7.a)1) Comprehensive Trail Plan Meeting Date: 06/21/2011
Agenda Item: � � `
. . �� ��1
City Council Agenda Report
City of Scandia
14727 209th St. North
Scandia, MN 55073 (65]) 433-2274
Action Requested: Approve the Scandia Comprehensive Trails Master Plan, as
recommended by the Park and Recreation Committee.
Planner Sherri Buss (TKDA) will be at the June 21 meeting to present
the plan to the Council.
Deadline/ Timeline: Project must be completed by June 24, 2011 per the grant agreement
with Washington County.
Background: • In October of 2010, the city applied for Community Partner
Project grant funds as part of the Statewide Health Improvement
Program (SHIP) administered by the Washington County
Department of Public Health and Environment. The program
funds projects that increase opportunities for non-motorized
transportation and/or increase access to community recreation
activities. A grant of$4,000 was awarded and the City entered into
an agreement with the County in February, 2011.
• The goal of this project was to implement goals of the 2006 Parks
Plan and the 2009 Comprehensive Plan to develop a trail and
bicycle route master plan. (See Goal 1, page 4-8 of Parks Plan
adopted July 18, 2006 and Parks and Trails Goa16, page 144 of
Comprehensive Plan adopted March 17, 2009.)
• The City contracted with TKDA to work with Park and Recreation
Committee and the Friends of Scandia Park and Trails to develop
a Master Plan and Trails Maps, and a brochure for residents and
visitors.
• The trail plan was developed with public input at two "charettes"
held in March and April, with further review of draft plans by the
Friends group and the Park and Recreation Committee. The plan
presented to the Council reflects the final draft reviewed by the
Park and Recreation Committee at its June 6 meeting
Recommendation: I recommend that the Council hear the presentation and approve the
Scandia Comprehensive Trails Master Plan, as recommended by the
Page 1 of 2
06/l5/11
Park and Recreation Committee
Attachments/ • Scandia Comprehensive Trails Master Plan
Materials provided: . "Scandia Outdoor Lovers Plan Recreational Trails", Mary Bailey,
Country Messenger, April 5, 201 l.
• "Scandia on the Right Path", Phillip Bock, Country Messenger,
May 3, 2011.
Note: Trails brochure will be provided at the Council meeting
Contact(s): Sherri Buss, City Planner TKDA
(651 292-4582)
Prepared by: Anne Hurlburt, Administrator
(trails plan)
Page 2 of 2
06/15/]1
Scandia Comprehensive Trails
Master Plan Report
I. Background
Scandia's 2030 Comprehensive Plan includes a goal to "Establish a network of public parks and
public, multi-use, non-motorized trails, including the Gateway Trail, which the City Council
might establish as a part of a program of providing outdoor recreation amenities and community-
wide connections that serve the health and welfare of the City's residents." This report
summarizes the results and recommendations of a community planning process to complete a
city-wide trail master plan. The planning process was funded by a State Health Improvement
Program (SHIP) grant that Washington County awarded to the City for this project.
The City recognizes that a comprehensive trails network can provide many benefits to residents
and visitors to the community:
• Improve the health of residents of all ages by providing opportunities to walk, bike and
participate in physical activities
• Provide alternatives to automobile trips, to reduce the consumption of fossil fuels, save
money and protect air quality
• Bring visitors to the community who will use local restaurants and businesses, and
benefit the local economy
• Provide connections among neighborhoods and parks, and help local residents become
acquainted with each other, with the rural and village neighborhoods in Scandia, and with
the local and regional park and open space resources.
The Trails Master Plan builds on several previous efforts. Maps and information that were
utilized are included in the Attachments. The previous park trail planning efforts in the Scandia
area include the following:
• In 2006, New Scandia Township completed and adopted a Parks, Trails, Open Space and
Recreation Plan. The plan included a map of proposed bike trails, included in the
attachments.
• The City's Comprehensive Plan includes a parks and trails chapter that identifies existing
and proposed parks and trails, and includes policies and recommendations for the
development of the park and open space system in Scandia.
• Washington County included a map of the Planned Trail System for the County in its
2030 Comprehensive Plan. The map included existing and proposed county and regional
trails in the Scandia area. Washington County planners also provided information about
the trails proposed in Scandia for this plan.
• The Friends of Scandia Parks and Trails developed a plan for three looped bicycle trail
routes in Scandia in 2010.
Scandia Trails Master Plan Page 1 1,��
]une,2011 �b►
S
�L�:�v�
� The Minnesota DNR provided information regarding the easements that have been
acquired along the proposed route of the Gateway Trail within Scandia.
II. Planning Process
The planning process included several steps:
• The City Planner and Administrator reviewed existing planning documents, and
developed base maps for the city and the village area identifying existing and proposed
trails.
� The Planner incorporated the Friends of Scandia Parks and Trails proposed trail loops
into the base maps.
• The City held an initial charette meeting on March 28, 201] to review the existing
planning information and base maps, and develop proposed trail routes. The Scandia
Park and Recreation Committee, Friends of Scandia Parks, and Scandia residents
participated in the meeting. (This group is referred to as the "planning group"for the
project in this Master Plan Report.) The meeting created a map of draft trail loops,
including the three routes identified by the Friends of Scandia Parks, and several "sub-
loops" as part of each of these loops. The meeting also identified the need for several
new trail crossings of major roadways in Scandia, and the proposed locations of
trailheads for the proposed trail routes. The proposed trail loops, crossings and trailheads
were added to the base maps.
• The planning process included contacts with Scandia Elementary School, to discuss the
need for safe trail routes that would allow students to walk or bike to school. A survey
was distributed to parents to determine the numbers of students currently walking or
biking to school, issues, and needs for safe routes to school. The survey results and
summary are included in the Attachments.
