback from engaged parties and
keep them informed of decisions and how their feedback
was considered during the process. While community
members were welcomed to offer suggestions and
ideas, the did not have a promised role in evaluating
and determine the final route as this was held by local
appointed and elected officials as well as the Park District.
As a result of the strong public input from Medina
residents through engagement and at several public City
Council meetings, the Medina City Council requested the
Park District eliminate the previously considered routes
south of TH 55 through Medina and evaluate a new
route for the trail along Hamel Road, connecting to Lake
Independence Regional Trail and other existing trails in
Baker Park Reserve. In addition to the proposed route
along Hamel Road, two options for crossing Highway 55
were also evaluated.
TABLE 8 | PHASE 4 ENGAGEMENT STRATEGIES
Source: Park District
GENERAL PUBLIC PROPERTY OWNERS
Interactive webmap for public
comments
Open House/Listening Sessions at
Fields of Medina Park
Pop-ups in city parks Open House/Listening Sessions at
Baker National Golf Course Clubhouse
Yard/road signs along potential trail
routes Virtual Open House
Social media posts
City newsletters
Emails and phone conversations
ADDITIONAL MEDINA PARK
COMMISSION MEETINGS
ADDITIONAL MEDINA CITY
COUNCIL MEETINGS
2/16/2021 2/16/2021
2/23/2021 2/23/2021
3/17/2021 3/2/2021
5/19/2021 3/16/2021
6/1/2021
6/15/2021
TABLE 9 | PHASE 4 ADDITIONAL CITY OF MEDINA
PUBLIC MEETINGS
Source: Park District
The Park District conducted a new phase of public
engagement and analysis for this route from March
through May 2021 (Table 10). This engagement obtained
substantial public feedback. Most property owners along
the alternative route along Hamel Road opposed the
route, but overall feedback was fairly evenly split because
residents along other portions of the trail generally
supported finding an alternative which would be viable.
The Park District worked with City staff to develop and
implement an engagement process which provided
multiple methods for notification and participation - with
a focus on engaging Medina residents, especially those
immediately adjacent to or in close proximately to the
Hamel Road option (Table 8).
The following notification methods were utilized:
• Article in the April City newsletter
• Direct mailing by City staff to 1355 owners within
350 feet (1000 feet in rural) from the conceptual
routes
• Email notification by City staff to listserv and
neighborhood groups near the conceptual routes
• Email notification by The Park District staff to
Medina households within The Park District
reservation/pass/program database (648 Medina
household) and to persons which provided
their email contact information as part of the
engagement process (84 persons).
• Posted project information:
-City: Website, Facebook, Next Door, Press Release
to the Crow River News
-Park District: Project website, Baker Park Reserve
Facebook Page
Table 9 summarizes the additional meetings with the
City of Medina Park Commission and City Council to
review and confirm the final approved trail alignment
along Hamel Road in the City of Medina. These meetings
included opportunities for interested parties to testify and
share their thoughts directly with decsion makers.
31 THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT
TABLE 10 | PHASE 4 ENGAGEMENT SUMMARY & MASTER PLAN INFLUENCE
Source: Park District
ENGAGEMENT STRATEGY ENGAGED
PERSONS COMMON FEEDBACK THEMES MASTER PLAN INFLUENCE
GENERAL COMMUNITY MEMBERS
Let’s Talk website Interactive
webmap for public comments
The Park District created an interactive
webmap linked to the Let’s Talk Three
Rivers website to collect public feedback
geo-located directly into a map.
61 comments • In general terms, 50% of the comments
indicated support of the trail, 30% indicated
opposition, 10% indicated conditional support
and 10% did not clearly indicate support or
opposition.
• Comments were evenly split between preferring
the eastern route vs. western route in northern
Medina.
• The majority of the supportive comments
liked trail connections in their neighborhood,
supported a grade-separated crossing at TH 55
and viewed the trail as a desirable safe route to
Baker Park Reserve.
• The majority of opposition comments focused
on privacy, security and safety concerns
• The preferred route is the eastern route
which will connect more directly to
neighborhoods with families and a safe
route to a future school.
• The segment along Hamel Road will be
within the road right-of-way as much as
possible, minimizing impacts to adjacent
property owners.
• The trail along Hamel Road may be
separated from the road by curb or
boulevard making it safer for users.
Pop-ups in local parks
The Park District set up two pop-up
tabling events along the regional trail
corridor at the Park at Fields of Medina
and Hamel Legion Park.
15 • Every person engage with was very supportive
of the trail. Most were very enthusiastic and
wanted to see the trail built ASAP.
• A trail was viewed as an amenity for the
neighborhood and community.
• Residents said they valued trails as an
opportunity to get outside, recreate and enjoy
nature and exercise.
• Residents appreciated having trail connections
close to home for easy access for families with
children. Some said they would still use the trail
even if it went north into Corcoran.
• Residents were ok with the western route as
long as there was a good local trail connection
to it.
• The preferred route goes through the
Fields of Medina and connects to the
future Wayzata school site with a proposed
pedestrian bridge over TH 55.
Emails and phone conversations
The Park District set up a DLRT project
email address and forwarded phone
number for direct communications with
the community.
Over 70 • In general, residents north of TH 55 and in the
Hamel area were overwhelmingly supportive of
the regional trail and the access and connections
it brings. The majority of residents living
along Hamel Road were not supportive of a
regional trail adjacent to their property, mainly
for reasons of a perception of loss of privacy/
security and safety concerns
• The preferred route is the eastern route
which will connect more directly to
neighborhoods with families and a safe
route to a future school.
• The segment along Hamel Road will be
within the road right-of-way as much as
possible, minimizing impacts to adjacent
property owners.
• The trail along Hamel Road will be
separated from the road by curb or
boulevard making it safer for users.
City Council meeting public
comments
Approximately 20 • The majority of Medina resident who spoke
at the City Council public hearings were in
opposition to the trail.
• The Medina City Council heard from all
the residents that chose to speak at the
hearings and considered their input before
making their decision to approve the route
along Hamel Road and the easter trail
option over TH 55.
PROPERTY OWNERS
Open House/Listening Sessions at
Fields of Medina Park
The Park District tabled an open house/
listening session at the Fields of Medina
Park to share information and gather
feedback on the proposed new route
options for the DLRT in northern
Medina.
Participants were notified by direct
mailing of letters to their homes, City
and TRPD social media and websites
20 • The west route was viewed as a more rural/
scenic route better for recreational use.
The east route connected more directly to
neighborhoods, businesses and future Wayzata
ISD school.
• Strong interest in connecting to Baker Park
Reserve and a safe crossing of TH 55 (bridge).
• Strong support from residents of the Fields
of Medina and Enclave (Hamel area) for trails
through their neighborhood. Not a strong
preference for east or west option as long as
there is a connection to the neighborhood.
• Opposition to the ‘no trail’ option.
• Concern about congestion in the planned
commercial development just north of TH 55.
• Concern about the available right-of-way width
along Hamel Road.
• East option was chosen for the preferred
route with caveat that the location of
crossing of TH 55 remain flexible to
coordinate with the future commercial and
highway development opportunities. It will
connect more directly to neighborhoods
with families and a safe route to a future
school.
• The segment along Hamel Road will be
within the road right-of-way as much as
possible, minimizing impacts to adjacent
property owners.
• The trail along Hamel Road will be
separated from the road by curb or
boulevard making it safer for users.
32DIAMOND LAKE REGIONAL TRAIL 2022
DRAFT 4/21/2022
ENGAGEMENT STRATEGY ENGAGED
PERSONS COMMON FEEDBACK THEMES MASTER PLAN INFLUENCE
PROPERTY OWNERS- CONTINUED
Open House/Listening Sessions
at Baker National Golf Course
Clubhouse
The Park District tabled an open house/
listening session at Baker National Golf
Course Clubhouse to share information
and gather feedback on the proposed
new route options for the Diamond
Lake Regional Trail in northern Medina.
Participants were notified by direct
mailing of letters to their homes, city
and the Park District social media and
websites.
20 • Strong opposition to the concept of a trail along
Hamel Road by local residents. Viewed as an
unfair burden to adjacent property owners.
• Safety concerns given the volume and speed
of traffic along Hamel Road, number driveway
crossings, tight curves and horseback riding use.
• Concerns about the loss of privacy/seclusion,
rural character, and vegetation.
• Concerns about the need for additional property
rights and the unwillingness to grant them.
• Concerns over the displacement of the existing
horse-riding route along the road shoulder.
• Concerns about the cost/feasibility/funding of
the trail construction.
• Park District staff addressed the stated
concerns and answered questions during
the meeting. Many of the concerns can be
dealt with in the future design phase of the
trail construction project.
• All comments were summarized and
documented in the plan document.
• The plan acknowledges that the acquisition
of property rights is a long process and
done so on a willing seller basis, no
eminent domain.
Three Virtual Open Houses for Hamel
Road residents
The Park District hosted a virtual open
house/listening session via Zoom to
share information and gather feedback
on the proposed new route options
for the Diamond Lake Regional Trail in
northern Medina.
Participants were notified by direct
mailing of letters to their homes, city
and the Park District social media and
websites.
14 • Concerns about the eastern route through the
planned commercial area north of TH 55 causing
congestion in a busy area.
• Concern about privacy and public safety if
the trail goes through the Fields of Medina
development.
• The western option might provide more room
for a ped bridge over TH 55 and connection to
Hennepin County Public Works
• Challenge regarding supporting the trail while
balancing property rights/privacy concerns.
• Safety concerns about driveway crossings.
• Questions about the trail right-of-way
acquisition process.
• Support for the trail going through Baker Park
Reserve and not along the north side of Hamel
Road. Avoid multiple crossings of Hamel Road.
• As more people are living in this area, walking/
biking along roads is less safe. Long term, a trail
would be viewed as a community asset.
• Park District staff addressed many of the
stated concerns and answered questions
during the meeting.
• Contrary to the comments in this meeting
regarding privacy and public safety, other
engagement opportunities revealed an
overwhelming support for the trail route
going through the Fields of Medina.
• The plan acknowledges that the acquisition
of property rights is a long process and
done so on a willing seller basis, no
eminent domain. All possible measures
reduce the impact on adjacent property
owners will be taken during the design
development of the trail.
• Though the plan does not determine
what side of Hamel Road it will be on, the
route will go through Baker Park Reserve,
avoiding property impacts on the north
side of Hamel Road.
PHASE 5: ALTERNATIVE ROUTE IDENTIFICATION,
ASSESSMENT AND LOCAL APPROVAL: LONG LAKE/
ORONO (MAY 2021 – OCTOBER 2021)
The new route through Medina connecting to Baker Park
Reserve precipitated the need for a new route through
Long Lake and Orono in order to connect back into the
approved route in Wayzata. Several route alternatives
through Long Lake and Orono were proposed, utilizing
the existing trail along Wayzata Boulevard in Long Lake
and the Luce Line in Orono. All proposed trail alternatives
assumed that Three Rivers would assume the ownership,
operational and maintenance responsibilities for the
existing trail through Long Lake. A new phase of public
engagement was conducted in May and June 2021 and
that feedback was positive from the general public and
business owners, except for those residents living directly
along the proposed route who had concerns about
congestion and parking in the downtown area (Table 12).
The Long Lake City Council shared this concern and asked
Three Rivers to conduct further analysis and consider new
design solutions for a safe route through downtown. Six
road/trail design alternatives through downtown Long
Lake were proposed to address the City’s concerns about
congestion and pedestrian/vehicle safety. The graphics are
included in Appendix E.
Phase 5 (IAPP Involve Level) obtained feedback from
engaged parties and keep them informed of decisions and
how their feedback was considered during the process
(Table 13). While community members were welcomed to
offer suggestions and ideas, the did not have a promised role
in evaluating and determine the final route as this was held
by local appointed and elected officials as well as the Park
District.
There were several additional meetings held with the City
of Long Lake to review alternate alignments. Ultimately, the
City Council was not supportive of the regional trail through
Long Lake and all associated routes were removed from
consideration. (Table 11).
TABLE 11 | PHASE 4 ADDITIONAL CITY OF LONG LAKE
PUBLIC MEETINGS
Source: Park District
ADDITIONAL LONG LAKE PARK
BOARD MEETINGS
ADDITIONAL LONG LAKE CITY
COUNCIL MEETINGS
4/5/2021 5/4/2021
7/12/2021
9/7/2021
33 THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT
GENERAL PUBLIC UNDERREPRESENTED COMMUNITY
MEMBERS
PROPERTY OWNERS, BUSINESSES
AND DEVELOPERS
Interactive webmap for public
comments
Outreach to Orono Woods Senior
Living
Direct engagement with most of the
businesses in downtown Long Lake
Virtual open house/listening session Orono Public Schools
Open house/listening session at
Nelson Park
Pop-ups in city parks
Yard/road signs along potential trail
routes
Social media posts
City newsletters
Emails and phone conversations
TABLE 12 | PHASE 5 ENGAGEMENT STRATEGIES
Source: Park District
TABLE 13 | PHASE 5 ENGAGEMENT SUMMARY & MASTER PLAN INFLUENCE
Source: Park District
ENGAGEMENT STRATEGY ENGAGED
PERSONS COMMON FEEDBACK THEMES MASTER PLAN INFLUENCE
GENERAL PUBLIC
Interactive webmap for public
comments
The Park District created an interactive
webmap linked to the Let’s Talk Three
Rivers website to collect public feedback
geo-located directly into a map.
25 comments • Comments were evenly split (positive/negative)
with several comments suggesting routes other
than the trail options proposed.
• Safety concerns at intersections with Old Long
Lake Road and at Wurzer Trail crossings were
noted.
• Concerns about the impact of increased bike
traffic in downtown and on residential streets.
• Supportive comments liked the trail next to the
scenic lake.
•
• At the request of the City Council over
concerns about congestion in downtown,
the Park District evaluated other
routes south of CR 112 and studied six
options for road/trail configurations in
downtown Long Lake- none of which were
satisfactory.
Virtual open house/listening session
The Park District hosted a virtual open
house/listening session via Zoom to
share information and gather feedback
on the proposed new route options
for the Diamond Lake Regional Trail
through Long Lake and Orono.
Participants were notified by direct
mailing of letters to their homes, City
and the Park District social media and
websites
0 N/A N/A
Pop-ups in city parks
The Park District set up two pop-up
tabling events along the proposed trail
corridor in Long Lake and Orono at the
Nelson Lakeside Park and Hardin Park.
Approximately 24 • Every resident engaged with was supportive
of the concept of converting the existing trail
through Long Lake into a regional trail.
• Most of the residents asked about possible
congestion in downtown did not feel it would
be a problem to have a trail through downtown
along Symes St. Some believed it may even
reduce the number of cars in downtown.
• Concern about the lack of parking during busy
times.
• Most preferred the regional trail follow along CR
112 rather than the Wurzer Trail.
• At the request of the City Council over
concerns about congestion in downtown,
the Park District evaluated other
routes south of CR 112 and studied six
options for road/trail configurations in
downtown Long Lake- none of which were
satisfactory.
UNDERREPRESENTED COMMUNITY MEMBERS
Outreach to Orono Woods Senior Living
Park District staff spoke with the Facility
Manager on the phone as COVID
pandemic restrictions prevented any
in-person engagement.
