In 2005 the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) was successful in securing two grant awards for trail improvements along West River Parkway through a Federal Highway Administration program. The grants will be used to reconstruct approximately three miles of existing pedestrian and bicycle trails located along the bluff side of the parkway from Franklin Ave. south to Godfrey Parkway. The trail will connect to the recently reconstructed section of trail at Godfrey Parkway along the side of Minnehaha Park.

Reconstruction will provide improved trail safety and durability, separated bike and pedestrian trails where possible, and river bluff protection and enhancement. The project may include other elements, such as signage, site furnishings, drinking water fountains and landscaping, providing available funding.

Planning and design efforts are expected to occur this fall and winter. Trail construction is anticipated to begin in the summer of 2009.

Working with the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) the MPRB was able to combine the two grants into one project. Combining the grants expedites the project and provides design and construction efficiencies, thus saving approximately $150,000 in overall project costs. The federal funds for the trail construction are approximately $2,050,000 with a 20 percent local share of $410,000 for a total project budget of $2,460,000.

For more information contact Nick Eoloff, project manager at 612-230-6465 or e-mail neoloff@minneapolisparks.org.