• The City held a second charette meeting on April 25. The focus of the meeting was the
review of the draft map created after the first charette meeting. The meeting again
included the City's Park and Recreation Committee, Friends of Scandia Parks, and
Scandia residents. This planning group made several changes and refinements to the
draft map, particularly to clarify connections, crossings and trailheads in the Village area,
and potential connections to the proposed Gateway Trail. The meeting participants also
developed a list of priorities for development of the Master Plan.
• The City's Park and Recreation Committee will review the trail maps and Draft Master
Plan in June. They will provide comments and recommend the Master Plan to the City
Council for approval.
Scandia Trails Master Plan Page 2
]une,2011 ���
�D*
4�.�\���
�
III. Master Plan
A. Citv-Wide Trail Plan (Figure 1)
The city-wide Master Plan for trails in Scandia is shown on Figure 1. The proposed system
includes three major trail loops, and several sub loops for each trail, to provide a variety of
options for trail users. The system also includes the extension of sidewalks along key routes in
the Village area, connections to the proposed Gateway Trail, trails along Trunk Highway 97 and
95, a proposed Soo Line Railroad trail, and trail crossings and trailheads. All of the proposed
trail routes are non-motorized routes.
The major elements of the city-wide trail plan, and recommendations regarding the character of
these elements, include the following:
Three Major Trail Routes
The major routes identified on the plan include the Big Marine Trail, Scandia/Marine Trail, and
Scandia North or Bone Lake Trail. These trails are proposed to be on-road trails, designated by
signage that will be developed by the Friends of Scandia Parks. The County and City will need
to approve trail signage on their respective roadways. The major trail loops are assumed to be
on-road trails that will primarily be used by bicyclists, but may also be used by pedestrians.
Sub-loops
Several sub-loops have been identified for each major trail route. These loops have been
identified to provide a variety of trail options for bicyclists, walkers and other trail users; to
create connections among neighborhoods and to the major trails routes; and to provide
connections to a variety of destinations in Scandia and the Old Village. The loops have been
named, using local geographic features such as lakes. The proposed sub-loops are shown on
Figure 2.
The sub loops are primarily proposed to be on-road trails on the shoulders of existing roadways
and quieter streets. Signage should be installed at trail intersections to identify the routes and
provide directional and distance information to trail users.
Trunk Highway 97 Trail
The planning group identified a goal to explore creation of an off-road trail along portions of
Trunk Highway 97, from Odell Avenue to TH 95. The proposed off-road trail and TH
97crossings are particularly needed near Scandia Elementary School. The City would need to
work with Mn/DOT to develop and fund this trail and the proposed crossings.
Washington County has identified a potential trail segment along TH 97 from Manning Avenue
to Lofton in its long-range trai] plan. The County has not determined whether this would be
developed as an on-road or off-road trail.
Scandia Trails Master Plan Page 3
June,2011 N►�+�
`� D T�i�
.7�,:�Lu 1
f' , r�
-
Soo Line Trail
The Master Plan includes a proposed Soo Line Trail route near the St. Croix River. This loop
would follow the existing Soo Line railroad tracks. This is currently an active rail line. The
route would be developed if the rail route is abandoned in the future. The trail surface should
accommodate biking and walking. The route would connect Scandia with Marine-on-St. Croix
and communities to the south, and could connect with communities in Wisconsin. The proposed
trail would be an off-road route parallel to the St. Croix River and TH 95.
Gateway Trail
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and County staff provided information
about the proposed route of the Gateway Trail in Scandia, and the easements that have been
acyuired to date. The proposed route travels from William O'Brien State Park to the Village
Area. The DNR has also identified a large search area for extension of the trail north from the
Village. The search area is shown on the County trail map in the Attachments.
Figures 1 and 2 identify proposed Scandia connections to the Gateway Trail from the
Scandia/Marine Trail and from sub-loops within the Village area.
Trailheads
The figure indicates proposed trailheads at the intersection of Trunk Highways 95 and 97, Hay
Lake Park, Big Marine Regional Park Reserve and the Big Lake School. The trailheads are
located on major trail routes, and would include parking facilities, signs, bathroom facilities and
picnic tables.
The planning group for the Master Plan reviewed the trailheads proposed in the City's 2030
Comprehensive Plan, and modified the list by removing two of the proposed trailheads:
• A proposed trailhead at Wind in the Pines Park was removed because the park is not on a
major trail route, and the park will not have facilities to serve trail users. Wind in the
Pines Park is an area of ecological and scenic significance, and proposed primarily for
protection of these quality and passive use.
• A proposed trailhead on TH 95 at Oakhill was removed because the trail route proposed
on Oakhill in the Comprehensive Plan has been moved to 199�' Street in the Trail Master
Plan. A trailhead in this area would duplicate the facilities at William O'Brien Park.
Scandia Trails Master Plan Page 4
June,2011 �'�.�
SL_lIti DI�'l.
.�
B. Scandia Village Area Trail Plan (Fi�ure 2)
Figure 2 identifies existing and proposed trails, sidewalks, and crossings in the Village area. The
Village is the center of the proposed trail system. Each of the major trail loops identified on
Figure 1 connects in with the other trail loops the Village Center via one or more of its proposed
sub loops.
The Master Plan includes the following elements in the Village area:
School Connections
The planning group identified connections between residential areas and Scandia Elementary
School as a priority for the Master Plan. A recent survey of parents indicated that the speed and
volume of traffic on Highway 97, lack of safe crossings, and limited sidewalks or pathways are
significant barriers to walking and biking to school.
Parents have also noted that children are currently walk or bike along roadways east of the
school that are also used by buses and cars, because there is no sidewalk available. This creates
safety concerns, and discourages walking and biking.
Based on these concerns, the Master Plan identifies potential options for safer routes to school,
including the following:
• A proposed off-road trail and crossings are identified along Trunk Highway 97. The trail
is proposed to follow the south side of TH 97. The City would need to work with
Mn/DOT to implement this proposed trail.
• The Master Plan includes an option for a sub loop that connects Ozark Avenue North to
Olinda Trail, and then follows existing sidewalks on Olinda Trail and Oakhill to the
Elementary School. Development of this route would require easements from private
properties along the proposed route.