Facility Manager • Orono Woods has a lot of active seniors that use
and appreciate the existing trail and would like
to opportunity for additional trail connections
• At the request of the City Council over
concerns about congestion in downtown,
the Park District evaluated other
routes south of CR 112 and studied six
options for road/trail configurations in
downtown Long Lake- none of which were
satisfactory.
Outreach to Orono Public Schools
Park District staff spoke with the Facility
and Grounds Manager on the phone as
COVID pandemic restrictions prevented
any in-person engagement.
Facility and Grounds
Manager
• Orono Schools staff is supportive of the regional
trails through and near the school campus. They
are open to the idea of designated parking stalls
and signage for a possible trailhead location.
• Had Long Lake approved a regional trail
through the City, the Park District would
have pursued a trailhead at this location
in order to possibly alleviate parking
demands near downtown. However, this
was not satisfactory.
34DIAMOND LAKE REGIONAL TRAIL 2022
DRAFT 4/21/2022
ENGAGEMENT STRATEGY ENGAGED
PERSONS COMMON FEEDBACK THEMES MASTER PLAN INFLUENCE
PROPERTY OWNERS, BUSINESSES AND DEVELOPERS
Direct engagement with most of the
businesses in downtown Long Lake
The Park District visited with business
owners along Wayzata Boulevard to
share information and gather feedback
on the proposed new route options
through Long Lake and Orono.
Participants were also notified by direct
mailing of letters to their businesses,
City and TRPD social media and
websites to attend open houses/
listening sessions.
14 • Every business representative spoken to
expressed support for the concept of the trail
through Long Lake becoming a regional trail.
• Businesses viewed the trails in Long Lake as a
bonus to the downtown business activity, not a
congestion problem.
• Many thought it would be important in keeping
Long Lake a vibrant and active community.
• At the request of the City Council over
concerns about congestion in downtown,
the Park District evaluated other
routes south of CR 112 and studied six
options for road/trail configurations in
downtown Long Lake- none of which were
satisfactory.
Open house/listening session at
Nelson Park
Local residents were sent direct mailings
inviting them to any of the scheduled
open house meetings, including virtual
meetings. Notifications were also
posted on social media, City and TRPD
websites.
5 • Residents were supportive of the concept of
converting the existing trail along CR 112 to
a regional trail and being a part of a larger
regional system.
• Concerns were raised about congestion on
Symes Street next to the park during busy times.
• Concerns about conflicts with driveways on
Martha Lane.
• Preference for the trail option along CR 112
rather than Wurzer Trail option for trail safety
reasons crossing of CR 112.
• At the request of the City Council over
concerns about congestion in downtown,
the Park District evaluated other
routes south of CR 112 and studied six
options for road/trail configurations in
downtown Long Lake- none of which were
satisfactory.
PHASE 6: ROUTE REVIEW AND APPROVAL
After considering the results of the route analysis and
summary of the public engagement, the Long lake City
Council had remaining concerns about the possible impact
of converting the existing local trail along CR 112 into a
regional trail. There were concerns about congestion in
downtown Long Lake, conflict with vehicles along Symes
Street and Martha Lane and parking shortages with the
additional trail traffic that would be associated with a
regional trail. The City Council asked the Park District to
investigate some detailed road/trail alignment options
through downtown which could help alleviate some of
the possible congestion. Six options were presented to
the City Council in September 2021. Ultimately the Long
Lake City Council, with the support of the Long Lake Park
Board, did not approve any of the proposed route options
and declined to partner with Three Rivers on a regional
trail through the City.
Each of the remaining cities saw the value and opportunity
of the regional trail for their community and residents and
approved a preferred regional trail route.
Table 14 lists the final preferred route approval dates from
the partner agency’s park commission and city council
(see Appendix F for meeting minutes).
CITY PARKS COMMISSION
RECOMMENDATION
CITY COUNCIL
APPROVAL
Dayton 2/12/2021 3/9/2021
Rogers 2/11/2021 4/13/2021
Corcoran 7/15/2021 7/22/2021
Medina 5/19/2021 6/15/2021
Orono 10/4/2021 10/11/2021
Wayzata 2/17/2021 3/16/2021
TABLE 14 | PHASE 6 FINAL APPROVAL DATES FOR
PREFERRED ROUTE
Source: Park District
PHASE 7: 30-DAY OFFICIAL COMMENT PERIOD
Subject to revision following 30-day comment period
The focus of Phase 7 was to obtain feedback from
community members and partners and keep them
informed of decisions and how their feedback was
considered during the process. While community members
and partners were welcomed to offer suggestions, they did
not have a promised role in evaluating and determining
final recommendations.
The general public, regional trail users, underrepresented
community members and partners were welcomed to
review and provide comments on the draft master plan
over a 30-day comment period from ____ to ____. The Park
District shared this opportunity through several methods
35 THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT
including a press release, social media posts which partners
shared/ reposted, Park District list serves, and news item
on the Park District website. The plan was available online,
at local public venues (city halls, and nearby Park District
facilities) and shared via email to identified partners and
others upon request.
A summary of the main themes heard during the 30-day
comment period is outlined in Table 16. In addition, a
more detailed overview of all raw comments and Park
District responses, including how a comment was or was
not addressed in the master plan, are listed in Appendix
H and posted on the Park District’s project website. At the
completion of the 30-day comment period partner cities
and agencies were asked to provide a letter or resolution
of support. These are included in Appendix H.
ACCOUNTABILITY MOVING FORWARD
The Park District will continue to work with the general
public, underrepresented communities, existing users, and
partners to implement the recommendations included
in this master plan as resources become available to
ensure that they best address the identified challenges or
opportunities at the time of implementation.
There are many challenges and obstacles to overcome
when establishing equal, equitable, and inclusive outdoor
recreation opportunities, such as unforeseen pandemics
impacting outreach efforts with targeted groups. The Park
District is pursuing - and will continue to explore - new
ways of mitigating these challenges through engagement,
policy integration, accountability, and partnerships, to
achieve comprehensive, long-lasting, and sustainable
solutions and positive outcomes.
In simpler terms, this master plan is intended to be a
starting point and the Park District will continue to be
inclusive and responsive to changing needs and priorities.
This commitment to the general public, underrepresented
communities, existing users, and partners is laid out in
Table 15.
TABLE 15 | ACCOUNTABILITY & COMMITMENT MOVING FORWARD
Source: Park District
COMMITMENT FOCUS ACCOUNTABILITY & COMMITMENT
Funding
• Work in partnership with the local cities, Hennepin County, MnDOT and other potential funding partners to secure funding in a manner
that fosters collaboration and aligns priorities.
• Prioritize funding opportunities which promote efficiency of staff, financial resources, and safety.
• Prioritize funding/implementation which directly improves access, comfort, and a sense of inclusion to new users and underrepresented
community groups (wayfinding, benches, trail connections, safety improvements).
• Prioritize funding to evaluate and improve trail crossing safety.
Design Development &
Construction
• Identify locations for local trail connections (i.e., schools, local trail network, retail/commercial nodes, parks) and work with partners to
implement connections – especially at locations which help reach and serve underrepresented community groups.
• Adhere to Park District regional trail design standards (ADA accessible, 10’ wide, paved, multi-directional, etc.), whenever possible/
appropriate to ensure safety and high-quality user experiences.
• Design and implement recommendations in a manner which is sensitive and responsive to the surrounding environment.
• Continue engaging affected neighbors in ways they deem appropriate (e.g., door knocking, letters, better descriptions of impact to
properties).
• Continue engagement efforts with underrepresented community groups, particularly the BIPOC community since several BIPOC events
were canceled during this project due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Identify and work to avoid, minimize or mitigate potential impacts on private property.
• Coordinate design efforts and seek design approval from partners where applicable, including improvement of crossings.
• Ensure all road crossings follow industry standards and best practices.
• Include wayfinding and regional trail amenities (benches, garbage cans, bike racks, repair stations, information stations/ kiosks, etc.) as
part of initial implementation.
Operations &
Maintenance
• Provide routine and preventive pavement maintenance in accordance with district-wide regional trail standards.
• Consider improving winter maintenance practices as resources allow and when winter regional, recreation use increases.
• Continue to explore additional regional trail programming (affinity groups, learn-to-bike, bike maintenance, and similar) designed
specifically for non-users/underrepresented community groups.
• Support local safe routes to school efforts.
• Continue improving wayfinding efforts, including implementing signage in languages other than English.
36DIAMOND LAKE REGIONAL TRAIL 2022
DRAFT 4/21/2022
TABLE 16 | MAIN THEMES OF THE 30-DAY COMMENT PERIOD
Source: Park District
Date Comment
** This table will be completed after the completion of the 30-day comment period**
37 THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT
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38DIAMOND LAKE REGIONAL TRAIL 2022
DRAFT 4/21/2022
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 variety of recreation activities,
trails appear to be the common thread across most
demographic groups.
With dramatic demographic and lifestyle changes taking
place in the U.S. and around the world, understanding
these trends is more important than ever – informing and
influencing critical outdoor programs, products and public
policy decisions.
NATIONAL RECREATION TRENDS
Each year, the Outdoor Foundation produces the Outdoor
Participation Report – the largest, most comprehensive
research report on outdoor recreation participation.
The report examines more than 40 outdoor activities in
America and provides insights and analysis on geographic
and demographic trends, motivations and barriers as well
as purchasing behaviors.
The 2020 Outdoor Participation Report shows that just
over half of Americans ages six and older participated in
outdoor recreation, including hunting, hiking, camping,
fishing, canoeing among many more outdoor activities.
That equates to 153.6 million participants, who went on
a collective 10.9 billion outdoor outings. This is a modest
rebound from the decade low 10.2 billion outings in
2018. However, nearly half of the U.S. population did not
participate in outdoor recreation.
The most popular outdoor activities by participation
continue to support regional trail use. The number one
outdoor activity nationwide with 61 million participants is
running, jogging and trail running all of which are allowed
across the entire regional trail system. This is followed
3
RESEARCH
TRENDS, DEMAND &
FORECAST
39 THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT
that top motivations for spending time outdoors were
to feel healthier, rest mentally and be physically fit. The
research supports, and the public is seemingly ready to
embrace, a healthier outdoor lifestyle of which these
two trails would support. The SCORP recommends
outdoor recreation providers consider how to enhance
their operations in ways that promote visitor health and
well-being, such as providing access to the trail system
at key locations where residents can easily get to the
trails.
The Minnesota Department of Health identifies several
Determinants of Health, of which one is the Physical
Environment (Figure 8). Communities that have
accessible outdoor activities, such as trails, provide a
healthier environment.
by hiking (also an allowed regional trail activity) as the
third most popular outdoor activity with 49.7 million
participants.
Additional highlights from the 2020 report include:
• 50.7 percent of Americans participated at least one
outdoor activity in 2019.
• 46.2 percent of outdoor participants were female
versus 53.8 percent male, the smallest gender gap
on record.
• Youth participation flashed a warning signal, falling
across the board for girls and boys and among
both children and young adults.
• Black and Hispanic Americans remained
significantly underrepresented outside, with
participation levels well below their share of the US
population.
Holistically, this report highlights the enormous risks
facing the outdoor industry. It is stressed that more must
be done to change this trajectory - for the health of the
industry and the health of society. The report recommends
collective action through philanthropy, marketing, and
policies at the local, state, and federal levels to help bring
individuals and entire communities to the outdoors and
inspire a nationwide outdoor habit. This collective action
and attention is especially important because the Diamond
Lake Regional Trail and Dakota Rail - Luce Line Connector
to pass through areas of higher concentration of people
of color, families with children and near schools.
MINNESOTA RECREATION TRENDS
The 2020-2024 State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation
Plan (SCORP) is Minnesota’s outdoor recreation policy plan
(November 2019). It gives outdoor recreation decision
makers and managers a focused set of priorities and
suggested actions to guide them as they make decisions
about outdoor recreation.
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 Diamond Lake Regional Trail and
Dakota Rail – Luce Line Connector will help meet this goal
and start to respond to some of the trends and issues
identified in the SCORP.
Public Health
The 2017 Minnesota Outdoor Activities Survey found
Social &
Economic Factors
40%
Health Behaviors
30%
Genes &
Biology
10%
Physical
Environment
10%
Clinical Care
10%
FIGURE 8 | DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH
SOURCE: MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Minnesota’s nature-based recreation providers, such
as the Park District, are committed to developing more
programs and facilities that serve everyone, including
individuals with disabilities; members of multicultural,
racial, and ethnic communities; individuals identifying
as LGBTQ; and refugees and new immigrants. These
two trails will provide additional access to the regional
trail system for existing and future residents in Central
Hennepin County. There are many challenges and
obstacles to overcome when establishing equal,
equitable and inclusive outdoor recreation opportunities.
In recognition of these barriers, the Park District sought
opportunities to connect with under-served and
underrepresented communities and enhanced outreach
efforts during the public engagement process to better
address their needs and ideas. More details on this work
is outlined in Chapter 2.
Additionally, the growth in BIPOC park and trail visitors
40DIAMOND LAKE REGIONAL TRAIL 2022
DRAFT 4/21/2022
(Black, Indigenous and People of Color) presents an
opportunity for the Park District to more readily connect
to a more racially diverse audience. With that in mind,
the Park District is seeking ways to better serve a more
diverse suite of communities by increasing access to
removing barriers, and seeking a greater understanding
of, the recreation opportunities desired by a wide
spectrum of communities.
Minnesota’s Changing Population
Although the population in Minnesota is growing, the rate
of growth has slowed since the 1950s and is projected to
continue to decline. This translates into lower potential
use of suburban parks and trails, near-home parks and
trails demand, and potential participants in nature-based
outdoor recreation. Because Minnesota’s demographics
are skewing older, the Park District is looking at how
their services will need to adapt in order to reach and
provide for an older audience in the upcoming decades.
Although the overall trend is that older adults participate
less in outdoor recreation as they age, this growing age
cohort also represents an opportunity as they often
have more free time and interest in programming and
activities that promote the health and wellness benefits
of outdoor recreation. Thus, these two trails will provide
new opportunities for outdoor recreation for an aging
audience.
Climate Change
Climate change will continue to have profound impacts
on how agencies manage natural landscapes and provide
outdoor recreation opportunities to Minnesotans
and visitors. Recreation providers will need to adjust
their programs and facilities to adapt to these climate
change impacts. Some examples of impacts to outdoor
recreation from climate change that have already been
documented include:
• Shorter winter seasons - shorter and more
inconsistent conditions for winter activities such as
cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice fishing and
snowmobiling.
• Longer shoulder seasons - some recreational
activities may benefit as temperatures warm more
quickly in the spring and stay warm longer in the
fall.
• Longer growing season - requires more
operations and maintenance such as mowing and
sweeping for a longer duration.
• More storm event impacts to recreation
facilities – wind and flooding damages trails,
beaches, and other facilities.
• Greater damage to natural communities and
cultural resource sites – erosion along rivers and
destabilizing slopes are causing loss of historic
sites and impacts to rare natural communities.
• Higher prevalence of invasive species -
increasing spread of invasive species that are
suited to changing conditions and the arrival of
new invasive species.
