The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) will host the first of two public meetings with neighborhood residents around Minnehaha Parkway to discuss and plan proposed trail improvements along the parkway near Lyndale Avenue.
Meeting #1:
- Date: March 17, 2015
- Time: 6-8 pm
- Location: Fuller Park, 4800 Grand Avenue South, Minneapolis, 55419
Meeting #2:
- Time and date TBD
- Project information may be found on the MPRB project webpage. After each meeting the presentation materials and meeting minutes will be posted online.
Background
Recent reconstruction of the Lyndale Avenue Bridge included construction of a shared use trail directly beneath the bridge on the north side of the creek. However, trail segments on both sides of the bridge are not currently designed for shared use as cyclists travelling along this stretch of the parkway must cross up at Lyndale Avenue versus being able to travel beneath the bridge. There is a significant trail conflict location on the east side of Lyndale Avenue, where the pedestrian path joins in with the bicycle path, due to dense vegetation along the pathway which limits visibility, the speed at which cyclists travel down the hill and the trail configuration. The wood boardwalk connecting the walking trail along the creek up to the parkway needs replacement; sections continually have to be repaired due to falling trees and general decay of the decking. The slope of the boardwalk is quite steep and can be slippery and the narrow width makes it difficult to effectively clear snow from it.
Meeting details
The first public meeting will review the current conditions and alignment of the trails and highlight specific limitations and opportunities. The public will have the opportunity to comment on how they currently use these trails and what might help improve public use and safety.
Public comments will be considered in developing a preferred trail concept plan, which will then be approved by the MPRB Board of Commissioners. A public hearing will occur at the same board meeting as the concept plan approval, offering residents the opportunity to speak to the Board regarding the proposed improvements.
Information regarding the second public meeting will be sent out once a date and location have been confirmed.
Questions from the public
Jon Duesman
Project Manager
612-230-6471
jduesman@minneapolisparks.org
Questions from media
Dawn Sommers
Communications & Marketing Director
612-230-6407
dsommers@minneapolisparks.org