Proposed Pedestrian/Bicycle Crossings
Safe roadway crossings exist at TH 97 and Olinda Trail, and at Olinda Trail and Oakhill Road.
The Master Plan indicates several places where the planning group identified the need for new,
safe crossings of major roadways. The crossings at TH 97 would require traffic controls. The
crossings at Olinda could be created with signage and roadway striping. The proposed new
crossings include the following:
• Trunk Highway 97 (Scandia Trail North) and Oakhill Road.
• Trunk Highway 97 and Ozark Avenue
• Olinda Trail at Ozark Court
• Olinda Trail at 209�' Street North
Scandia Trails Master Plan Page 5 �
June,2011 '�i�
SL.11I�UI1�
ra.�e.�
Gateway Trail
The map identifies the proposed route of the Gateway Trail in the Village area. The Master Plan
proposes connections to the Gateway Trail in the Village area at several locations using sub-
loops from the proposed Scandia/Marine Trail. The DNR has purchased some of the easements
required to create the trail.
The DNR hopes to connect the trail from the end point shown on Figure 2 to the center of the
Village Area, but a route through the private properties that would complete this connection has
not been identified at this time.
New Sidewalks and Trailheads
Proposed new sidewalks are shown to link the Village area to the ball field south of the
Community Center and from the Scandia Ball Park to the proposed trail routes at Olinda Lane
north of the Village. The new sidewalks extend existing sidewalks from the Village center.
Proposed trailheads are included in the Village area on the city's former fire hall site adjacent to
the proposed Gateway Trail, and at the Scandia City Hall and Community Center.
C. Priorities for Implementation
The City and other potential partners do not have the resources to implement the entire Master
Plan in the near future. The City will work with several partners, including the Friends of
Scandia Parks and Trails, Washington County, Minnesota DNR and Mn/DOT, and Scandia
Elementary School to identify potential funding and resources to implement the Trail Master
Plan. For example, the City has identified Mn/DOT's Safe Routes to School program as a
potential funding source to develop trails or crossings that help students walk or bike safely to
Scandia Elementary School.
The City's priorities for implementation of the plan include the following:
Short-term priorities (1 year):
• City Council adopts the Trails Master Plan
• City develops brochures and other public information about the major trail routes
• Friends of Scandia Parks works with the City and County to add signage along the three
major bike trail routes
Mid-term priorities (2-5 years):
• Proposed new crossings of TH 97 at Oakhill Road and Ozark Avenue
• Proposed crossing at 209`�' and Olinda (may be completed with striping, may not require
traffic control)
• Add proposed sidewalk from the Community Center to the south ball field
Scandia Trails Master Plan Page 6
June,2011 �'�a�
�
SC:,iI�llI11
• Develop signage on sub-loops
• Signage on the "secondary"trail loops
Long-term priorities (More than 5 years):
� Off-road trail on TH 97
• Proposed trail along Ozark and Ozark Court to sidewalks on Olinda Trail and Oakhill to
the Elementary School
• New crossing of Olinda at Ozark(concurrent with trail on TH 97)
• New sidewalk from the Scandia Ball Park north to Olinda Lane
• Proposed trail along Oakhill through the Cottages
• New sub-loops outside the village area that focus on the school
• Complete local connections to the Gateway Trail (to be timed with development of
Gateway Trail)
Scandia Trails Master Plan Page 7
June,2011 �+�
�L:��It'�
D. Acknowledgments
The City of Scandia appreciates the contributions of the following groups and individuals to this
Trail Master Plan:
Scandia Park and Recreation Committee
Friends of Scandia Parks
City residents who participated in Trail planning meetings
Scandia Elementary School
Washington County
Statewide Health Improvement Program (SHIP)
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
C.:��;�=���Meaittiy ��
The Statewide Health Improvement Program(SHIP),an integral
part of Minnesota's natiorrleading 2008 health reform law,strives
to help Minnesotans lead longer,healthier lives by preventing the
chronic disease risk factors of tobacco use and exposure,poor
nutrition and physical inactivity.For more information,visit
hrip://www.health.state.mn.us/healthreform/ship.
Scandia Trails Master P]an Page 8
]une,2011 `►�
0
:fl._'���t`1
�
�
SCANDIA
Chisago Lakes Townsh�p Fronconia Township �� ���
oan.a Loon 4
�•�"�k` � �, ��.
� ~ Bon�kePark� �\•.., . �e. � Nk - � Figure 1:
_ e°"'`ak �a"°`"g `��' ,� "�' Trails Planning Map
— H,,,,�. � �t� �a,.
` <`k�„ � sa�, ' -
.,5�� �Q�S�1 a~� $ Bike Routes(Friends of Scandia Parks)
�`;� :
���� M�� ''`n �— a , �^� Big Marine Trail(13 miles)
��on rc�
..m.,,..