• Additional ecological impacts affecting other
activities – changes to fish and animal populations
affect fishing, hunting and wildlife watching.
The Park District is working to adapt to these changing
conditions to mitigate climate change impacts. Visitors
and the public increasingly expect park and recreation
agencies to communicate and demonstrate how they
are addressing climate change. Some actions the Park
District is taking include using electric vehicles for
facility operations; reducing energy and water use at
facilities; and providing charging stations for privately
owned electric vehicles. The Park District is taking Regional trails are utilized by multiple generations, providing enjoyment for all ages.
Photo credits: Sixty and Me, Quikbyke, Park District
41 THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT
TWIN CITIES REGIONAL RECREATION TRENDS
The Metropolitan Council notes that the Twin Cities
metropolitan area is projected to be home to almost 3.7
million people by 2040, a gain of 803,000 residents from
2010. With this growth will come new jobs, greater racial
and ethnic diversity, expanded economic opportunities
and increased tax revenues. In addition, similar to the
SCORP findings, the Twin Cities populations is changing
in ways that will influence park and trail decision making:
• By 2040, two in every five Twin Cities residents will
be BIPOC. The region’s BIPOC population will
more than double during the forecast period,
going from 676,000 in 2010 to 1,453,000 in 2040.
In contrast, the region’s white population will level
off in the late 2020s, and then decline slightly after
2030. BIPOC population will become a greater
share of our region’s population: from 24 percent
in 2010 to 40 percent in 2040.
• By 2040, one in every five Twin Cities residents will
be age 65 or older. The Twin Cities region’s 65
and older adult population will double between
2010 and 2030, and will continue to grow, from
307,000 older adults in 2010 to 760,000 in 2040 - a
148 percent increase.
While the rich and growing racial and ethnic diversity is
an asset to continued economic vitality, the Twin Cities
region has some of the largest disparities by race and
ethnicity of any large metropolitan area in the nation.
Importantly, these disparities and shifting demographics
have implications for the Park District. These changing
Twin Cities population trends are influencing the Park
District regional trail decision making including planning
efforts for the Diamond Lake Regional Trail and the Dakota
Rail - Luce Line Connector in the following ways:
• Investment in culturally sensitive regional trail
wayfinding, which is a known barrier for Hispanic
populations and people who do not currently use
the regional trail system.
• Support for local trail connections to areas of
concentrated poverty, affordable housing and high
density developments to ensure equitable access
for all.
• Investment in regional trail amenities, such as
rest stops, benches and restrooms that provide
assistance to trail users of all ages and abilities.
actions to reduce its climate impacts, and in some cases
reducing long-term costs, in concert with promoting
environmental stewardship messages to their visitors.
Actions such as these will be incorporated into the
development plans for these two trails.
Accessibility
The Park District is continuing to develop and update
programming, facilities, and services to facilitate
more and better access to opportunities for people
with disabilities. Since being enacted, the Americans
with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other similar laws and
guidelines have been an important part of planning
and development of publicly funded outdoor recreation
programs and services in Minnesota. With a wide
range of abilities, providing accessible facilities and
opportunities will be an important consideration for
nature-based recreation providers. These trails will be
constructed to ADA standards to ensure accessibility for
all.
The percentage of Minnesotans with a disability will
increase over the next few decades as the average
age of Minnesota’s population continues to get older.
The prevalence of disabilities will be much higher
among older age groups. The Park District is increasing
investments for accessibility improvements to keep
pace with Minnesota’s growing need for facilities and
opportunities that accommodate, and are welcoming
for, people with disabilities.
42DIAMOND LAKE REGIONAL TRAIL 2022
DRAFT 4/21/2022
• When/where feasible, consider increasing regional
trail width beyond 10 feet and separate bicycles
and pedestrians to ensure the safety of vulnerable
users in high volume areas.
GENERATIONAL RECREATION TRENDS
In the U.S., there are six living generations, which are
six distinct groups of people. They have had collective
experiences as they aged and therefore have similar ideals
and stereotypes. Social generational theory provides an
opportunity to help understand current and projected
generational tendencies related to outdoor recreational
trends. Regional trails appeal in some form to all six
generations for various reasons - whether that be healthy
living objectives or quality of life factors.
The Park District continues to explore how to retain existing
regional trail users and remain relevant to the changing
needs of future generations. This may be in the form of
more identified vehicle parking for users with ambulatory
needs or more pet-waste stations for young adults that
use Park District trails with dogs. These generational
recreation trends require occasional review - because as
trail users age, so do their desires and needs for a robust
regional trail system (TABLE 17).
THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT TRENDS
Visitation to the Park District’s regional trails is now
estimated at 5.5 million visits per year (2019). The number
of trail miles has grown from 56 miles (2009) to over 170
miles (2021). Use patterns within the Park District’s system
of parks and trails have also changed. The 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 a form
of transportation, has gained traction over the past ten
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
“feeder” trail, sidewalk and bike lane networks, making
the system more accessible to a larger portion of the
population.
As of 2019, regional trail visits accounted for over 42
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. This
increased trail visitation supports the continued need for
Park District operations and maintenance investment.
Regional Trail | User Data
Metropolitan Council data reveals that regional trails
are most heavily visited during the spring, summer, and
fall seasons with summer receiving 35 percent of annual
visits, spring and fall each receiving 27 percent of annual
visits, and winter receiving 11 percent of annual visits
(Figure 9). Winter has seen more seasonal growth, in
part due to warmer winters, the increased use of trails
for commuting, the use of trails for year-round exercise
regimens and increased winter maintenance.
Park District research shows that summer trends
continue to indicate that biking is, and will remain,
the predominant regional trail activity at 57 percent,
followed by walking/hiking (34 percent), and running (8
percent). In-line skating, mobility-device users and other
miscellaneous uses make up the balance of trail users.
However, Park District winter data reveals a different
narrative. Bicycling drops significantly during the winter
season, while the walking and running groups continue
to utilize regional trails.
The vast majority of regional trail visitors use trails for
recreation and exercise. However, regional trail use for
commuting/transportation purposes is on the rise. Over
the last ten years, the Park District significantly expanded
the regional trail system within more urban, fully-
developed communities. This increased commuting/
transportation regional trail use is captured in current
Park District data. 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 than
Other, 1%
Bicycling, 72%
In-line Skating, 1%Walking/Hiking, 48%
Summer
Season
June
July
August
Walking/Hiking, 18%
Running/Jogging, 8%
Other, 1%
Running/Jogging, 23%
Bicycling, 28%
Winter
Season
December
January
February
FIGURE 9 | REGIONAL TRAIL USE BY ACTIVITY & SEASON
Source: Park District
43 THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT
Generation Class Collective Experiences Recreation Trends Design Recommendations
Greatest Generation
• 1901-1926
• Ages 96+
• 4 million population
• Suffered and persevered through Great
Depression and then fought in WWII
• Known for personal responsibility, humble
nature, work ethic, prudent saving and faithful
commitment.
• Mature adults who are interested
and able, connect with outdoor
recreation through walking, hiking
and light exercise.
• Interest in biking has increased,
as mature adults look to keep
muscles and joints healthy and
strong. Biking also maintains
range of motion, movement
and balance. This does decline
however, as this cohort ages.
• Spending time outdoors and
staying physically active can
have significant health benefits
for older adults. Physical and
mental benefits include increased
vitamin D levels, improved
immunity, reduced feelings of
anxiety and depression, increased
energy, more restful sleep,
better attention levels and better
recovery rates from injury and
illness.
• Multi-use trails are important for
aging adults - however they feel
more safe when bicyclists and
pedestrians are separated.
• Trail intersections and crossings
must have truncated dome
treatments with adequate crossing
times.
• Pavement must be well-maintained,
free of obstructions, non-slip and
wide enough for wheelchairs.
• Seating at predictable intervals is
imperative.
Silent Generation/
Traditionalists
• 1927-1945
• Ages 77-95
• 30 million
population
• Grew up during the Great Depression and WWII
and either fought in WWII or were children.
• Majority are retirees who are known for
traditional family values, simplicity and comfort,
demand for quality and financial security.
Baby Boomers
• 1946-1964
• Ages 58-76
• 76 million
population
• Born during a spike in population after WWII
and was known as the largest living generation
until the Millennials recently outpaced them.
• Grew up during the Civil Rights Movement
and Cold War. Known for experimentalism,
individualism and social cause orientation.
• Can be distrustful of government.
Generation X
• 1965-1980
• Ages 42-57
• 66 million
population
• Generation born between two larger
generations (Boomers and Millennials).
• First generation to develop ease and comfort
with technology.
• Known for informality, independence, multi-
tasking, entrepreneurs and family time values.
• Can be distrustful of institutions.
• Take a more lighthearted attitude
than their predecessors, and
approach outdoor activity more as
a sport.
• Risk, challenge and adrenaline
are important motivators for
participating in outdoor activities.
They embraced competition and
particularly risk, pushing back the
limits of every outdoor sport - and
inventing some new ones of their
own. The term “extreme sports” is
associated with Generation X.
• High demand for local trail access to
parks, trails and destinations (library,
restaurant, commercial etc.) - which
complements active family lifestyles.
This generation has influenced the
real estate market and community
planners to answer this recreational
need nationwide - promoting access
to parks, recreation amenities and
programming.
Generation Y/
Millennials
• 1981-2000
• 1981-2004*
• Ages 18-41
• 80 million
population
• Grew up with technology (computers, cell
phones, internet, etc.).
• Largest living generation (surpassing Boomers).
Expected to continue growing until 2036 as a
result of immigration.
• Known to be informal, more culturally and
racially tolerant, entrepreneurs, acceptant of
change, achievement oriented and financially
savvy with need for instant gratification.
• Due to social media and access to
the internet, Millennials are not
used to feeling alone. Thus, they
are not looking to spend a quiet
day alone in a park.
• Readily share recreation
experiences in real-time.
• As this generation delays
traditional marriage and families,
pet ownership has increased.
• Millennials like to stay active, so
parks with trails for biking, running
and open fields for group activities
are attractive.
• Park and trails with water access,
and pet waste stations for dogs is
appealing.
Generation Z/
Digital Natives
• 2004 - present
• Ages 0 - 17
• 74 million population
and growing
• First living generation to exclusively grow
up with technology (computers, cell phones,
internet, etc.), which equates to true digital
natives.
• Growing up in a world where options are
unlimited but their time is not.
• Quick adapters to sorting and assessing large
amounts of information.
• While this generation’s recreational identity and interests are still developing,
enticing them away from screen-time and into the outdoors will continue to
be a challenge for park and recreation planners, practitioners and designers.
Recreation planners and practitioners are currently strategizing how to
incorporate quality screen-time into outdoor play, nature and exercise.
GENERAL NOTE: Generation classes, years, ages and populations are estimates - varying sources will all offer slightly difference estimates.
*Pew Research Center defines Millennials as being born from 1981 onwards, with no chronological end point set yet. Demographers William Straus and Neil Howe define
Millennials as born between 1982 -2004.
TABLE 17 | GENERATIONAL RECREATION THEORY
Source: Park District & various sources
44DIAMOND LAKE REGIONAL TRAIL 2022
DRAFT 4/21/2022
regional trails without these three attributes. While
these certainly are not the only factors in determining
the desirability of a regional trail corridor for commuting
purposes, they appear to play an important role. In
addition, commute percent varies greatly by regional
trail. For example, commuting purposes range from the
low end of 5% (Medicine Lake Regional Trail) to the high
end of 42% (North Cedar Lake Regional Trail).
Regional 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, 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 local destinations and other
bicycle/pedestrian facilities.*
• Opportunities for loop routes.
• Trail amenities - drinking water, mileage markers,
benches, restrooms and wayfinding.*
• Better snow/ice removal.*
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. The preferred trail route for the
Diamond Lake Regional Trail and the Dakota Rail – Luce
Line Connector trails considered this list of desired
attributes to help determine the best route for ensuring
high quality user experiences.
PROJECTED USE & VISITATION
It is anticipated that the percentage breakdown by
activity of the Diamond Lake Regional Trail and Dakota
Rail – Luce Line Connector trails will generally mirror the
greater Park District regional trail activity trends. Bicycling
*Specifically listed in Park District Summer Regional Trail Survey (2019)
Regional Trail <1.5 Miles < 3 Miles
Diamond Lake Regional
Trail 140,300 163,600
Dakota Rail - Luce Line
Connector 58,700 76,700
TABLE 18 | PROJECTED REGIONAL TRAIL VISITS BY
DISTANCE FROM TRAIL
Source: Park District
Regional Trail Spring Summer Fall Winter Total
Diamond Lake
Regional Trail &
Dakota Rail - Luce
Line Connector
26.2% 35.1% 26.3% 12.4% 100%
TABLE 19 | PROJECTED REGIONAL TRAIL VISITS BY
SEASON
Source: Park District
is 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 uses remain consistent
throughout the trail corridors with the exception of where
the regional trail passes through commercial areas. In
these locations, the regional trails receive an increase
in percentage of pedestrian activity associated with the
sidewalk network.
Seasonal use percentages for the Diamond Lake Regional
Trail and Dakota Rail – Luce Line Connector trails will
likely be consistent with the greater regional trail seasonal
use averages with 88 percent of visitation occurring in
the spring, summer, and fall seasons. Winter use of the
Diamond Lake Regional Trail and Dakota Rail – Luce Line
Connector trails will be dependent on weather conditions,
available budget and the assistance of local communities
to maintain the trail. Several local communities have
inquired about options to maintain the regional trail
that extends through their community during the winter
months.
The Diamond Lake Regional Trail and Dakota Rail – Luce
Line Connector trails have varying annual projected visits
(Tables 18 & 19). The visitation estimates are calculated
using the most recent Park District visitation data from
comparable trails in the Park District system.
45 THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT
MAP 10 | DIAMOND LAKE REGIONAL TRAIL SERVICE AREA
Source: Park District
Diamond Lake
Regional Trail
Core Service
Area 1.5 Miles
Primary Service
Area 3.0 Miles
46DIAMOND LAKE REGIONAL TRAIL 2022
DRAFT 4/21/2022
4
NATURAL
RESOURCES
NATURAL & CULTURAL RESOURCES
The Park District protects and enhances natural and
cultural resources within its regional trail corridors.
Resource Protection Plan
The Park District will utilize best practices to minimize
any potential negative impacts, work with adjacent
property owners on how to best protect and manage
significant resources, and incorporate opportunities to
enjoy and interpret the resources present.
If the Park District acquires additional property along
the regional trail which encompasses significant natural
or cultural resources, the Park District will develop
a stewardship plan specific to that resource and in
accordance with other Park District natural and cultural
resource management plans.
Potential natural or cultural resource impacts as a result
of trail design and construction are addressed in Section
6.
Resource Staffing
The Diamond Lake Regional Trail will extend along
public road right-of-way, Park District owned property,
and private easements. The Dakota Rail – Luce Line
Connector will extend along public road right-of-way.
As linear facilities, the trail corridors typically average
100 feet wide or less and do not require substantial
resource management on an annual basis. To account
for minimal resource management along these trail
corridors, the Park District utilizes seasonal or contract
staffing, such as Conservation Corps of Minnesota to
assist in maintenance.
