DEPARTMENT: Parks
FILE TYPE: Regular Information
TITLE
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Update On Lebanon Hills Sustainable Trails Study Improvements
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Receive an update on proposed improvements and implementation strategy from the study.
SUMMARY
By Resolution No. 15-156 (March 17, 2015), the Dakota County Board of Commissioners adopted an updated Master Plan (MP) for the Lebanon Hills Regional Park (LHRP). By Resolution No. 201-458 (September 21, 2021), the Dakota County Board of Commissioners authorized staff to select a consultant to prepare a Sustainable Trails Study (Study); and by Resolution No. 22-204 (May 24, 2022), the Dakota County Board of Commissioners authorized the Physical Development Director to execute a contract with SRF, Inc., for the Study. The Study addressed the following trail topics: preservation of high-quality trail recreation and nature-based experiences; minimization and mitigation of impacts to natural resources; minimization and mitigation of impacts to culturally important sites; identification of trail use conflicts; safety and risk concerns; American with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility; reduction of trail-related erosion issues; identification of deferred maintenance needs; and improvement of sustainable maintenance practices. The Physical Development Committee of the Whole received an update on Phase 1 of the Study, most recently on January 10, 2023. The Study recommendations and implementation strategies were presented to the Dakota County Board of Commissioners in December 2022. By Resolution No. 24-414 (August 13, 2024), the Dakota County Board of Commissioners authorized staff to select a consultant to complete preliminary and final design of recommendations from the Study.
The following are the top priorities and staff recommendations for implementation:
West Park
Reduce the number of mountain bike and hiking trail intersections by combining and realigning sections of hiking and ski trails.
Convert existing mountain bike green trail to accommodate adaptive-use mountain bikes. Consider strategies for making adaptive mobility devices available.
Maintain clear sightlines at mountain bike and hiking trail intersections. Establish features to slow mountain bikers down at intersections.
Decommission skate ski and summer hiking trails.
Realign and decommission severely eroded hiking and skate ski trails utilizing sustainable design principles.
Middle Park
Conduct impact assessment and feasibility study for accessible trail around Wheaton Pond.
Complete Preliminary Design the hiking loop around Gerhardt Lake and Apple Pond (Not intended to be ADA accessible).
Complete Preliminary Design for more hiking trails in the middle segment to provide more trails to campground and other park uses.
Allow for shared use of equestrian/hiking trails.
Realign and decommission severely eroded trails.
East Park
Complete Preliminary Design of the south neighborhood connection to Jensen Lake loop trail and decommission informal trails from the neighborhood.
Complete Preliminary Design of hiking loop around Holland Lake (Not intended to be ADA accessible)
Improve the existing gravel trail around Schulze Lake with the preferred trail surfacing alternative.
Establish shared equestrian and hiking trails.
Complete Preliminary Design of the summer and winter hiking trail connection to the equestrian trailhead.
Provide year-round hiking access from adjacent neighborhoods to avoid conflicts with ski trail use.
Decommission redundant trails and restore with native vegetation.
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Information only; no action requested
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EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS
None.
☒ None ☐ Current budget ☐ Other
☐ Amendment Requested ☐ New FTE(s) requested
RESOLUTION
body
Information only; no action requested
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PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
15-156; 3/17/15
21-458; 9/21/21
22-204; 5/17/22
24-414; 8/13/24
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment: Lebanon Hills Sustainable Trail Study
Attachment: Presentation Slides
BOARD GOALS
☒ A Great Place to Live ☒ A Healthy Environment
☐ A Successful Place for Business and Jobs ☐ Excellence in Public Service
CONTACT
Department Head: Niki Geisler
Author: Mike Adams