�°^ swl�so�eseac�s i�m,mai aan F�em �f;,�. J ��Scandia/Mari�e 7rail(13 miies)
� Eko B�en Recreat�on Area Frils C�eek S��A ,y
� s,tu ,4 --"�' Scandia North or Bone Lake Trail(10 miles)
I � ��nn�d��•n�v���CPark
,-.�,��� J._.. � Vl
� � Neighborhood Loops
� _ �� ' a �, ' xe?,s a�a�a R�a. s ciub �
Goose lake Landin
�\�� '� ! � 59p � _ ,o_ _ _ NPS Wildlite Ra/uqe ^����^- Scandia North Trails Loop
� '��.� �> � ,
� � ,,���'� -- � Ciry o( � � & g �■ Scandia/Marine Loop
� � �,CtP1. Scandia 8 �.��• Big Marine Loop Trails
;5h� _ s County Road Treil
cuy or ��
Fmes Lake ,� •�� Off-Ro9d Tfeil
�^� See Old Vfllage Map � � s�+�+•• Grateway Treil(Proposed) '
� ff . .� - p97 RuStrum WMA � ' '�
,,�,,, Existing Sidewalks
�
n ��,� °°+o,, H"`'V,� Proposed Sidewalks
Big Mari e�L•ake�Landing r'1`���* I; �°" 1 Log House 8oal:LanAing at Copas
"''�'�st+ .n�� l ,�. � � Oestinations
-- ���ry � � � ` i�h
'" `� � Trailheads
.,,�,` �
eiq Lake Schoal Arna� Good 7emplar Fark Ass��„f�o� '; , � � , `°� p [] Existing Trail Crossings
_� � � Proposed Trail Crossings
.o I/r'w'�y� �"�,
" � n Swedish Settler' Monument �s^-
,.,i,��.�� LionsPa,�ic�m �3r�i1� � w _ � ParkEntrance
�,,�z -^' _--___� _ -
�:X� Hay Lake Sch ol Museum h�
\��� �
!.,_,,,� crat � � �.4��ndt�,e�i� Ihrilliam O'�rivn St 1 Pa.k , ��
'�71)P��71' Camp Lakamaqa GirlScoiit Grmp \ _n��
� ,5` o,, �,AF�
"r s � �� � �
,_ ;i�e � � / � 0 0.5 1 2
, . �
� � ,•� � Miles
-. _ . � '�� I � Data Sourcea�.Sc�nda Comprenencive Plan Wn�ington Lounry,
. "' , � � _�_� MetropolMen Cour�ci Minnesob Depertmmt of Naturd Resources.
j Ui
3 j,�.
. C-� rr�,
. Bi9 M{.ine Reqional Park Reserve jPlanned� ��..
1'
,�- c�ty or � �� c�ry or C
.._. p�Ap - -�� +� : Marine � r' � .
. i ^��«~ MayTownahiP �-�`�M�� �
� Tne s�atewee Neaim imo�o�eme�t P�oar.m(sHivl..n mt.pr�
'�i� vort of Minnesote's netioMaading 2008 haaMh nform law,aMvas
, to�eID Minnesetans IeW lonper,heYNier INes by pnventlnq Uie
Q
'. ' \ chronic disease nsk kctors ottobacc ena e[posure,poor �A
��, ' ' mNiUon anE phYFW inacEvity.For mae nformadon.vieit
n�N:i�www.ne.im.:�e�..mn.usme.m,r.r«m�en�c. "'•°`.'�"a••.••""°
� .w,���e,zoi+
� Z �
>
<
W � SCANDIA.
LL �
O �
� Z
°�'N > Figure 2:
a
w Trails Planning Map - Old Village
LLZ
W
a
°9 215TH STN Bike Routes(Friends of Scandia Parks)
�f-y
� <<� � Z �Big Marine Trail(13 miles)
�a '4 Scandia Ball Park` 214TH ST N
, �Scandia/Marine Trail(13 miles)
z -- — Scandia North or Bone Lake Treil(10 miles)
/' Q PubUc Worka/Flre Station __
� W : ` Neighborhood Loops
-_ � ,
� o •
c� �' � _�_�-- Scandia North Trails Loop
:
.
,,,,,, p •��� Scandia/Marine Loop
SCA
................ . ..................,. ..�� ...... Big Marine Loop Trails
__ A �-.���� '••.... ...■ w.....................o■m.............
■ �,-,-,- •..M ,..�•••• � County Road Treil
: ca •.......... ........■...
-� ■ o Lilleskogen Park ���
■ o • Off-Road Trail
, ��� � � � Scandia Pla
i eiemen�a ti_o,oi � ����--• Grateway Trail(Proposed)
D ecc�ew�`'�__7•-•.^aan •
_ u � OZ'4R w..w.
Existing Sidewalks
� °D�-�m�� -
�' � Proposed Sidewalks
u
p 9 � Destinations
an � • �°s� � Trailheads
J 2 _ i � �A
�TH ST N .��o .�'� ��. � 0 Existing Trail Crossings
qe'^="'••, s e�arA
."'"!•0' � 7 � '�� � Proposed Trail Crossings
209TH ST N ■
� l � ��►� � Park Entrance
ys Gammelgya�rden�; n �
�l i �tF/ � �
�J' �'`���. i � '� i
p� �sie / CommunitvCenter � �
s 0
�� � �esw�w�eeemee�seewe�e.awi.swe�
Ss a � � 0 0.125 o.2s
2p5j" Miles
,
. ■ � o�.so�,<ss�.s�.�e.cemo,ene�.�e�.,,wnnmmo�co��ro.
- vxi.T'�°� : MetopoiMen CouricN,Minnasote Departnent of Natural Resources.
■ :
A
e
�a�¢ � A'� i_ivingpealthy ��
�'� � 2 � The SL�ewida MeaMh Improvemsn[Propam(SHI�),M integral
,�V � prt ol Minnnoh's natlan-b�dnB 2008 hedM�aform I�w,sbivee
�P to help Minnesotane ked longer,�eelt�br lives by preventinq ihe I
J ' cMonic tlisaase nsk factors ol tobecco use anE eryowre,Oow
,� � numnon ene Pnya�al�a tiHry.For mo.e mrormanon.wstt�
`� �� Oy � http�.nwww.nealtl,seaea.mn.usmeattnrerorm�ship.
