3.3. SR 05-12-2003TO:
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJECT:
Item ~ 3.3.
MEMORANDUM
Elk River City Council
Lana Huberty, Sherburne County Park Commissioner
May 5, 2003
Rails to Trails Resolution
The Rails to Trails Task Force is working to promote the development of a non-motorized
trail extending from Elk River to Princeton, approximately following the previously
abandoned Burlington Northern Railroad bed.
Last month the City of Princeton signed a resolution stating their support of the Rails to
Trials Task Force. The City of Elk River is now being asked to sign this resolution. The
City of Elk River has been a leader in this project, already having acquired the abandoned
railroad within our city limits and having developed a major portion of it.
Please consider supporting this resolution, again showing the City of Elk River's continued
support of the Rails to Trails Task force and project.
April 28, 2003
Lana Huberty
Recreation Assistant
Parks and Recreation Department
1104 Lions Park Drive
Elk River, MN 55330
Dear Lana:
This is a resolution to support the efforts of the Rails to Trails Task Force and the
Sherburne County Park Commission in developing a non-motorized trail on the
previously abandoned Burlington Northern Railroad bed within Sherburne County
and more specifically within the City or Elk River.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Cindy Wentkiewicz
On behalf of:
Rails to Trails Task Force
RESOLUTION 03-
A RESOLUTION FOR THE CITY OF ELK RIVER
A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE DEVELOPMENT OF A NON-MOTORIZED
TRAIL EXTENDING FROM ELK RIVER TO PRINCETON FOLLOWING THE
BURLINGTON NORTHERN RAILROAD BED
WHEREAS,
the Rails to Trails Task Force, as a subcommittee of the Sherburne
County Park Commission, is working to promote the development of a
non-motorized trail extending from Elk River to Princeton, approximately
following the previously abandoned Burlington Northern Railroad bed;
and
WHEREAS,
the previously abandoned Burlington Northern Railroad bed extends
through the City of Elk River; and
WHEREAS,
the City of Elk River owns a portion of the abandoned Burlington
Northern Railroad bed which extends through the City of Elk River; and
WHEREAS,
the citizens of Elk River request local trails for the betterment of their
quality of life; and
WHEREAS,
Elk River has established a comprehensive plan for a park and trail system
throughout its boundaries.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Elk River,
Minnesota:
Agrees that this proposed trail would be of benefit to the citizens of the City of
Elk River, and supports the development of the trail.
Passed and adopted this 12th day of May, 2003.
Stephanie Klinzing, Mayor
ATTEST:
Patrick Klaers, City Administrator
A "Rails to Trails" task force has
been established to pursue the
possibility of a recreational trail
on the old Burlington Northern
railroad bed. This trail would
connect the communities of Elk
River, Zimmerman and Princeton.
The old Burlington Northern
Railroad right-of-way between
Elk River and/Vlilaca is the
ONLY abandoned railroad line
ILS to
in Sherburne County.
Do we want to lose
this opportunity?
Can we afford to lose
this opportunity?
Connecting Our
Communities
Sherburne County is an
attractive area in which to
live ....
Many people move to Sherburne County to
enjoy recreational opportunities of our lakes,
woods and parks. Sherburne County's natural
beauty and open spaces also draws people
from the Twin Cities. Yet ...... for those who enjoy
biking, walking, running and inline skating there
are few safe areas in which to pursue these
activities.
The Sherburne County Rails To Trails Task
Force is a subcommittee of the Sherburne
County Park Commission. The subcommittee is
comprised of a group of local citizens
volunteering time to work to develop a trail from
Elk River to Princeton. Through this effort it will
allow all citizens the opportunity to enjoy the
beauty of Sherburne County.
An investment in a county-wide trail system is
an investment in our children, our community,
our economy and our future.
Riders along a paved section of the Woodland Trails in Elk River.
BENEFITS OF THIS TRAIL
·Economic
· Growth for community
· Growth for tourism
· Healthy exercise
· Safe way for kids to get to school
· Safe way to get to work
· Opportunity to meet neighbors
·Walking
·Bicycling
· Roller blading
· Roller skiing
· Cross country skiing
· Provides increased security
· Increases property values
· Opportunity to observe wildlife
and plant life
· Provides habitat for wildlife and plants
· Private and Business sponsorship
· Close to Sand Dunes State Forest
· Promotes safe family activities
· Close to Sherburne National
W~ddlife Refuge
· Easy access to nearby campgrounds
and lakes
· Potential links to other trails
· No motorized vehicles
*Cover Photo: Taken at Theodore Worth Park on
Saturday May 13th 2000. The event was the 2000
Single Speed World Championships.
Printed by Minuteman Press of Elk River
Friends of the Trail
IDEAS FOR TRAIL USE:
IDEAS FOR SIDE TRAILS
TO CONNECT TO MAIN TRAIL:
HELP US NAME THE TRAIL:
Please check your options below
I/We would be willing to help with mailings,
phone calls, attend meetings on behalf of the
trail, physical labor, etc, if needed. (this can be
time rather than monetary donations)
I/We would like to donate an item on the trail.
(A plaque with the donor's name will be placed
on or next to the gift)
Please keep us informed on the progress of the
trail. I/We will not be able to help at this time but
may consider helping in the future.
Name:
Address
Phone:
E-mail:
PLEASE MAIL TO:
Friends of the Trail
PO Box 231
Zimmerman, MN 55398-0231