Sustainability
The updated 2016 Sustainability Plan guides the
Park District’s efforts toward achieving established
47 THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT
sustainability goals and targets by outlining broad
strategies for organizational implementation.
The following goals provide overall guidance and intent
to the Park District’s sustainability efforts:
• Manage and operate Park District parklands and
facilities in a manner that ensures ecological,
financial and social integrity of the park system in
perpetuity.
• Reduce dependence on fossil fuels to minimize
greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and reduce
public expenditures.
• Reduce Park District environmental impacts
to demonstrate (or model) organizational
commitment to environmental stewardship.
• Design parks and trails that maximize the ability of
the public to use non-motorized transportation.
Specific to regional trails, the 2016 Sustainability Plan
provides the following strategies:
• Place priority on regional trail routes that have
the potential for the greatest number of non-
motorized commuting trips over routes with lesser
commuting potential.
• Work collaboratively with municipalities and
neighborhoods to reconfigure park and regional
trail access points to encourage pedestrian and
bicycle access.
The Park District strives to utilize appropriate sustainable
best management practices and guidelines such as
the Minnesota Sustainable Building Guidelines (B3
Project) and Leadership in Energy and Environmental
Development (LEED) Rating System on construction
projects. Additionally, for regional trails, best
management practices may include utilizing porous
pavement, rain gardens, and recycled construction
materials, whenever feasible.
Land Cover
The Diamond Lake Regional Trail corridor extends
north-south across central Hennepin County through
landscapes that contain a variety of land cover, with
several themes of land use and land cover present along
the proposed corridor. Much of the northern part of
the corridor, from Baker Park Reserve to the Mississippi
River has been farmed or is currently in agricultural use.
Industrial and residential development is expanding
throughout this part of Hennepin County, with many
of the larger undeveloped tracts of land being slated
for future development. During the planning for the
Diamond Lake Regional Trail, larger, undeveloped
parcels and areas of higher ecological integrity such
as wetlands and woodlands were identified so that the
trail corridor could act as a buffer and provide some
additional level of protection for the natural resources.
In addition, these natural resources could help increase
the desireability of the trail to potential users.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Minnesota Land Cover Classification System (MLCCS)
defines the area immediately adjacent to Diamond Lake
Regional Trail as a combination of artificial/impervious
surfaces, planted or cultivated vegetation with pockets
of woodlands, shrublands and herbaceous land cover
(Map 11).
The segment of the Diamond Lake Regional Trail
corridor that extends from the Mississippi River south to
French Lake is largely classified as planted or cultivated
land cover, indicating that this portion of the corridor
is predominantly agricultural or pasture for grazing
animals. Between French Lake to just south of Interstate
94 the corridor extends adjacent to wetlands and
industrial development that is classified by the MLCCS
as artificial/impervious surface. South of interstate
94 to Highway 55, the trail corridor extends through
lands classified as planted or cultivated for farmland
and artificial/impervious surface where development is
occurring. The segment of the corridor from Highway
55 south and west to County Road 19 is classified again
View toward French Lake in Dayton.
48DIAMOND LAKE REGIONAL TRAIL 2022
DRAFT 4/21/2022
MAP 11 | MLCCS MAP
Source: Park District
49 THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT
as a combination of planted or cultivated for farmland
and artificial/impervious, with a large block showing as
artificial where Baker National Golf Course is located.
Within Baker Park Reserve, the Diamond Lake Regional
Trail will utilize the existing trail that meanders around
wetlands and through native and restored woodlands
a prairies. This part of the county is changing quickly
and trail construction will occur in conjunction with
development, which is why it is important to secure a
wider corridor to help preserve and integrate the natural
amenities into the corridor.
The Dakota Rail – Luce Line Connector is adjacent to land
cover classified by the MLCCS as artificial/ impervious
surfaces because it extends through residential and
commercial developments, over Trunk Highway 12 and
into downtown Wayzata.
Landscape Features
The Diamond Lake Regional Trail corridor extends
through a landscape that is dominated by agriculture
and growing ex-urban development. There are several
notable natural resource areas within and adjacent to
the corridor that will be enhanced by the Diamond Lake
Regional Trail because it will provide a buffer and a
corridor for native plants and animals to exist. Notable
landscape features along the corridor include the
following:
• Mississippi River
• Diamond Lake
• Grass Lake wetlands
• French Lake
• Henry’s Woods
• Stieg Woods
• Medina Preserve Wetland
• Baker Park Reserve
Significant natural resource areas are located nearby the
Diamond Lake Regional Trail. The Mississippi River is just
north of the trail’s terminus at Goodin Park in Dayton
and Elm Creek Park Reserve is located two miles east of
the Diamond Lake Regional Trail Corridor. Northwest of
the Dakota Rail – Lice Line Connector Trail is Wood Rill
Scientific and Natural Area and several privately-owned
woodlands (Map 12).
Public Land
The Diamond Lake Regional Trail and Luce Line
Connector trails will provide an off-road connection to a
number of public land resources. Local connecting trails
will provide connections to nearby parks and other public
lands. Key public lands are shown in Map 13 and include:
• Goodin Park in the City of Dayton
• DNR Boat Launch on Diamond Lake
• Henry’s Woods in the City of Rogers
• Elm Creek Park Reserve
• Corcoran City Park
• Medina Lake Preserve
• Fields of Medina Park
• Baker Park Reserve
Rare Species and Native Plant Communities
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ Natural
Heritage Information System (NHIS) includes the following
rare plants and animals, native plant communities,
geologic features and/or animal aggregations within one-
mile of the preferred alignment (Tables 20 & 21).
Species Name Type
American Ginseng Vascular Plant
Halberd-leaved Tearthumb Vascular Plant
Black Ash - Yellow Birch -
Red Maple - Alder Swamp
(Eastcentral)
Terrestrial Community - Other
Classification
Ice Deposition (Quaternary)Other (Ecological)
Native Plant Community,
Undetermined Class
Terrestrial Community - Other
Classification
Sedge Meadow Terrestrial Community - Other
Classification
Silver Maple - (Virginia Creeper)
Floodplain Forest
Terrestrial Community - Other
Classification
Sugar Maple Forest (Big
Woods)
Terrestrial Community - Other
Classification
Tamarack Swamp (Southern) Terrestrial Community - Other
Classification
Black Sandshell Invertebrate Animal
Blanding's Turtle Vertebrate Animal
Common Gallinule Vertebrate Animal
Loggerhead Shrike Vertebrate Animal
Red-shouldered Hawk Vertebrate Animal
Trumpeter Swan Vertebrate Animal
TABLE 20 | DIAMOND LAKE REGIONAL TRAIL NHIS
SPECIES LIST
Source: MnDNR
Species Name Type
Sugar Maple Forest (Big
Woods)Terrestrial Community
Acadian Flycatcher Vertebrate Animal
Pugnose Shiner Vertebrate Animal
Red-shouldered Hawk Vertebrate Animal
TABLE 21 | LUCE LINE CONNECTOR NHIS SPECIES LIST
Source: MNDNR
50DIAMOND LAKE REGIONAL TRAIL 2022
DRAFT 4/21/2022
MAP 12 | SIGNIFICANT ECOLOGICAL AREAS
Source: Park District
51 THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT
MAP 13 | PUBLIC LAND
Source: Park District
52DIAMOND LAKE REGIONAL TRAIL 2022
DRAFT 4/21/2022
The Park District will operate the Diamond Lake Regional
Trail and Dakota Rail – Luce Line Connector using a wide
variety of professional staff and in accordance with Park
District policies, guidelines, and ordinances.
GENERAL OPERATIONS
The Park District Ordinance specifies rules and regulations
in order to provide for the safe and peaceful public use of
Park District areas and facilities; for the educational and
recreational benefit and enjoyment of the public; for the
protection and preservation of the property, facilities and
natural resources of the Park District; and for the safety and
general welfare of the public.
Regional trails are open to the public year-round, from 5
AM to 10 PM. The Park District’s present policy provides for
the operation and maintenance of regional trails from April
1 to November 15, however trails are open year-round.
Subsequently, the Park District does not anticipate plowing
or otherwise maintaining the Diamond Lake Regional Trail
or Dakota Rail-Luce Line Connector during the winter
season. Local communities may elect to operate and
maintain regional trail segments during the winter season
via a winter use permit and receive reimbursement from the
Park District for winter maintenance based on a per mile
cost calculation.
At the time this master plan was written, general regional
trail rules to be observed by users are as follows:
• No motorized vehicles
• No horses
• Obey traffic signs and rules
• Dogs must be leashed (6-foot, non-retractable max)
• Dog owners must pick up pet waste
• Yield to slower trail users
• Keep right except when passing
• Warn others when passing
• Respect adjoining landowner’s rights and privacy
• Be alert and be courteous
5
OPERATIONS &
MAINTENANCE
53 THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT
A simplified signage version of the official regional trail
rules is posted alongside regional trails (FIGURE 10),
reminding users that this is a multi-use trail and to be
considerate of all trail users.
PUBLIC SAFETY PLAN
The Park District Public Safety Department is the law
enforcement agency responsible for providing a safe
environment for regional park and trail users. Law
enforcement officers strive to educate and inform trail users
on safe trail usage but also have arrest and enforcement
authority as a fully licensed police department within the
State of Minnesota.
Regional Trail Patrol
Public Safety Officers utilize a variety of specialized patrol
methods and are supported by volunteer Trail Patrollers
which assist with patrol and incident response. Regional
trail patrol is adjusted as necessary to account for trail
use, incident level, other concerns which arise and
available funding. In addition to routine patrol, Public
Safety Officers are dispatched through the Hennepin
County Dispatch System to respond to incidences as
they occur.
Mutual Aid
While Park Police Officers assume the lead role in
providing public safety services to regional trails, a
statewide mutual aid program assists to facilitate
assistance and sharing public safety resources from
surrounding police agencies in times of emergency or
other unusual conditions.
Public Safety Equipment & Staffing
While Park District public safety officers also cover the
regional trail system, their staffing and patrol patterns
serve the entire regional park and trail system, and no
officers are dedicated solely to the regional trail system.
Through the use of creative deployment practices,
mutual aid and providing coverage to align with
areas with the greatest need, there are no existing or
anticipated additional dedicated public safety expenses
or staffing needs for solely serving these regional trails.
Should current public safety regional trail needs change,
additional public safety expenses and staffing may be
needed.
PUBLIC AWARENESS
The Marketing & Community Engagement Department
manages a centralized marketing communications
function that oversees the Park District’s website, public
relations, marketing, media relations, social media, brand
management, event planning and promotion. A number
of effective marketing and outreach tools are used to
Park District public safety officers and trail ambassadors patrol regional trails.
Photo credits: Three Rivers Park District
Share
the Trail
This is a multi-use trail.
Please be considerate of all
trail users.
Trail Rules
• Obey traffic signs
• Yield to slower trail users
• Keep to the right
• Warn others before passing
• Keep dogs on a
non-retractable leash
• Pick up after your dog
Emergency
ThreeRiversParks.org Call 911
FIGURE 10 | REGIONAL TRAIL RULES SIGN
Source: Park District
54DIAMOND LAKE REGIONAL TRAIL 2022
DRAFT 4/21/2022
promote the Park District, including but not limited to
maps, digital and social media, direct mail, press releases,
a centralized reservation system, brochures, advertising
and on-site promotion.
The Park District collaborates with a wide array of
community, business and government organizations
to promote its facilities, programs and services, and to
educate the public about its resources. The Park District
also works with the Metropolitan Council Regional Parks
System, the State Office of Tourism and other partners to
leverage shared opportunities for creating awareness and
visibility. Additionally, a focus is placed on developing
partnerships and programming opportunities that allow
the Park District to better serve all residents of Suburban
Hennepin County, especially those with less access to its
facilities and programs.
SHARE THE TRAIL
Safety for all regional trail users is a top priority. Regional
trails are a shared public space which serve a variety of
user groups. However, from time to time, trail users may
find themselves in conflict with other users. Everyone
benefits when people respect each other’s mode of travel.
The Park District encourages users to respect each other
through a “Share the Trail” safety campaign.
The most common conflicts involve cyclists and
pedestrians as they move at very different speeds and take
up different spaces. Cyclists often do not alert pedestrians
when passing at high speeds, which can cause sudden and
startled responses from those on foot. Sometimes groups
of walkers can take up both lanes, which leaves cyclists
nowhere to pass as they move through. Both users have a
responsibility to share the trail.
Another common safety concern revolves around obeying
traffic signs. Cyclists are sometimes required to stop at
roadway crossings and there is often confusion between
motorists and cyclists regarding right of way. Overall,
cyclists need to obey traffic signs in order to stay safe.
MAINTENANCE PLAN
The Park District will maintain the Diamond Lake Regional
Trail and the Dakota Rail – Luce Line Connector in a safe,
clean and usable manner. Maintenance is an important
part of providing high-quality customer service and
meeting trail user expectations.
Maintenance operations include routine specialized and
seasonal tasks and inspections. On occasion this may
include extraordinary maintenance due to unforeseen
events. Routine maintenance tasks include mowing,
sweeping and trash clean-up. Specialized maintenance
includes tasks such as tree removal, pothole patching,
culvert replacement, etc. Seasonal maintenance including
inspection, minor repairs and spring/fall cleanup.
Extraordinary maintenance occurs in response to storm
damage, vandalism or other planned circumstances
(TABLE 22). The Park District also responds to maintenance
issues identified by the public on a timely basis, as funding
permits.
Maintenance of regional trail segments with limited
property rights or segments that do not meet standard
regional trail characteristics may require atypical
maintenance which is not detailed in this high-level plan.
On average, paved regional trails cost about $200 per year/
mile to maintain (routine maintenance) (2021 dollars).
In partnership with a local graphic designer, updated Share the Trail signage - like the
ones seen here - have been added along the regional trails to promote trail safety.
Photo credit: Three Rivers Park District, artwork by Adam Turman
55 THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT
Vegetation Control
The Park District maintains vegetative clearances so as
not to negatively affect trail use or sight lines. Vegetation
control includes addressing vegetation control along
trail shoulders such as mowing, but it also includes
managing vegetation in the wider trail corridor. During
the growing season, vegetation control can take up to
50% of trail maintenance staff time to keep trails and
the trail corridors open and free of impeding vegetation.
The Park District mechanically or chemically removes
noxious weeds within the defined trail corridor at the
request of cities.
Rain gardens adjacent to regional trails are inspected
and maintained in coordination with the Park District’s
Department of Natural Resources.
Preventative Surface Treatment
The Diamond Lake Regional Trail and Dakota Rail –
Luce Line Connector will receive scheduled striping,
seal coating and redevelopment under the Park
District’s pavement management program and in
accordance with Park District standards and as funding
permits. Pavement management is estimated to cost
approximately $3,380/year/mile. The Park District also
seeks opportunities to work with Hennepin County and
local cities in conjunction with road projects to improve
trail design and surfacing.
Trail/Bridge Inspection & Maintenance
Trails are inspected annually in the spring as part of
the pre-season maintenance program and are then
inspected periodically by Park District maintenance
staff as part of ongoing operations. Minor trail repair
is handled on a timely basis, and probable major repair
needs are evaluated and recommended to Park District
management for planning or engineering review.