.. , . ... - . Z .__"_'__--__ _– _'__'_____—_"
�r TKDA
i�n�� ' -� � �,s..�..���
� .�,�,ia.zoii
Attachments
2006 Park and Recreation Area Map
2006 Parks Plan Trail Map
County Comp Plan Trails Map
Elementary School Survey Results
Scandia Trails Master Plan Page 10 �
June,2011
SC':'1I`lllrl
240th St N
���vka "` --- M��:��� � EXISTING PARK AND
�,,ke ����� Z38mS�N � o = `� RECREATION AREAS
a — �
� p, D _ �
� �' Z p
g' 9e d. - New Scandia Township Property
3 y z
$ � � Washington County Property
D
" mro�r o ' � State of Minnesota Property
Z eanF�Na '��,Q .,.�.,-r, �
_ _ zzetn sc N °aati `'r:, Federal Property
_ ! � �� F,n c,e.k sobnem� O
�nd N�tunl Area Planned Boundaries of Big Marine Regional Park
Eko Backen ---
Reereallorr Area ����� O
Vines Fark � �� St.Croix National Scenic Riverway
�
�„a�.k� s�«�m+ Private/Semi-Public Recreation
���„9 RIMYa Club '
i�� zzan s�N Lake
0
e
w�e uk. 'ti ,o ^ � Wetland
�ce e�. r,✓..� .
s4 � v
o,knqi a r�wy s7 �Po,
(OWWn'sParq y��yia 2
EkmeMwrySehooY B�F�
SoecerlBall FkMs
�-"�
�_�.'-"
State 97/Scandia Trail NOAh �
Wyldewood Prk
� BaAon JMnwn Rustrum
y� Memorlal Park yyMA
� Gammelqarten
Muaeum ChlWren's Log Heux
Biq Marine 205th t N T-Ball Fkld Bost Landinq
�°^d�^9 ScanAla Community Ctr
i Wo���=g�.��P.,k
�
9\�� �
��
e�
B�y V� a� SwedlsA Se11MYs
Sc1aolArea �' �nument
600d Templx
� ParkAssoclatlon . ���Marine
� Lbn's Perk N
M�y Laka � 0 0.25 D.5 1 �
Sthool Museum Mile4 w F.
. �,�r. � � �� 5
Camp ukampa The Cata preseMed on Mls map is kom verious sourcas incluCing
� oM Swut tamv � � - Me WashMgton County GIS Support UnM anE t�e Minnesota
DepartmeM of Naturel Reaources. The Aata is IMendeE ia lntenCed
� � � Z -� to be useA for general planning puryoses ony.
� "p � —
� -�� f= o Mapping PrepareA by:
Sanders Wacker Bergly,Inc.
� �� F Landscape ArchRecis and Planners
� � m Salnt Peul,Minnasota
'. I %annad Bq Mplro 185th St N �
.. . . � RegionN Ouk Vnwrw f ... ..-.......-- —'...-- � ..- AOopted: 18 July 2006
Plamwd Bip Marine h} Wlllbm O'Brkn WIIII m O'8rbn Vflplem O'Brbn
RpbnN Park Preservn ,�.�• � � O Sble Park Sbl Park State Pxk
�iRure 3-2: Exi,trng Park and Recrcanon:lrcas
� \ew$candia Tuanship Parks,Ttails,
�-—� "—"�" Open Space,and Recreanon i'lan i-�
:.n�c�yc n,y >nnn�_�w ��.h��,q^ ,
eoiaLa`°'� ' BICYCLE
�.,�—�--� ,� � � .:, �
' _ . Bero L�ke� 23a�n 5i rJ ' � � A '
�d,,� _ � � �o�.'�yroa� �g� � ROUTES PLAN
X ° � � �
, � �-
s: �
� � ._ *..y 9f.Crodx N�ebnel
w n< tr"=� ' /f '^ i ow�yyBo`u�ne,�, � ExistingTownshipPerkorOpenSpace
� . . . D, � -"4 ���,� � ..� �F. ! � Other Existlng Parks,Recreation,Open Space
�� �
�� I m�w ; F (� i � Regionally Significant Natural Area
� Betl Rsld� J
�2AIF�1`: F'
r—�o e.ean ��' ^��y; � � � Proposed Township Trailhead
_ ' R�eresNonMls .. . - �
" �� .- .- �� �- r���' � ��C�----��� � -��'^- Washington CouMy Bike Trails
. ., :--... � �; „ --,,� � i
� �: -.: � � � ::� . e Whd In Me ,`1
; „ x,rew,o---_� �� s� . TownshipBikeRoutes
��,�,
j .e �� I ��i34' „^ - ��_ . I � Proposed Gateway Trail Search Area
I ) . ���r ;
^ , � ' � i d ,�;,,,,�. ! Contemplated Residential Subdivision(2005)
, aW,etr�.tar I \.. < ? ay '
1 • �
\•>;
� � � .. � . BwMfiM�Pri� ; LL ' ..
— �z—1 /lyh(ed�NldJ � ..7�
. Lbn's P�k 1�
�?. �kµ�
y �
= � � � ' 'Ws c1a'.^}1 y�l�c�.,�r I 3ecter�PF/Wl�� / � � I r ..a�c �
� k�;�;,V: �a� '�=.lf 1v: '7.i�w1 t:
f � � //
.. . . ����� ��.��� � . I�� � - �.�_.{ W�A
- � '
. ���7 f � �{ k
. . . `�`_ . y,
_ �- �ti � �
B MMiro , . - .rrv ' T-Bel!'FkM
1� . V d�B . .. .<<y;��' �� � � SeinAhCenxnunityCH �___ te Nnup
� � � . ' ; rt'ar..
^ �"� LWMbw�7t9kefin9OM BoefLen�n
,( .,� ��L , �' r . � /�� ..� M Cop�� e
,�
.. �
�,' ( .. .. � ., �/�. '"'^'r�
�: — ^ . � '.. . i�
T
' � . '�c�� . ` ��, - SL Crolr N�NonN
� �9wvdleh 4�Mb's, . ` �~ ' • � � Scenk Nlve�wry
MaMxn�M � � � Orer6r BouMny
B/pL�b ) � � ../�� *�PwkAriseebflon tbn'soe.k- � � :� �.1., .ln�„'r:�N .
SN�oel�rro J"�� . . . _ .
