Commission recommends amended CXC lease and updated Middleton Bike Park master plan to council

The commission reviewed an amended and restated lease and updated master plan with Central Cross Country Skiing Inc. (CXC) for the Middleton Bike Park and recommended it to the common council for approval.

Staff outlined three major changes in the lease update: construction-security requirements (for council/personnel finance review), clarified maintenance responsibilities, and master-plan updates that delineate the bike-park boundary. Under the draft lease staff said the city would assume responsibility for asphalt maintenance and repair of the driveway and parking areas and for repairs, maintenance and capital improvements of the bike-park area, pump track and landscaping; CXC would assume maintenance for areas outside the bike park, mowing of ski trails, snow removal for the driveway and parking lot, and signage responsibilities.

Staff also explained ownership and easement arrangements: part of the property was donated by the Erdmann family (Dan and Natalie Erdmann) and ski-trail easements are included in the lease. CXC and staff described a mixed program of paved and natural trails, with about 2 miles paved and roughly 3 miles total on the property. CXC representatives said paving supports snow grooming and year-round multiuse (roller skiing and walking) and noted the overall effort involves significant fundraising and partner contributions.

A motion to approve the amended and restated lease and recommend it to common council subject to city-attorney review was made and carried by voice vote.