Major trail rehabilitation projects are submitted to the
Park District Board of Commissioners for funding as
part of the annual operating budget, preservation and
rehabilitation program or Asset Management Program.
The ownership and maintenance responsibilities
associated with any new pedestrian bridges/underpasses
constructed will be determined when funding is
requested.
Existing grade separated crossings owned by other
agencies, such as State or County Highways, are the
responsibility of the agency with underlying ownership.
The Park District only maintains the trail use of said
bridges and underpasses.
Maintenance Expenses & Staffing
The Park District has a Regional Trail Maintenance
Crew responsible for the routine maintenance of the
regional trail system. As needed , additional assistance
and resources are brought in from other Park District
maintenance crews and/or seasonal staffing.
In general, one full time maintenance staff position is
needed for every 32 miles of regional trail. Since this trail
includes a 3.0 mile overlap with the Lake Independence
Regional Trail in Baker Park Reserve, the operations and
maintenance staffing and costs identified in this master
plan are for 25.1 miles of new trail for the Diamond
Lake Regional Trail and 0.9 miles for the Dakota Rail
– Luce Line Connector for a total of 26.0 miles. These
Regional trail maintenance includes maintaining vegetative clearance (where appropriate
per Trailway Cooperative Agreements).
Photo credit: Three Rivers Park District
TIME OF YEAR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE
SPRING
April & May
• Sign inventory and replacement
• Spring cleanup
• Minor bridge and underpass repair (as
needed)
SUMMER
June, July, August &
September
• Erosion repair
• Fence repair
• Sign and post replacement
• Trash pickup
• Bridge and boardwalk repair (as needed)
• Vegetation control (as needed)
FALL
October &
November
• Bituminous patching and striping replacement
(as needed)
Throughout the
season and/or
in response to
storm-related
damage
• Mowing
• Periodic trail sweeping
• Trash pickup
• General clean-up and similar tasks
TABLE 22 | ROUTINE TRAIL MAINTENANCE
Source: Park District
56DIAMOND LAKE REGIONAL TRAIL 2022
DRAFT 4/21/2022
regional trails require an 0.8 FTE maintenance position
at an average cost of about $65,000/year ($2,500/mile).
In addition to regular, full-time staffing, regional trail
maintenance expenses include routine maintenance and
preventative pavement maintenance costs (seasonal
labor, equipment, fuel and similar). These costs vary
depending on surface type, trail use, community
expectations and commitment and site-specific
challenges.
In the event additional construction mitigation
requirements are necessary, such as rain gardens or
other best management practices, additional seasonal
staffing may be required to complete the work. If
necessary, seasonal staffing budgets will be developed
and evaluated during the design development phase.
Park District regional trails are maintained to a high level of standard for trail user
experience and enjoyment.
Photo credit: Three Rivers Park District
57 THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT
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58DIAMOND LAKE REGIONAL TRAIL 2022
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The following section outlines the current Park District
regional trail design guidelines, which the Diamond Lake
Regional Trail and Dakota Rail – Luce Line Connector are
envisioned to follow. On occasion these guidelines are
updated. If that occurs prior to trail design and construction
of these regional trails or segments of them, the updated
guidelines will be utilized.
PERMITTED USES
The Diamond Lake Regional Trail and Dakota Rail – Luce
Line Connector will be open to the general public, free
of charge. The 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 vehicles are
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. Electric bikes (E-bikes), electric foot scooters, and
similar are currently given the same rights on regional
trails by state statute.
ACCESS TO ALL
The Park District is committed to providing access and
recreational opportunities to all people, including persons
with disabilities, BIPOC community members 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
6
DESIGN
GUIDANCE
59 THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT
following pages of this section.
In respect to programming opportunities, the Park District
offers its own adaptive recreation offerings and works
with special-interest organizations such as the Courage
Kenny Rehabilitation Institute and Wilderness Inquiry to
further encourage participation in regional trail activities
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 supporting individuals with disabilities, the
trail will pass through numerous cities, 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 trails
will not only have access to regional trails but also gain
direct and indirect access to several park reserves, regional
parks, regional and state trails and local parks and trails.
To improve local access, neighborhood trail connections
are encouraged at regular intervals.
The Park District does not charge entrance fees for its
regional trails; therefore, the regional trails are available
for all users to enjoy regardless of financial status.
DESIGN GUIDELINES
In accordance with the regional designation and associated
use, the Diamond Lake Regional Trail and Dakota Rail –
Luce Line Connector will be designed as off-road 10-foot-
wide, non-motorized, paved, multi-use trails. 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
existing and planned paved facilities. Curb ramps will be
utilized at all roadway crossings. The trails will be ADA
compliant with a preferred maximum 5 percent grade
and a 2 percent cross slope for drainage. The Diamond
Lake Regional Trail may include multiple typical sections,
including urban, rural and park sections (FIGURE 11 &
FIGURE 12). The Dakota Rail – Luce Line Connector will
include an urban trail section and reconstruction of the
Ferndale Road bridge deck to accommodate the typical
trail section. Descriptions and associated construction
costs for regional trails are included in TABLE 23.
FIGURE 11 | URBAN AND/OR CURBED RURAL TRAIL SECTION
Source: Park District
FIGURE 12 | RURAL AND/OR PARK TRAIL SECTION
Source: Park District
60DIAMOND LAKE REGIONAL TRAIL 2022
DRAFT 4/21/2022
In areas where new trail segments will be constructed
adjacent to roadways, 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 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.
A number of factors will be considered during the design
phase, such as:
• Right-of-way width/acquisition needs
• Ability to provide physically separated trail travel
lanes
• Topography and drainage impacts
• Existing vegetation
• Driveway/road crossings
• Overhead and subsurface utilities
• Proximity to adjacent buildings, homes, businesses
and industrial facilities
New Construction
Trail Type Unit Cost
(2021 dollars)Description
Urban $490 / LF
Trail construction replacing an existing
curb/gutter, cut/remove existing pavement,
relocating storm sewer and other utilities,
working under traffic controls.
Curbed
Rural $490 / LF
Trail construction in a rural/suburban
environment that has no existing curb/gutter,
converting it to a curb/gutter design with storm
sewer as needed.
Rural $170 / LF
Trail construction through a rural road ditch
area with enough separation with the road to
not require a curb/gutter. No major extra fill or
excavation.
Park $170 / LF
Trail construction through a park or open space
where curb and gutter is not required and
ample space is provided for signage and rest
stops.
• Wetlands/floodplain locations, potential impacts
and rules
• Wildlife (species, nesting/breeding areas and times
and 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, the
Diamond Lake Regional Trail and Dakota Rail – Luce
Line Connector will be designed in accordance with all
applicable federal, state and 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),
2012
• Selecting Roadway Design Treatments to
Accommodate Bicycles, Federal Highway
Administration, January 1994
• MnDOT Bikeway Facility Design Manual, Minnesota
Department of Transportation (MnDOT), March
2020
• 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), 2006
• Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices
(MUTCD), MnDOT, September 2020
• Public Right-of-Way Access Guidelines (PROWAG)
• Best Practices for Traffic Control at Regional Trail
Crossings, a collaborative effort of Twin Cities road
and trail managing agencies, July 2011
• Bicycle and Pedestrian Wayfinding, Metropolitan
Council, October 2011
TABLE 23 | REGIONAL TRAIL CONSTRUCTION COSTS
Source: Park District
61 THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT
• Designing Sidewalks and Trails for Access, Part I
and II: Best Practices Design Guide (FHWA); ADA
Accessibility Guidelines for Outdoor Developed
Areas (United States Access Board); and ADA and
ABA Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and
Facilities (U.S. Access Board)
• Guidance for Three Rivers Park District Trail
Crossings, December 2013
As the Diamond Lake Regional trail and Dakota Rail – Luce
Line Connector development occurs, the Park District will
work closely with local communities to route the trail in
a manner that has the greatest public benefit and least
amount of private property impacts. These include:
Trail/Road Crossings
When a regional trail crosses a roadway careful attention
to detail is required to provide a safe and user-friendly
crossing. The types of trail crossing treatments will be
designed in accordance with industry best standards to
ensure conflicts between trail users and roadway traffic
are minimal.
In all cases, existing roadway configuration,
infrastructure elements, vegetation and other potential
visual obstructions will be evaluated so sight lines can
be maintained. Special provisions, such as mirrors, may
be added to improve trail visibility from driveways if
deemed appropriate. As vehicular traffic fluctuates,
there may be a need for additional traffic signals or
modifications to existing signalized intersections. These
type of design considerations and trail enhancements
will be addressed during the trail design phase.
Wetland & Floodplain Crossings
There may be portions of new Diamond Lake Regional
Trail segments that traverse wetlands and floodplains. In
these instances, the regional trail design may incorporate
bridges, boardwalks and other creative solutions to
minimize potential natural resources impacts while
maintaining a contiguous and continuous trail corridor.
Design and implementation of bridges and boardwalks
will be coordinated with the appropriate regulatory
agencies to ensure all requirements are met and any
potential impacts are minimized.
Drainage
In locations where new segments of regional trail are
adjacent to a roadway, the drainage of the regional trail
will be similar to that of a typical sidewalk. Stormwater
will sheet flow over the trail pavement and onto
adjacent urban roadways, where it will be collected and
conveyed by the roadway stormwater drainage system.
In areas where the regional trail is on an independent
route, such as through parks or other green spaces, or
adjacent to rural road segments, alternative stormwater
best management practices, such as rain gardens and
infiltration swales, may be explored during the design
phase. Stormwater must shed rapidly from the surface
of the trail and not pool on the trail surface to prevent
hazardous situations for the users. Design of stormwater
management practices will be coordinated with
regulatory and other affected parties (including, but
not limited to, watershed commissions, etc.), to ensure
all requirements are met and any potential impacts are
minimized.
Bridges, boardwalks and other creative crossings are utilized when having to cross wetlands and floodplains.
Photo credit: Three Rivers Park District
62DIAMOND LAKE REGIONAL TRAIL 2022
DRAFT 4/21/2022
Traffic Signage & Devices
In addition to wayfinding signage, new segments of
regional trail will incorporate traffic control signs and
devices, such as trail stop signs and center line pavement
markings. These signs and devices will reflect the physical
characteristics and usability of individual trail segments
and the system as a whole. The cost to add traffic control
signs and devices, including striping, to a regional trail is
approximately $1 per linear foot (2020 dollars).
Kiosks, Wayfinding and Trail Amenities
Regional trail wayfinding signage provides trail users
with orientation and location information for amenities
and services. Wayfinding and kiosks along regional trails
are intended to compliment, and work in collaboration
with local and regional wayfinding efforts as well as
adjacent land uses and development initiatives.
Wayfinding signage typically provides:
• An overview map of the agency partner’s regional
trail system and the specific regional trail.
• Directions and distances to major destinations and
points of interest along the regional trail.
• Directions for long-term detours or interim routes
when there are gaps within the regional trail.
• Location information for nearby amenities such as
local parks and local trails.
• Location information for nearby services, such
as drinking water, public restrooms, and public
parking.
• Visual identification of the regional trail network
through physical kiosk/signage structures.
• ADA regarding trail surface, slope and setbacks.
The Park District employs three types of wayfinding
signage structures: system kiosks, regional trail kiosks,
and directional signage (TABLE 24).
LEVEL A
Recommended Location Components Estimated Cost
Beginning/end of regional
trail, halfway point if regional
trail is 10 - 15 miles or longer,
major trailheads or other
key sites
• Park and trail system
kiosk
• Regional trail kiosk
• Directional sign
• Bicycle repair station,
• Bench(es),
• Trash can
• Concrete pad
$69,500*
LEVEL B
Recommended Location Components Estimated Cost
Approximately every 2 miles
along regional trail. For new
Level B locations, consider
establishing on trails north side.
• Regional trail kiosk
• Directional sign
• Benches
• Trash can
$40,500*
LEVEL C
Recommended Location Components Estimated Cost
Approximately every 1 mile
along regional trail. For new
Level C locations, consider
establishing at intersections
with other regional trails or
comprehensive trail systems
(not trail spurs).
• Directional sign $13,000*
Park and Trail
System Kiosk
Free-standing,
roofed
structure
Displays map of District-wide regional
trail systems and regional trail rules.
Regional Trail
Kiosk
Free-standing,
roofed
structure
Displays aerial map, description of trail
highlights, and a map of the entire
regional trail that depicts local trails,
amenities and services nearby.
Directional Sign
Post
structure with
description
blades
attached
Displays the direction, name and
distance to major destinations and
points of interest on the trail. Each post
structure has the capability of holding
up to 12 description blades.
TABLE 24 | WAYFINDING CONFIGURATIONS
Source: Park District
TABLE 25 | TYPES OF WAYFINDING SIGNAGE STRUCTURES
Source: Park District
* Includes all related site elements and installation.
63 THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT
Placement of wayfinding signage structures along
regional trails typically follows one of three configurations
listed as Level A, B or C (TABLE 25). There may be
conditions along the regional trail corridor where the
wayfinding signage is altered or otherwise enhanced
to better serve the trail user and appropriately fit the
surrounding environment.
Wayfinding for the Diamond Lake Regional Trail and
Dakota Rail – Luce Line Connector include signage at
strategic delineated points. The general location and
level of wayfinding signage is identified on Map 14.
New wayfinding opportunities will be determined
in conjunction with agency stakeholders and local
community input and is often dictated by available
public right-of-way during the design phase.
Rest Stops
Rest stops are generally located every mile and provide
places for trail users to stop and rest and an area for
amenities such as trash receptacles, benches, and bicycle
racks. These simple but important amenities can serve to
reinforce the identity and natural resource significance
(where appropriate) of the regional trail route and better
support trail users with mobility challenges. Locations
are generally determined during the design phase and
may be modified to best meet the available right-of-
way, adjacent land use and complimentary facilities such
as a bus stop.
Bicycle Repair Stations
The Park District also installs bicycle repair stations, which
provide tools necessary to perform basic bike repairs
and maintenance - from changing a flat to adjusting
brakes and derailleurs. The tools and air pump are
securely attached to the stand with stainless steel cables
and tamper-proof fasteners. Hanging the bike from the
hanger arms allows the pedals and wheels to spin freely
while making adjustments. Bicycle repair stations are
recommended at Level A wayfinding configurations and
as-needed throughout the regional trail corridor.
Regional trail rest stop amenities may be modified to best meet the needs of the stop - and
may include benches, trash receptacles and bicycle racks.
Photo credit: Three Rivers Park District
Often times bicycle repair stations are incorporated into wayfinding nodes, and include
tools necessary to perform basic bike repairs and maintenance.
Photo credit: Three Rivers Park District
Created to be a one-stop-shop for Park District regional trail information, the kiosk system
have become integrated community landmarks for placemaking and social enrichment.