M•r�*1 '
� i` � _ bqLNro �.. ;t;._ ' �r�� ��`�-� D 0.25 0.5 1 N
t �� 6ehod Muslmn - � MII83
� �- _ _ � :� �E
� , ;
. � . � . '`� / The tleta presented on this mep Is lrom various sources I W ng
///�TT' - �". -�:�r v��� - . � the Washllglm Coun GIS Support Unk eM the Minneeoin
; 'l � /-'�j��� , � i 1 Dapertmenl of Natura Resources.The Aeta f5 intentled is intended
' / / �. � ��^��'�'h^ L Wrmim o•B,ten to be used br general danning purposes only.
f SY�Psrk� SNb PM�
� 7 �`�
H. �., x Mapping Prepared by:
�.-`� � �� . � Sanders Waeker Bergly,Inc.
�� ' �� } z�" - -:� '. . . `� LanCscape Architects and Plenners
__��, y - �z - �` ,� 3aint Peul.MInn85ote
L J ia>n��l,� .'
� _�a .. . ,..�.
; . " �I .,. �..,..., Atlopted: 18 July 2006
vi,r„�ee n..M
I�� � � a eo„�e..�—� _ � .
P1 nn�d Big Merine \w � `�-- FiRum 3-Z: Bic}•cle Roures Plan
�— —Y Regierul Par4 A¢serve� y�J � 1ICW SC3t1(IL'1 TOWI15IItp I�;IrI:S,1[AIIF,
- r, �
r�;� .—„i, � � ,�,.� .�.,.�..., Open$pace.andRecmanonPlan 419
. ` ;
�
Figure 4-21
� �
__ __ _._----�
, —�-- --__-,�..---_ �
{a'r ' , � f r �
� � f , � ! �
j i
�a,. a�� �'. ! \ � ��`.� .
fOAME' �-, � � �' �CANDIA,! .:.�.. .
r
� �,� � �,, ' �
M' ; �' f� �::.
Planned Trail � � � -,_�-,��.. , . �, : :; �
...... 61 .1 � ,
System �,� � ���SN •
� �� a . 0 �.o�- i ;
�, � R�� _ ';�, t '�
,��o � s�� �� � I
/ ��
r ' ' �
� •r row�i��s�n�v''..��.;. ,.� .
� O 1 9;.
_ _61 _. , -----p — - � __.__
�� �
_ -- � �.��
m
L,_.� � � � �I �
�,ys��XISIIII�COLIIII)' ��lAI� �� ,snuwarEa
r xa�ia FF
OEliW00[�qrj A� � .��+1,.� .
'p � �.. T��i�sC!!�/i�
!;� !lnnned Count� I'rail I �� ��a�.* �
E:zisting Regional l�rai! � ;� ♦' �� �'��
ei�c�w000� ���� �
Planncd Rcgional 7'r�il "�w`"""°E x � '���'�
1{,y�tEN�i�'_[3N�N� �i � '�
B E A ai:A � . ��
�f E�isting State'l�rail 4A TOME� � 3�� 11Y�TF11�� �
�
��y �11E �
���Plnnncd Stfltc Trail �i'S0 �.mm,>V —���O C VAM. NE10 i,4.' ' . � �;
�i
i'rail Scarch Arcfl 1,�.� ' :'@�•` � ��
P
" p�'/�,TO�YN` p
. SI8�6 PilflC IANf .tOwr�q �al $sf'-�'.
_ �� Q ^
.'� . .. 1�_� ' _..__���� ���:. \
� '� [, Planncd Mastcr Pl�u�13oundan � 0
.�
WESt
Count� Park �6 10WNL]MIP �"
OAK�L �•
� ticientific and Natural Arca `" '�,' ' "' ■ *�' �' 'E�•"�° �
+� , +„ '
�,.c�,,<< _ __a. ..�..��
+ Wildlife Management Arc� � � �` � "°E`""° � � �
SNO-�9ES
��J /y�� � 7—� Q (G
;{lu•W A • ^ � �11NE 5� � N
� CNO�%
e�ycM � >
� 1}AX V'S �
?�' •iIOM ��� C �^,
�y�,� (� W
0 DlV11Y � l:ll!liF3 'V �
4�� , ��' � Q
�._.. � ~ �
a ------ ._._ _ � � ° `F
_ �:� _` _ _� � o o {
51 P� :
N P�IIR ��� OVJ4 M� �� ,� N �.:',t::..
� \ �� �
� �S �y �
�\ ��=� f �'� ?� � � r.
W E _is� � ��E , , 9� - �. p �
a E U f ��
�
�,E.�.a o l�Ut��, I� � � C
s�eno
s �a�,���� ���r. 61 ,o �� '� o �
�� `\ " � \ C �
0 1 2 3 4 5 �� , � y�� � `s
Miles �'� f � ` ° � � ;
Prepared By.1Mashington Counry GIS Support Unit.IT Departmenl �r - �� ` � , �
Data Source�Metropolitan Council-2007,Washinglon Counq GIS Suppon Unit-2007 �.s�.��c s/ � �� E"' � � �
�d�� Page!4-73
Scandia Elementary Parent Survey
on Walking/Biking to School
Parent's opinions on allowing children to walk and bike to/from school
March 2011
Response Rate:
141 of 300 families (47%)
General Observations:
1) Top 6 issues that affect parents' decisions to allow or not allow biking/walking to
school:
• Speed of traffic along route (77%)
• Distance (73%)
• Amount of traffic along route (72%)
• Safety of intersections and crossings (56%)
• Sidewalks or pathways (53%)
• Weather or climate (48%)
2) Top 6 issues that parents answered YES to the question, "Would you probably let
your child walk or bike to/from school if this problem were changed or improved?"*
• Sidewalks or pathways (35%)
• Speed of traffic along route (34%)
• Distance (33%)
• Amount of traffic along route (33%)
• TIE: Safety of intersections/crossings --weather/climate (27%)
3) Distance from school is an issue for the majority of parents:
• 103 (73%) selected distance as an issue.
• 85 (60%) live 3 or more miles from school
• 67 (48%) live 4 or more miles from school
• 67 (48%) selected distance as an issue AND said they would not feel
comfortable allowing their child to walk/bike at any age. This indicates that
for nearly half of parents,distance (combined with other factors) may be an
obstacle to big to overcome, even if safety issues were alleviated.
