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Council authorizes final design for Rice Lake Trail north reconstruction; staff estimate $1.2M cost
Summary
Maple Grove authorized final design for the Rice Lake Trail North Reconstruction Project after staff presented alignment options. The north segment is estimated at $1.2 million and would remove about 58 trees; the southeast segment estimate is about $3 million with roughly 129 trees removed.
Maple Grove City Council voted March 2 to authorize final design for the Rice Lake Trail North Reconstruction Project after staff presented revised alignment options and public feedback.
Assistant Parks and Recreation Director Aimee Peterson and Public Works/Engineering Director Chris LaBounty told the council staff, working with consultants WSB and SEH, developed multiple options for reconstruction. Staff said public engagement favored simpler replacement approaches that would minimize tree removals and reduce recurring maintenance needs. Based on the feedback, staff developed a fourth alternative for the north segment they say balances safety, environmental outcomes and maintenance concerns.
LaBounty said cost estimates for the north alternative are approximately $1,200,000 and that about 58 trees are expected to be removed, including some dead ash trees. He said staff have applied for Minnesota Department of Natural Resources local trail connections and Conservation Partners Legacy grants and plan to request Elm Creek Watershed funding for that segment; planned construction year for the north segment is 2029. For the southeast segment, staff reported an estimated cost of about $3,000,000 and an anticipated removal of about 129 trees; staff recommended programming that segment in the capital improvement plan because they do not expect it to score well for Metropolitan Council regional solicitation funding.
Councilmembers praised the outreach and the safety focus. Councilmember Kristy Janigo called the public-engagement effort "well done," and Councilmember Jon McCullough said he appreciated that staff included an alternate route. The motion to authorize final design, made by Councilmember Rachelle Johnson and seconded by Councilmember Janigo, passed on a 5-0 vote.
Next steps called for staff to return with a final design scope for council consideration before the planned construction year and to continue pursuing grant and watershed funding.