Photo credit: Three Rivers Park District
64DIAMOND LAKE REGIONAL TRAIL 2022
DRAFT 4/21/2022
55
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Crow-Hassan
Park Reserve
Baker
Park Reserve
French
Reg Park
Eagle Lake
Reg Park
Fish Lake
Reg Park
Elm
Creek
Park Reserve
Noerenberg
GardensKingswood
Lake Sarah
Reg Park
¯0 21
Miles
Legend
Diamond Lake Reg. Trail Route
Dakota Rail-Luce Line Connector
Type A, B or C Wayfinding Kiosk
Existing Kiosk
A
A
B
B
A
A
C
B
B
B
C
C
C
C
C
B C
B
C
C
C
B
B
C
B
C
DIAMOND LAKE REGIONAL TRAIL & DAKOTA RAIL - LUCE LINE CONNECTOR TRAIL //
WAYFINDING LOCATIONS AND LEVELS
C
MAP 14 | WAYFINDING LOCATIONS
65 THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT
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66DIAMOND LAKE REGIONAL TRAIL 2022
DRAFT 4/21/2022
The conceptual preferred route for the Diamond Lake
Regional Trail extends through the cities of Rogers, Dayton,
Corcoran, Medina, Orono and Wayzata. Two communities,
Medina and Long Lake, did not support some of the
studied routes which ultimately resulted in one regional
trail search corridor becoming two separate regional trails.
The resulting two regional trails will be connected via the
existing Lake Independence Regional Trail and the Luce
Line State Trail.
The Diamond Lake Regional Trail will extend 28.1 miles from
Goodin Park and the West River Regional Trail in Dayton to
Baker Park Reserve and the future Baker-Carver Regional
Trail in Medina. The other trail segment, the Dakota Rail
– Luce Line Connector, will extend 0.9 miles from the Luce
Line State Trail in Orono to the Dakota Rail Regional Trail
in Wayzata.
The overall Diamond Lake Regional Trail and Luce Line
Connector Trail corridors will extend along public road
right-of-way, land acquired by the Park District for trail
development, and several existing public parks. The trail will
serve as a north-south regional trail connecting to existing
and future regional trails including the West Mississippi
River Regional Trail, Rush Creek Regional Trail, Weaver Lake
Regional Trail, Lake Sarah Regional Trail, Lake Independence
Regional Trail, Baker-Carver Regional Trail, Dakota Rail
Regional Trail, and the Luce Line State Trail (Map 14).
The primary intended use of the regional trails will be
non-motorized recreation. However, the regional trails
are purposely routed to also support non-motorized
transportation with as few stop conditions as possible and
connections to and between where people live, work and play
– including connections to local residential neighborhoods,
parks, and trails, places of worship, commercial nodes and
transit.
7
DEVELOPMENT
CONCEPT
67 THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT
MAP 15 | DIAMOND LAKE REGIONAL TRAIL CORRIDOR MAP
Source: Park District
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68DIAMOND LAKE REGIONAL TRAIL 2022
DRAFT 4/21/2022
The maps on the following pages (MAP 16 to MAP 22)
provide a graphic description of the proposed Diamond
Lake Regional Trail and highlight connections to local trail
networks, existing amenities, and existing parks and open
spaces.
Cost estimates are provided for each segment and include
costs for typical construction materials such as grading,
base, pavement, pavement markings and signage, as
well as curb ramp construction or reconstruction at each
intersection to meet ADA standards. Individual project
costs may vary and cost estimates should be refined
throughout future project development. A 20 percent
design and engineering contingency and a separate 20
percent construction contingency have been included in
the cost estimates.
SEGMENT A | CITY OF DAYTON AND CITY OF ROGERS
Segment A extends through the City of Dayton and the
City of Rogers (Map 15) and represents the northerly
extents of the Diamond Lake Regional Trail. Segment A is
separated into four subsegments which, are described in
greater detail in the following sections.
Segment A Cost Estimates
The total acquisition, design and construction cost to
build Segment A in Dayton is $13.33 million as shown
in Table 26 below. This segment requires right-of-way
acquisitions and a trail underpass. A planning-level cost
estimate was prepared, and cost estimate methodology
is outlined in Appendix A.
side of Lawndale Lane North. Additional design and
feasibility analysis will be needed for the crossing facility,
as road improvements and land development occur.
The trail will extend south toward the northeast side
of Diamond Lake. Along the way, the trail will cross the
current Daytona Golf Club and other private parcels. The
trail will cross Diamond Lake Road North, at-grade, and
then extend south to the shore of Diamond Lake. As the
trail extends around the east shore of Diamond Lake, it
will connect with the Minnesota Department of Natural
Resources boat launch that is located along Diamond
Lake Road South. This boat launch could become a
secondary trail access point. The entire length of trail
Segment A-1 will extend outside of public right-of-
way, on land that is currently in private ownership. It is
anticipated that the trail will be developed concurrently
with future development in the northern part of Dayton
or on a willing seller basis from private property owners.
Further coordination with private landowners and
developers will be needed to finalize the trail alignment
as the area develops. When constructed, trail Segment
A-1 will provide trail users scenic views of Diamond Lake
as the trail extends along the east side of the lake.
Segment A-2
Segment A-2 extends west along Diamond Lake Road
South from the DNR boat launch that is just west of
Zanzibar Lane North to Grass Lake, which is located on
the east side of Brockton Lane North. A Level B Regional
Trail Kiosk will be located at the DNR launch parking
lot. It undecided at this time whether the trail will be on
the lake side (north) or south side of the road. Available
Diamond Lake Road South.
Segment
Length
(miles)
Acquisition
Cost
Design &
Construction
Cost
Segment
Subtotal
A-1 2.60 $1,754,000 $4,448,000 $6.202,000
A-2 1.63 $132,000 $1,496,000 $1,628,000
A-3 2.63 $1,536,000 $2,394,000 $3,930,000
A-4 2.18 $608,000 $960,000 $1,568,000
TOTAL 9.04 $4,030,000 $9,300,000 $13,300,000
TABLE 26 | SEGMENT A COST SUMMARY
Segment A-1
Segment A-1 will extend from Goodin Park on the
Mississippi River to Diamond Lake Road South along
the east side of Diamond Lake. Goodin Park will serve
as a future trailhead facility for the regional trail. There
will be a Level A System Kiosk at the trailhead. From
Goodin Park, the trail will extend south across Dayton
River Road with a grade-separated crossing, to the east
69 THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT
MAP 16 | SEGMENT A1 AND A2
Source: Park District
Diamond Lake
Lake Laura
Grass Lake
Mi
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Excellent views of Diamond Lake
Excellent views
of Grass Lake
Potential trailhead location
A1
A2A3
Proposed Diamond Lake
Regional Trail on Existing Trail
Proposed Diamond Lake
Regional Trail
Existing Regional Trail
Planned Regional Trail
Regional Trail Search Corridor
Existing On-Street Bike Facility
Proposed On-Street Bike Facility
Existing Off-Street Bike Facility
Proposed Off-Street Bike Facility
Public Land
Parks
Park District
Planned Developments
Wetlands
City Boundary
North 1200 Feet
70DIAMOND LAKE REGIONAL TRAIL 2022
DRAFT 4/21/2022
right of way between the road and the edge of the lake
varies along the south side of Diamond Lake, which may
make it difficult to develop a trail on the north side of
the roadway. Locating the trail along the north side of
South Diamond Lake Road is preferred. A 900 linear-
foot boardwalk may be needed to cross the wetlands
that extend up to the roadway edge. The trail will extend
across the intersection of South Diamond Lake Trail
and Xanthus Lane North and then cross Diamond Lake
Road S. Approximately 1900 feet west of Xanthus Lane
North, the trail will extend south along the west edge
of Grass Lake. It is anticipated that Segment A-2 will be
constructed in the public right-of-way of Diamond Lake
Road when the road is reconstructed. Segment A-2 will
provide trail users with spectacular views of Diamond
Lake and Grass Lake. Potential boardwalks may be
needed to mitigate wetland impacts to Grass Lake.
Wetland impacts and the required extents of a potential
boardwalk will be evaluated once funding is secured to
pursue design development of this trail segment. The
majority of Segment A-2 will be in the City of Dayton,
but the far west portion of the trail at Grass Lake will be
in the City of Rogers.
Segment A-3
Segment A-3 extends from Diamond Lake Road South
to 117th Avenue North along West French Lake Road
and Brockton Lane North. The majority of trail Segment
A-3 will extend outside of the public road right-of-way.
However, much of the trail alignment will extend through
parkland and existing farmland that is anticipated to
develop over time. Furthermore, it is anticipated that
additional road right-of-way will be acquired when
West French Lake Road is expanded. With the assumed
additional road right-of-way, the Diamond Lake Regional
Trail is not anticipated to be in private property.
Trail Segment A-3 will provide a high scenic value for
trail users with views of Grass Lake and French Lake.
The trail alignment for Segment A-3 will extend east of
Brockton Lane North and will be placed at the edge of
wetlands to avoid as much wetland impacts possible.
A few locations around Grass Lake and French Lake
may require boardwalks to mitigate wetland impacts.
A detailed analysis of wetland and boardwalk impacts
needed to construct trail Segment A-3 will be conducted
during the design development phase. The City of
Rogers Henry’s Woods Park is located on the west side
of Brockton Lane North on the south edge of David
Koch Avenue. A local trail connection is planned to
connect to Henry’s Woods. It is anticipated that the local
trail connection will cross Brockton Lane North at Rogers
Drive and extend on the west side of Brockton Lane North
to the parking lot at Henry’s Woods. This parking lot may
serve as a local trailhead and connection to the Diamond
Lake Regional Trail.
On the southwest side of Grass Lake, the trail will extend
east along Rogers Drive to the west edge of French
Lake. There is a conservation easement on portions of
property along the west side of French Lake and trail will
extend along the edge of this easement area since trail
development is not a permitted use within the easement.
The trail will extend south and east along the east side of
French Lake Road West until it crosses over 117th Avenue
North at an at-grade crossing, south of French Lake.
Segment A-4
Segment A-4 extends south from 117th Avenue North to
the Corcoran city boundary at Fletcher Lane, utilizing the
segment of Dayton Parkway and the Dayton Interchange
over Interstate 94 that was constructed in 2021. From 117th
Avenue North to County Road 81, the trail route aligns
with the future road network in Dayton. It is anticipated
that this segment of the Diamond Lake Regional Trail
will be constructed in the future road right-of-way and
constructed in concurrence with the new road. A Level B
Kiosk will be located near the CR-81 crossing. The trail will
cross County Road 81 at-grade at the new intersection
constructed as part of the Dayton Parkway project. South of
County Road 81, a regional trail will utilize the existing trail
that was constructed along Dayton Parkway as part of the
roadway project. This new trail will provide an important
pedestrian crossing of Interstate 94. The Diamond Lake
Regional Trail will provide employees and residents with
access to non-motorized recreation and transportation
options in this area. South of Interstate 94, the trail will
extend west along Dayton Parkway to a short section that
will extend south, off-road into Stieg Woods, a privately
owned natural resource area that will provide excellent
views of remnant a Big Woods Forest stand, should that
area continue to be preserved.
French Lake Road West, looking north.
71 THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT
MAP 17 | SEGMENT A3 AND A4
Source: Park District
New Dayton Parkway Interchange and pedestrian crossing
Potential boardwalks needed along French Lake
French Lake
Grass Lake
A3
A2
A4
Excellent views of Grass Lake
Excellent views of French Lake
RUSH
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Proposed Diamond Lake
Regional Trail on Existing Trail
Proposed Diamond Lake
Regional Trail
Existing Regional Trail
Planned Regional Trail
Regional Trail Search Corridor
Existing On-Street Bike Facility
Proposed On-Street Bike Facility
Existing Off-Street Bike Facility
Proposed Off-Street Bike Facility
Public Land
Parks
Park District
Planned Developments
Wetlands
City Boundary
North 1200 Feet
ENCORE | PULTE HOMES
Corcoran , Minnesota
CONCEPT PLAN
April, 2018SATHRE-BERGQUIST INC.north
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PRIVATEAMENITY CENTER
ENTRANCE MONUMENT
PUBLICOPEN SPACE
SITE DATA
44’ LOTS - 153
50’ LOTS - 181
60’ LOTS - 64
TOTAL - 398 SINGLE FAMILY LOTS
LEGEND
44’ WIDE LOT
50’ WIDE LOT
60’ WIDE LOT
SIDEWALK
WETLAND
POND
TRAIL
FUTURE TRAIL
HUNTERS RIDGE
PUBLICPARK
COUNTY ROAD 30
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FUTURE COMMERCIAL OUTLOT
FUTURE LIGHT INDUSTRIAL OUTLOT
FUTURE PUBLIC PARK
ARRIVAL DRI
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IMMANUEL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
SCHOBER HOMESTEAD
DLRT Alignment
72DIAMOND LAKE REGIONAL TRAIL 2022
DRAFT 4/21/2022
FIGURE 13 | AMBERLEY DEVELOPMENT
Source: City of Corcoran
FIGURE 14 | BELLWETHER DEVELOPMENT
Source: City of Corcoran
DLRT Alignment
SEGMENT B | CITY OF CORCORAN
Segment B will extend through the City of Corcoran
(Maps 18 & 19). Much of Segment B will be constructed
independent of road right-of-way through future and
planned developments. Segment B is separated into four
subsegments which are described in greater detail in the
following sections.
Segment B Cost Estimates
The total acquisition and construction cost to build
Segment B in Corcoran is $11.58 million as shown in
Table 27 below. This segment requires right-of-way
acquisitions and substantial trail infrastructure including
two boardwalks and trail underpass. A planning-
level cost estimate was prepared, and cost estimate
methodology is outlined in Appendix A.
an active and social lifestyle. It is envisioned that other
subsegments of segment B-1 will be constructed in
concurrence with development like the Amberley and
Bellwether developments.
The trail will extend southwest along Hunter’s Ridge
to the intersection of County Road 116. The trail will
cross the county road in a grade-separated crossing to
provide a safe crossing for trail users and pedestrians.
Additional design and feasibility analysis will be needed
for the crossing facility, as road improvements and land
development occur. On the west side of County Road
116, the trail will extend west along the north side of
Hope Community Church, crossing over Oswald Farm
Segment
Length
(miles)
Acquisition
Cost
Design &
Construction
Cost
Segment
Subtotal
B-1 3.02 $301,000 $3,475,000 $3,776,000
B-2 1.75 $756,000 $1,609,000 $2,365,000
B-3 2.19 $418,000 $3,032,000 $3,450,000
B-4 1.93 $224,000 $1,766,000 $1,990,000
TOTAL 8.89 $1,699,000 $9,882,000 $11,581,000
TABLE 27 | SEGMENT B COST SUMMARY
Segment B-1
Segment B-1 extends through Corcoran from the City
of Dayton limits to County Road 30. Apart from a short
segment on Hunters Ridge Road, segment B-1 will
be outside road right-of-way. The current land use
the segment B-1 extends through is predominantly
agricultural land. However, it is anticipated that the
agricultural land will develop over time.