*NOTE:A large number of parents did not follow instructions on the multiple-column question on page 2.They
were asked to check on the left if an issue affects their decision to allow walking/biking,and check on the right if
they would probably allow walking/biking if the issue was changed or improved.Many parents only answered
the left or the right side.If they only answered the right side,1 assumed they were checking which issues cause
them concern,rather than indicating which changes would alleviate their concerns.This may be why the
percentages are considerably smaller for the changes that would alleviate concerns.
4) Over half of parents (54%) say, "I would not feel comfortable at any
grade" allowing my child to walk or bike to school without an adult.
• Of those parents not comfortable at any grade,the percentage
that checked "Distance"as an issue: .....................................................................88%
• Of those not comfortable at any grade,percentage who live 3 or more miles
fromschool .....................................................................................................................74%
• Of those not comfortable at any grade, percentage who live
4 or more miles from school ....................................................................................62%
5) 59 parents (42%) provided an age at which they would allow their child to bike.
Six parents (4%) did not answer the question.
• Of the 59 parents who provided an age, 75% live within 4 miles of school.
• Of the 59 parents who provided an age, 59% live within 3 miles of school.
Detailed Results for Selected Questions:
Distance from School:
Less than �/z mile:....................8 (5.7%)
1/z mile up to 1 mile:............... 5 (3.5%)
1 mile up to 2 miles:............... 24 (17.0%)
2 miles up to 3 miles:............. 15 (10.6%)
3 miles up to 4 miles:............. 18 (12.8%)
4 miles up to 5 miles:............. 14 (9.9%)
More than 5 miles:.................. 53 (37.5%)
No answer: ................................4 (2.8%)
Issues that affect Walking/Biking Decisions*
._._ __._
� � � • i , t °��. � �;Ir).• '.'�I€�. i � �i���)��`1t�� t t
� " t�-
' t :� t.� f� 1 t f � �C � t�` ��i��. ��.� � t <:��t6����l�� Ib��
44�1ff .�F:{tf,i'.4 ���. ;�[�t t� .�` �'i I�� t �t ! �f
Number(percent) Yes No Not sure
who checked this
issue
Speed of traffic along route 109(77%) 48(34%) 22 (16%) 12 (9%)
Distance 103 (73%) 47 (31%) 22 (16%) 12 (9%)
Amount of traffic along route 102 (72%) 46(33%) 22(1b%) 8(b%)
Safety of intersections and 79(56%) 38(27%) 13 (9%) 5(3.5%)
crossings
Sidewalks or pathways 75(53%) 50(35%) 6(4%) 3 (2%)
Weather or climate 68(48%) 38(27%) 18(13%) 8(6%)
Time 47(33%) 16(11%) 12 (9%) 5 (3.5%)
Violence and crime 37 (26%) 18(13%) 16(11%) 0
Adults to walk or bike with 35(25%) 21 (15%) 4(3%) 4(3%)
Crossing guards 30 (21%) 21 (15%) 3 (2%) 2 (1%)
Child's before or after-school 17(12%) 7(5%) 6(4%) 2 (1%)
activities
Convenience of driving 14 (10%) 2(1%) 6(4%) 1 (0.7%)
*NOTE:A large number of parents did not follow instructions on the multiple-column question on page 2.They
were asked to check the boxes on the left side to indicate if an issue affects their decision to allow
walking/biking.They were asked to check the boxes on the right side to indicate whether they would probably
allow walking/biking if the issue was changed or improved.Many parents only answered the left or the right
side.If they only answered the right side,I assumed they were checking the issues that cause them concern,
rather than indicating which changes would alleviate their concerns.
Comments:
Comments from families who live under 5 miles from school:
• I would love to have safe bike paths in Scandia. However, Hwy 97 is a major
problem.
• We are excited about having bike trails in Scandia. I
• Would consider if there were a bike path or sidewalk for them to ride on.
• I would not allow my child(ren) to cross Hwy 97 by themselves.
• We live on a secluded road with homes having 10 or more acres. Few people can
see the road from their house. My children will not walk or ride their bikes to or
from school. Our nearest bus stop is at least a mile away. Kids walking to school
in the winter is crazy. If there isn't outside recess,how can kids walk to school?
• 1 would probably still not let my children ride bikes to school, but we would love
to see a trail system and would definitely use it as a family if it came close enough
to our house.
around.Maybe money could be
parents are watching like hawks an Walk on throughout the whole Scandia area.
better spent to build a trail to bike/ 9� Scandia Trail
ath would be great! on Hwy �
. A bike p and biking woU�d be nice as traveling h rlde
. A trail for walking oung to do that thoug � �
would be dangerous. At this point, our son is too y
alone).
Scandia outdoor lovers plan recreational trails - Country Messenger Page 1 of 1
PRINI THIS • CLOSE WINDOW
</5/Il �� SHflRE �`'.'�'...
Scandia outdoor �overs ptan recreational trasls
By Mary Bailey, Contributing Writer
� Where would you like to see a bike path or hiking trail in Scandia?As
�; the first step in creating a trail plan for the city, Scandia residents
�,. �.;� brainstormed Monday, March 28, at the community center.
. � �:�. .
n Funded by a $4,000 grant from the Statewide Health Improvement
�' t Program (SHIP)through the Washington County Department of Public
,� �` �,
Health, the project will result in a master plan,trail map, and brochure
� � for residents and visitors.The SHIP money helps communities provide
� ��,z safe and convenient opportunities for physical activity.
�
£' City planner Sherri Buss of TKDA led the discussion, using a large map
'� �� �``4 of Scandia showing existing parks, bike routes, and planned trails.
r Linking existing and future trails with the city's many parks is a major
goal. William 0'Brien State Park on the St. Croix River and Washington
County's Big Marine Regional Park Preserve are large recreation areas
Scanoia City Planner Sherri Buss (center) in Scandia. Connecting to major trails outside Scandia is another
rnarked ideas on the map as residents talked objeCtive.
about recreation paihs and trails in Scandia on
iwarch 28. Photo by ��ary Ba��ey Barton Johnson Park and the Gammelgarden Museum are located
downtown.Also downtown, the city has Lilleskogen Park, which will
have paths when it is developed, plus two baseball fields, a t-ball field, and the community center playground. A
nature park with hiking trails, Wind in the Pines, is in the northeast corner of the city.
Paved trails that serve road bikes, roller blades, roller skis, and pedestrians were a major topic of discussion. An
existing path east of Highway 95 keeps bikers off the highway and connects with Marine on St. Croix through William
0'Brien, but is in poor condition.
Several paved roads with wide shoulders are designated bike routes that see heavy use by road bikes. Some
residents said separate paths, not part of the road, would be ideal on Highways 95 and 97, Manning Trail and Olinda
Trail.
Getting children on bikes to Scandia Elementary School without risking their lives on Highway 97 is another goal.
� Results from a survey sent to parents will help determine the solution.
Future extensions of the Gateway Trail in Scandia will also provide unpaved trails, giving horseback riders a safe
space. Plans are to connect the state park to Meister's Bar and GriIl.Continuing that trail north to the Scandia Rider's
Club arena and into Franconia is a future goal.
�
Residents also mentioned taking into account the steepness of hills, the presence of bathrooms and drinking water,
and traffic speed limits.� Some hoped for walking trails around lakes, loops to prevent backtracking, and sidewalks
extending to the ball fields.
lJ
Buss said trails can be planned in phases, beginning with signs, progressing to widened roads, and culminating in
trails totally separate from the road.
�
Snowmobile trails, which are mostly located in ditches and require negotiation with private parties, were not
considered a likely source of future trail improvements.
http://countrymessenger.com/detail/69730.htm1?sub_id=69730&print=l 4/7/2011 ��
Scandia on the right path - Country Messenger Page 1 of 2
PRINT THIS � CLOSE WINDOW
5/3/il i� SHRRE �'i,+f",..
Scandia on the right path
By Phillip Bock, Editor
, �,,.��,M� �� �
��- Bike enthusiasts and community members alike tumed out
, ,a�, �� �� �"' � '"< in Scandia April 25 to develop trail route maps aimed at
�w r, �: '',�`�� ,,� � creating safe, accessible trails through the community.
� '•� y�'�;�
u�� ' # �� �:�� � ,� City Planner Sherri Buss presented two maps illustrating
" � proposed trail routes. One map showcased trails
�'� throughout the city while the second laid out trails in the
��,���;' - surrounding area between Scandia and Marine on St.
���� . '�_ � �„ ,,, `�� Croix. The maps were developed in response to a grant
received from the State that is being used to put together
Scandia City Planner Sherri E3uss received input from a brochure of parks and trails in the community.
community members on potential trail paths duriny a tra i
planning meeting April 25. Community members used In planning the trails map, ciry officials took the
markers and highlighters to mark potentiat trails using la�ye opportunity to hear from community members and plan for
city and county maps Photo by Phillip Bock potential future trails.
'�It's a nice system of loops, both big and small,"Buss said of the large proposed trail system.
Much of the discussion over the proposed trails within Scandia focused on the Elementary School, as those in
attendance expressed concern over the current lack of safe walking routes to the school.
"Highway 97 has been identified as the major problem,"City Administrator Anne Hurlburt said.
During the meeting April 25, Sue Rodsjo presented results from a survey that asked elementary schoot parents'their
opinions on allowing children to walk to school.The survey results painted a picture of a community with safety
concerns over routes to the school. Top issues prompting parents to disallow their children from walking to school
included speed of traffic, amount of traffic, distance to school, and unsafe road crossings.
"I would love to have safe bike paths in Scandia. However, Highway 97 is a major problem,"one parent wrote.
Other parents had similar comments, challenging trail planners to develop safe routes to the school. Currently, only
six students walk or bike to school, numbers some in the community would like to see increase.
Community members giving input into trail planning disagreed Monday on their options to deal with Highway 97.
Some wanted to develop alternate trail routes away from the highway while others thought developing an off-road
bike trail running parallel to the Highway near the school might be a better option.Though the biggest problem,
Rodsjo said, would be developing safe routes to cross the busy highway.
"The only one that seems safe is the four-way stop,"Denny Seefetdt said."The others would need improvements."
The proposed trails, which would use exiting roads and possible paved off-road options,were being developed to
submit a grant application to Safe Routes to School, a national program aimed at improving safety for children
walking or bicycling to school.
"We want to encourage healthy biking and walking to get kids off the buss and outside to get some exercise,"Rodsjo
said.
The trail plans also looked at the Gateway State Trail, an 18-mile trail from St. Paul to Stillwater that may be
expanding to Scandia in the future.The proposed trail system in Scandia would look to connect to the trial system,
Buss said.
"They don't know the routes so far,"Buss said of the Gateway Trail."They said the one decision they have made is it
is going to be an off-road trial that does not follow a road."
By the end of the meeting the proposed trail maps were a maze of colored and dotted lines, illustrating the many
different opinions and the different trail options facing trail planners.
h1tp://��ww.countrymessenger.com/detail/70569.htm1?sub_id=70569&print=l 5/5/2011
Scandia on the right path - Country Messenger Page 2 of 2
"The more of these local connections we can do it helps to encourage to DNR to really expedite this,"Seefeldt said.
"They see the amount of local interest and support these project have."
Hurlburt said she hopes to finish up the maps by June to present them to the city council.
"This becomes kind of an addendum to the comprehensive plan,"she said."It says this our comprehensive trail plan
for the community and our list of priorities. Then it is there if a grant program becomes available or in case a
roadway project becomes available that we could hook on to. It there's for any possibility for implementation."
http://www.countrymessenger.com/detail/70569.htm1?sub_id=70569&print=l 5/5/2011