The trail extends south out of Stieg Woods and extends
south through agricultural land to Stieg Road. It will
cross Stieg Road at-grade, and will extend through the
Amberley subdivision, a development that will include
76 single-family lots (Figure 13). The trail will extend
along the north and west side of the development
on land set aside for the regional trail. South of the
Amberly Subdivision, the trail will extend through the
Bellwether Development, which is being constructed
as a retirement community on land set aside for the
regional trail (Figure 14). The Diamond Lake Regional
Trail will complement the vision of the Amberley and
Bellwether developments as communities that promote
73 THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT
B1
A4
B2
B3
MAP 18 | SEGMENT B1 AND B2
Source: Park District
Amberley Development
Bellwether Development
Proposed Diamond Lake
Regional Trail on Existing Trail
Proposed Diamond Lake
Regional Trail
Existing Regional Trail
Planned Regional Trail
Regional Trail Search Corridor
Existing On-Street Bike Facility
Proposed On-Street Bike Facility
Existing Off-Street Bike Facility
Proposed Off-Street Bike Facility
Public Land
Parks
Park District
Planned Developments
Wetlands
City Boundary
North 1200 Feet
74DIAMOND LAKE REGIONAL TRAIL 2022
DRAFT 4/21/2022
FIGURE 15 | RUSH CREEK DEVELOPMENT
Source: City of Corcoran
FIGURE 16 | TAVERA DEVELOPMENT
Source: City of Corcoran
DLRT Alignment
DLRT Alignment
Road. A Level B Kiosk will be located at the Hope
Community Church larking lot. West of the church, the
trail will extend south to County Road 30 over agricultural
land. The crossing of County Road 30 at Duffney Drive
will be at-grade.
Segment B-2
Segment B-2 extends south from County Road 30
to Meister Road. Segment B-2 extends through five
parcels of agricultural land. It is anticipated that
this agricultural land will develop into residential
neighborhoods over time. The Park District will work
to obtain a corridor of land independent of any future
road systems to create a linear park that may be as wide
as 200 feet. The proposed trail corridor will serve as an
ecological corridor in addition to a recreation and non-
motorized transportation corridor through the future
neighborhoods. At Meister Road, the trail will cross at-
grade to the south and into property that is presently
being developed as the Rush Creek Reserve.
Segment B-3
Segment B-3 extends from Meister Road to Larkin Road.
Segment B-3 crosses the Weaver Lake Regional Trail
search corridor, a key east-west regional trail corridor
that will be planned and developed by the Park District
at a later date. Trail segment B-3 will have two wetland
crossings north of the Weaver Lake Regional Trail
search corridor that may require boardwalk structures.
All other wetlands in the vicinity should be outside the
extents of trail development. South of the Weaver Lake
Regional Trail search corridor, segment B-3 will extend
entirely through the Rush Creek planned development
(Figure 15). The northern most development is Rush
Creek Reserve, a residential development. The Diamond
Lake Regional Trail will extend along a trail that is being
constructed as part of the development. The trail in the
development extends along Walnut Lane before leaving
road right-of-way into public open space. From Rush
Creek Reserve, the Diamond Lake Regional Trail will
cross County Road 10, at-grade, into the Corcoran City
Park. This may change to a grade-separated crossing
if development significantly increases traffic volumes.
The City of Corcoran has prepared a master plan for
park improvements at the City Park that include trails.
A Level A System Kiosk will be located at the City Park.
A local trail connection is planned along the north side
of County Road 10 with a proposed trail underpass at
County Road 116 to provide access to the east side of
the roadway, and to future trails that will lead to City Hall.
The Diamond Lake Regional Trail alignment will extend
along the proposed park access road as shown in the
park master plan. The third development in Segment
B-3 is an industrial development located south of the
75 THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT
B3
B4
C1
MAP 19 | SEGMENT B3 AND B4
Source: Park District
Rush Creek Development
Wetland Crossing
Industrial Development
Tavera Development
WEAVER LA
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Proposed Diamond Lake
Regional Trail on Existing Trail
Proposed Diamond Lake
Regional Trail
Existing Regional Trail
Planned Regional Trail
Regional Trail Search Corridor
Existing On-Street Bike Facility
Proposed On-Street Bike Facility
Existing Off-Street Bike Facility
Proposed Off-Street Bike Facility
Public Land
Parks
Park District
Planned Developments
Wetlands
City Boundary
North 1200 Feet
76DIAMOND LAKE REGIONAL TRAIL 2022
DRAFT 4/21/2022
County Road 50 and the City Park. The trail will cross
County Road 50 at-grade and extend south into the
proposed industrial development. The trail will be within
a corridor up to 50 feet wide that will also serve as an
ecological corridor through the industrial development.
Segment B-4
Segment B-4 extends from Larkin Road to Hackamore
Road, the Medina - Corcoran city boundary line. At Larkin
Road, the trail will cross at-grade. South of Larkin Road,
a significant portion of the proposed trail alignment
extends through The Tavera by Lennar residential
development. The northern portion of segment B-4
outside The Tavera development (Figure 16) extends
adjacent to wetlands through existing agricultural land
that is anticipated to develop over time. In the Tavera
development, the Diamond Lake Regional Trail will
extend along the trail corridor that is included in the
development. The trail will extend outside the road
right-of-way behind residential properties and adjacent
to wetlands and parks. The trail corridor will serve as an
ecological corridor that protects wetlands and increases
ecological diversity.
SEGMENT C | CITY OF MEDINA
Segment C extends through the City of Medina (Maps
20 & 21) from the northern boundary with the City of
Corcoran to the trail terminus in Baker Park Reserve. Trail
Segment C will be constructed in both public right-of-way
and across some private parcels.
Segment C is separated into five subsegments which are
described in greater detail in the following sections.
Segment C Cost Estimates
The total acquisition and construction cost to build
Segment C in Medina is $16.07 million as shown in
Table 28 below. This segment requires right-of-way
Fields of Medina Park.Hackamore Road in Medina.
Segment C-1
Segment C-1 extends along Hackamore Road and
Arrowhead Drive from Snyder Road to Chippewa Road.
The entire length of Segment C-1 is in public road right-
of-way. Hackamore Road is a low traffic volume narrow
road with scenic views of the wetland to the west. The road
north of the existing residential development is a gravel
road. It is anticipated that the trail will be constructed as
part of future road reconstruction that will likely include
paving the roadway. The trail will cross Hackamore Road
at-grade. While the trail can be constructed in road right-
of-way, potential additional right-of-way easements
may be needed for ditch grading. On the south side of
Segment C-1, the proposed trail will connect with an
existing segment of local trail that extends along the
east side of Arrowhead Drive from Bridgewater Road
south to Chippewa Road. A Level B Kiosk will be located
at the intersection of Hackamore Road and Arrowhead
Drive.
Segment
Length
(miles)
Acquisition
Cost
Design &
Construction
Cost
Segment
Subtotal
C-1 0.97 $209,000 $921,000 $1,128,000
C-2 2.08 $191,000 $2,867,000 $3,055,000
C-3 2.15 $269,000 $9,935,000 $8,387,000
C-4 1.64 N/A $1,549,000 $1,545,000
C-5 3.13 N/A $132,000 $132,000
TOTAL 9.97 $669,000 $15,404,000 $16,073,000
TABLE 28 | SEGMENT C COST SUMMARY
acquisitions and substantial trail infrastructure including
a boardwalk and pedestrian bridge. A planning-level cost
estimate was prepared, and cost estimate methodology
is outlined in Appendix A.
77 THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT
C1
B4
C2
C3
MAP 20 | SEGMENT C1 AND C2
Source: Park District
Grade Separated Overpass
Potential Wetland Impacts
Future School Property
Wetland Crossing
Private Road
Gravel Road
SARAH CREEK REGIONAL TRAIL SEARCH CORRIDOR
HENNEPIN COUNTY HENNEPIN COUNTY
PUBLIC WORKSPUBLIC WORKS
Proposed Diamond Lake
Regional Trail on Existing Trail
Proposed Diamond Lake
Regional Trail
Existing Regional Trail
Planned Regional Trail
Regional Trail Search Corridor
Existing On-Street Bike Facility
Proposed On-Street Bike Facility
Existing Off-Street Bike Facility
Proposed Off-Street Bike Facility
Public Land
Parks
Park District
Planned Developments
Wetlands
City Boundary
North 1200 Feet
78DIAMOND LAKE REGIONAL TRAIL 2022
DRAFT 4/21/2022
Segment C-2
Trail Segment C-2 will extend from Chippewa Road
to Arrowhead Drive on the south side of Highway 55.
Property in this area has been identified by Medina for
development. The opportunity to obtain easements
for this segment of the trail may likely occur at the
time of subdivision. At the end of the private road, the
Diamond Lake Regional Trail will extend south through
wetlands, agricultural land, and the Fields of Medina, a
local park. Trail segment C-2 will require a boardwalk
structure to cross the wetland complex between Medina
Lake Preserve and Fields of Medina. The trail in Fields
of Medina Park will be designed to delineate between
the regional trail and local trails. A Level B Kiosk will be
located in the Park. South of Fields of Medina Park, the
trail will cross Meander Road at-grade, and will extend
south along a future extension of Tamarack Drive to a
grade-separated crossing over Highway 55. Trail design
will be coordinated with adjacent development. This trail
crossing will be an overpass that will carry trail users over
both the highway and the adjacent Soo Line Railroad
tracks on the south side of the roadway. The overpass will
need to be designed to accommodate future roadway
improvements north of Highway 55 that may include
roundabouts and other local intersections. An important
element to the proposed trail overpass is the connection
this will provide for pedestrians to access to a potential
future Wayzata School District Middle School site south
of Highway 55. Just south of the school property, trail
Segment C-2 will extend west along Hamel Road. It is
anticipated that the trail will be constructed within the
existing road right-of-way, though some local segments
with steep grades or deep ditches may require retaining
walls or temporary construction easements to develop
the trail.
Segment C-3
Segment C-3 extends west from Arrowhead Drive to
Parkview Drive along Hamel Road. The Hamel Road
trail segment is also identified as part of the Lake
Sarah Regional Trail Search Corridor. Hamel Road has
a low traffic volume with high scenic qualities, typical
of rural Medina. Hamel Road has a rural cross section
with no existing curb and gutter or storm sewer.
Although above-ground utilities are present, they are
more concentrated on the south side of Hamel Road.
The trail will extend west and will cross through the
Hamel Road.
Hamel Road.
intersections with Arrowhead Drive and Pioneer Trail
and will continue south and west passing Willow Drive
North. The intent of the trail design along Hamel Road
is to utilize public right-of-way and minimize impacts to
adjacent private property. The trail may be constructed
with curb to keep it close to the adjacent roadway. In
locations where there are steep slopes or deep ditches,
additional temporary or permanent easements may be
needed to facilitate the trail. West of Willow Drive, the
trail will pass the German Liberal Cemetery on the south
side of the road. In this location, the cemetery extends
close to the roadway on an elevated section that may be
challenging for installing a trail. There is a small wetland
on the south side of the road approximately 500 feet
west of the cemetery with steep slopes leading to the
edge of the roadway. In this location, the north side of
the road may be the better option for trail development.
The construction of the Diamond Lake Regional Trail
along Hamel Road will impact the gravel shoulder that is
heavily used by equestrians. Potential accommodations
may be made for equestrians along the edge of the
Diamond Lake Regional Trail, should that use still be a
desired and used amenity at the time of regional trail
development. Further design detail will be conducted
during the final design process.
79 THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT
C3
C2
C4
MAP 21 | SEGMENT C3
Source: Park District
Intersection on curve
Potential Wetland Impacts
Potential Wetland Impacts and Steep Grade
German Liberal
Cemetery
Proposed Diamond Lake
Regional Trail on Existing Trail
Proposed Diamond Lake
Regional Trail
Existing Regional Trail
Planned Regional Trail
Regional Trail Search Corridor
Existing On-Street Bike Facility
Proposed On-Street Bike Facility
Existing Off-Street Bike Facility
Proposed Off-Street Bike Facility
Public Land
Parks
Park District
Planned Developments
Wetlands
City Boundary
North 1200 Feet
HENNEPIN COUNTY HENNEPIN COUNTY
PUBLIC WORKSPUBLIC WORKS
80DIAMOND LAKE REGIONAL TRAIL 2022
DRAFT 4/21/2022
Segment C-4
Segment C-4 extends from Parkview Drive to County
Road 19 along Hamel Road. The entire length of
segment C-4 is adjacent to Baker Park Reserve. As the
trail extends west along Hamel Road, it will pass through
the Parkview Drive intersection which is the boundary
of Baker Park Reserve. A Level B Kiosk will be located
at the intersection of Parkview Drive, within the park
boundary. From this point, the trail will be developed on
the south side of Hamel Road within the Park Reserve
boundary. Baker National Golf Course is situated in the
northeast portion of the park and the trail will need to
be routed not to disrupt golf course functions and use.
West of the golf course, the trail will cross Spurzem
Creek and a wetland that encroaches on the roadway
shoulders. A boardwalk may be required at this location
to carry the trail across the sensitive landscape. West
of Spurzem Creek, the trail will follow the existing non-
paved equestrian trail as it extends west to County Road
19 and the Lake Independence Regional Trail.
Segment C-5
Segment C-5 utilizes the existing Lake Independence
Regional Trail from County Road 19 at Hamel Road
south to the existing trailhead located at Independence
Street and County Road 19 in Maple Plain. No additional
modifications will be needed to this trail segment to
meet regional trail standards. However, improvements
to the trailhead at Independence Street will be needed
to accommodate the additional trail users. This trailhead
serves Baker Park and is the location where another
regional trail, the Baker – Carver Regional Trail, enters
Baker Park Reserve. Improvements may include
additional parking spaces, benches, bike racks and
wayfinding signage, including a Level A System Kiosk.
Hamel Road and Parkview Drive in Medina at the location where trail will enter Baker Park Reserve.Trailhead on County Road 19 in Maple Plain.
81 THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT
C4
C3
MAP 22 | SEGMENT C4 AND C5
Source: Park District
C5
Existing Trailhead
Spurzem Lake
Half Moon Lake
Katrina Lake
Lake Independence
Proposed Diamond Lake
Regional Trail on Existing Trail
Proposed Diamond Lake
Regional Trail
Existing Regional Trail
Planned Regional Trail
Regional Trail Search Corridor
Existing On-Street Bike Facility
Proposed On-Street Bike Facility
Existing Off-Street Bike Facility
Proposed Off-Street Bike Facility
Public Land
Parks
Park District
Planned Developments
Wetlands
City Boundary
North 1200 Feet
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Barry Avenue looking north in Wayzata.
Wayzata Boulevard at the Barry Avenue intersection in Wayzata.
Luce Line State Trail crossing on Ferndale Drive North.
CONNECTION SEGMENT | LAKE INDEPENDENCE
REGIONAL TRAIL AND LUCE LINE STATE TRAIL
The original search corridor for the Diamond Lake
Regional Trail from Wayzata to Dayton included a more
direct route through eastern Medina and Orono and
along Long Lake. During the planning process, the Park
District received significant input from Medina property
owners and Friends of Wolsfeld Woods which effectively
eliminated the consideration for a regional trail in this
area. The Park District then studied an alternative route
through downtown Long Lake via an existing and planned
trail along CR 112. The Long Lake City Council expressed
concerns about additional people biking though their
community, specifically the downtown area and adjacent
neighborhood where the trail was proposed to deviate
from CR 112 and, ultimately, did not support a regional
trail through their community. Therefore, the Diamond
Lake Regional Trail will end in Baker Park Reserve at the
intersection with the planned Baker-Carver Regional Trail
near the trailhead parking lot along Baker Park Road.
Trail users will be able to connect with the Dakota Rail
Regional Trail and Wayzata by following the existing
Lake Independence Regional Trail south from Baker Park
Reserve, past Orono Schools, and connect with the Luce
Line State Trail that will provide access the Dakota Rail-
Luce Line Connector along Ferndale Road (Map 23).
SEGMENT D | CITY OF ORONO AND CITY OF WAYZATA
Segment D is the Dakota Rail – Luce Line Connector Trail
that extends through a small segment of Orono between
the Luce Line State Trail and the Highway 12 overpass
and continues south into the City of Wayzata (Map 24).
Trail segment D will be constructed in road right-of-way
and will provide a key connection to downtown Wayzata
from the Luce Line State Trail. Segment D is separated into
three subsegments which are described in greater detail in
the following sections (Map 24).
Segment D-1
Segment D-1 extends from the Luce Line State Trail to
Wayzata Boulevard along North Ferndale Road. The
trail will be located on the east side of Ferndale Road
and will span between the City of Orono and the City
of Wayzata. The bridge across Highway 12 will be re-
decked to accommodate a regional trail. While the
existing bridge is wide enough to accommodate both
vehicle traffic and the regional trail, modifications are
needed to provide a wider trail cross-section on the east
83 THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT
MAP 23 | CONNECTING SEGMENT
Source: Park District
Lake Independence
Lake Minnetonka
Long Lake
Katrina Lake
Proposed Diamond Lake Regional
Trail on Existing Lake Independence
Regional Trail
Proposed Diamond Lake Regional Trail
Existing Regional Trail Connector Trail
Existing Regional Trail
Planned Regional Trail
Regional Trail Search Corridor
Existing on-street bike facility
Proposed on-street bike facility
Existing off-street bike facility
Proposed off-street bike facility
Public Land
Parks
TRPD Parks
Scientific and Natural Area
Planned Developments
City Boundary
North 4000 Feet
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84DIAMOND LAKE REGIONAL TRAIL 2022
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side. North of the Highway 12 Bridge, retaining walls or
significant grading may be required to construct the trail
near the bridge approaches due to steep grades in the
right of way. There are several utility poles in the right of
way between the Luce Line State Trail and the Highway
12 Bridge that may require relocation to provide room
for the trail.
Segment D Cost Estimates
The total acquisition and construction cost to build the
Dakota Rail - Luce Line Connector is $4.138 million. as
shown in Table 29 below. This segment does not require
any additional right-of-way acquisition, so the total
cost is associated with trail development. A planning-
level cost estimate was prepared, and cost estimate
methodology is outlined in Appendix A.
Barry Avenue looking south toward Lake Street in Wayzata.
a key connection to downtown Wayzata and the Dakota
Rail Regional Trail. The Dakota Rail – Luce Line Connector
will extend along the west side of Barry Avenue. Along
this section, the trail will cross Grace Point Court and
Rice Street at-grade. The Park District is sensitive to any
impacts to existing parking and will review all impacts
to the right of way in the design of the trail to minimize
impacts to parking. The trail may replace the existing
sidewalk along the west side of Barry Avenue. To make
room for the added width of the trail without impacting
parking, lane widths and bike lane placement will be
reviewed during design development.
Segment
Length
(miles)
Acquisition
Cost
Design &
Construction
Cost
Segment
Subtotal
D-1 0.37 N/A $2,696,000 $2,696,000
D-2 0.27 N/A $778,000 $778,000
D-3 0.25 N/A $637,000 $637,000
TOTAL 0.89 N/A $4,138,000 $4,138,000
TABLE 29 | SEGMENT D COST SUMMARY
Segment D-2
Segment D-2 extends along Wayzata Boulevard from
Ferndale Road to Barry Avenue. The trail will be located
on north side of Wayzata Boulevard providing direct
connection to Wayzata West Middle School. The trail will
replace the existing sidewalk, but additional space may
be required to meet regional trail standards, which may
trigger the need for retaining walls along the north side
of Wayzata Boulevard. Further evaluation of impacts will
be analyzed once funding is secured to pursue design
development of this trail segment. The Wayzata West
Middle School parking lot is proposed as a trailhead for
the Dakota Rail – Luce Line Connector, which will provide
ample parking for trail users that will not compete with
parking along Lake Street. The intersection of Wayzata
Boulevard at Barry Avenue is a critical pedestrian
crossing point and additional safety elements such as
rapid flashing beacons will be reviewed for this specific
location.
Segment D-3
Segment D-3 extends along Barry Avenue from Wayzata
Boulevard to Lake Street. This trail segment will establish
85 THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT
D1
D2
D3
MAP 24 | SEGMENT D1-D3
Source: Park District
Lake Minnetonka
Re-deck Ferndale Bridge to Accommodate Trail
Steep Slopes - Potential Retaining Wall
Potential Parking Impacts
Potential Retaining Wall
Proposed Diamond Lake
Regional Trail on Existing Trail
Proposed Diamond Lake
Regional Trail
Existing Regional Trail
Planned Regional Trail
Regional Trail Search Corridor
Existing on-street bike facility
Proposed on-street bike facility
Existing off-street bike facility
Proposed off-street bike facility
Public Land
Parks
TRPD Parks
Planned Developments
Wetlands
City Boundary
North 1200 Feet
LUC
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DAKOTA RAIL REGIONAL TRAIL
WAYZATA WEST WAYZATA WEST
MIDDLE SCHOOLMIDDLE SCHOOL
86DIAMOND LAKE REGIONAL TRAIL 2022
DRAFT 4/21/2022
8
IMPLEMENTATION
ESTIMATED COSTS
& FUNDING
This section outlines a general implementation plan for
the Diamond Lake Regional Trail and Dakota-Luce Line
Connector. For quick reference this section also includes a
summary of estimated one-time and annual costs as well
as associated funding strategies (Tables 34 and 35).
As with all Park District park and trail facilities,
implementation will occur at the discretion of the Park
District and its partners and only when the Park District is
financially prepared to assume all associated costs unless
otherwise agreed to between the Park District and its
partners.
As related but independent regional trails, the Diamond
Lake Regional Trail and Dakota-Luce Line Connector will be
implemented independently of each other as partnership
and funding opportunities present themselves.
The Diamond Lake Regional Trail is an ambitious
corridor and will require extensive land acquisition and
coordination with development and, in some locations,
road reconstruction. Similar to the long-term land use
and development plans for the corridor as outlined in each
cities’ comprehensive plan, complete development could
span until 2040; however, the Park District is committed
to moving forward with implementing the trail in phases
with some segments being developed within the next five
years and in direct partnership with the cities and ongoing
development efforts, as funding allows.
The Dakota-Luce Line Connector will likely be fully
developed prior to the Diamond Lake Regional Trail
as additional private permanent property rights as not
foresee, it is shorter in length, will cost less and has been
identified as a high priority for the Park District and partners
for over a decade. This trail corridor is anticipated to be
fully developed within the next five to ten years – subject
to external funding support.
87 THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT
DIAMOND LAKE REGIONAL TRAIL IMPLEMENTATION
SUMMARY
Acquisition
The Diamond Lake Regional Trail corridor will require
acquisition of significant land and/or easement for an
estimated cost of $6.4 million. For the purposes of this
master plan, a high-level, yet detailed analysis of proposed
trail corridor was conducted to identify where property
acquisitions and/or easements may be necessary to
develop the Diamond Lake Regional Trail through Dayton,
Rogers, Corcoran and Medina.
The purpose of the analysis is to provide the Park District
with an understanding of the specific parcels and costs for
acquiring fee title or easements of portions or all of the
parcels identified (See Appendix F for a detailed summary).
Below is a summary of the regional trail acquisition intent:
• In locations where development has yet to occur
in the proposed corridor, the intent is to acquire
a wide corridor of up to 200 feet to provide a
linear park-like experience that will allow natural
landscape buffers on either side of the trail.
• In locations where development is occurring or
where larger parcels are not available, acquisition
of a corridor up to 75 feet wide will provide a
smaller but sufficient buffer for the trail corridor.
• There are several locations where the trail will
extend along roadways within public right-of-way.
In these locations, a width of 20 feet is identified
for limited use permits or permanent easements
that may be needed for trail development.
Temporary construction easements may also be
required from adjacent property owners and will be
further defined during the design phase.
TABLE 30 | SUMMARY OF ACQUISITION AND
CONSTRUCTION COSTS BY SEGMENT
Operations & Maintenance Expense Mileage Cost per Mile Total per Year
Staffing | Regular/Permanent 24.9 $2,500 $62,000
Routine Maintenance | Paved Trails 24.9 $200 $5,000
Preventative Pavement Maintenance | Paved Trails 24.9 $3,380 $81,000
ESTIMATED TOTAL PER YEAR: $151,000
TABLE 31 | DIAMOND LAKE REGIONAL TRAIL OPERATIONS & MAINTENANCE EXPENSES (2022 DOLLARS)
In addition the above acquisition intent, the Park District
may also consider acquisition of additional, adjacent
property if it helps protect natural and cultural resources
which would further enhance or create a desirable, high-
quality trail user experience.
Development
Development of the Diamond Lake Regional Trail will be
phased and significantly tied to opportunities that take
advantage of external funding sources, road reconstruction
projects, development initiatives and local and regional
political will.
Trail development costs for each segment are summarized
in earlier chapters. The total trail development costs,
including acquisitions and construction are summarized in
Table 30.
Operations and Maintenance
The operations and maintenance costs are summarized in
Table 31 for existing and future Diamond Lake Regional
Trail segments. Greater detail is provided in Chapter 4.
Segment Length
(miles)
Acquisition
Cost
Design &
Construction
Cost
Total
Estimated
Cost
A - Dayton/
Rogers 9.04 $4,030,000 $9,330,000 $13,330,000
B - Corcoran 8.89 $1,699,000 $9,882,000 $11,581,000
C - Medina 9.97 $669,000 $15,404,000 $16,073,000
TOTAL 28.78 $0 38,7111,000 $40,984,000
88DIAMOND LAKE REGIONAL TRAIL 2022
DRAFT 4/21/2022
DAKOTA RAIL - LUCE LINE CONNECTOR
IMPLEMENTATION SUMMARY
Acquisition
The Dakota Rail - Luce Line Connector is anticipated to
be located solely within existing road right of way as
such there are no anticipated permanent private property
acquisition costs. However, property rights likely in the
form of limited use permits or easements are required from
Orono, MnDOT and Wayzata as they have jurisdictional
control of the affected right-of-way.
In addition, temporary construction easements are likely
required from adjacent property owners along the trail
corridor and will be further defined during the design
phase.
Development
The Dakota Rail - Luce Line Connector will require
coordination with the cities of Orono and Wayzata to
reconstruct existing sidewalks and streets to install the
regional trail. The Park District will coordinate with MnDOT
on plans and timing to modify the Ferndale North Bridge
over I-394 to accommodate the trail.
Total development costs for Segment D are summarized
in an earlier chapter. The total development cost is
summarized in Table 32.
Operations and Maintenance
The operations and maintenance costs are summarized
in Table 32 for the Dakota Rail - Luce Line Connector
segments. Greater detail is provided in Chapter 4.
FUNDING PLAN
The estimated one-time and annual costs for both regional
trails is summarized on Tables 34 & 35. Potential funding
sources for each phase – acquisition, development and
operation and maintenance are outlined below.
Acquisition
The estimated total acquisition costs for both regional
trails is $6.4 million.
Acquisition of property rights generally occurs on a
willing seller basis and ranges from fee-title, easement,
limited use permits or leases. While limited use permits
or easements are generally no-cost arrangements with
public agencies, acquisition of private property rights via
fee title, easement or lease typically require some level of
payment as most property owners are not supportive of
donating property rights.
Funding for property rights generally comes from the
Park District’s Land Acquisition Development Betterment
Funds (25%) and external acquisition funds administrated
by Met Council (75%) (comprised of Metropolitan Council
bond funds, Environmental Natural Resources Trust Fund
and Parks and Trails Opportunity Legacy Fund). There are
other grant opportunities (i.e. Federal Recreation Trail
Program) which support acquisition efforts; however, the
timing and restrictions are not always conducive to real-
life acquisition scenarios.
Development
The estimated total development costs for both regional
trails is $45,096,000.
Given the scope and magnitude of regional trail
development in both developed and developing
communities, the Park District will implement a phased
approach which takes into consideration opportunities to
piggyback off of other planned projects like development
TABLE 32 | SUMMARY OF ACQUISITION AND
CONSTRUCTION COSTS FOR THE DAKOTA RAIL-LUCE LINE
CONNECTOR
Segment Mileage Cost per Mile Total per Year
Staffing | Regular/Permanent 0.89 $2,500 $2,000
Routine Maintenance | Paved Trails 0.89 $200 $200
Preventative Pavement Maintenance | Paved Trails 0.89 $3,380 $3,000
ESTIMATED TOTAL PER YEAR:$5,200
TABLE 33 | DAKOTA RAIL - LUCE LINE CONNECTOR OPERATIONS & MAINTENANCE EXPENSES (2022 DOLLARS)
Segment
Length
(miles)
Acquisition
Cost
Design &
Construction
Cost
Total Esti-
mated Cost
D - Orono/
Wayzata
0.89 $0 $4,125,000 $4,125,000
TOTAL 0.89 $0 $4,138,000 $4,138,000
89 THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT
and road reconstruction to implement the regional trails –
likely reducing costs and minimizing public impact.
In addition, to coordinating work and funding
with development, road reconstruction and similar
opportunities, design and construction of trail segments
which help serve underrepresented community members
will be prioritized.
Funding for trail improvements and development will likely
be a combination of Park District bond funds, Metropolitan
Council grants (with funding from Metropolitan Council
bond funds, Legacy funds and State of Minnesota bond
funds), external grants such as federal transportation
and Hennepin County bikeway grants and cost-sharing
arrangements with local partners.
Operations and Maintenance
The estimated total annual operations and maintenance
costs for both regional trails is $156,200 and includes a
total of 0.8 FTE staff.
Operations and maintenance costs for the regional trails
are primarily funded through the Park District Operating
Budget. The Operating Budget’s primary source of
funds is local property taxes with some revenue from
the State of Minnesota as part of the Operations and
Maintenance Fund allocations from the Metropolitan
Council. Additional costs associated with pavement
maintenance will be funded from the Park District’s Asset
Management Program, which includes revenue allocated
to the Park District from the State of Minnesota as well as
the Park District general obligation bonds. All operation
and maintenance costs are subject to the annual budget
preparation process approved by the Park District Board
of Commissioners.
Summary of Costs
The total acquisition, development and annual costs for
the Diamond Lake Regional Trail and the Dakota Rail
- Luce Line Connector are summarized and provided in
greater detail in Appendix A.
90DIAMOND LAKE REGIONAL TRAIL 2022
DRAFT 4/21/2022
APPENDIX
Use the following link to view or download the Diamond
Lake Regional Trail Master Plan Appendix:
https://threeriversparks.link/DiamondLakePlanAppendix