Council approves plans to advertise bids for Hermantown Trail sections; engineer estimates roughly $3.7 million

The Hermantown City Council on Monday approved final plans and directed staff to advertise for bids for sections of the Hermantown Trail that will extend from the southern city boundary toward King Creek Park and on toward Carlson and Johnson roads.

Mr. B, the city engineer, told the council the work includes about three-quarters of a mile of new trail north and east to King Creek Park, a 2,000‑foot gap to Morris Thomas Road (to link to previously built segments), roughly 4,000 feet of additional trail toward Carlson Road and a trail termination at Johnson Road. The project includes a bridge over Keen Creek and an add‑alternate to improve the King Creek Park parking lot, with striping and lighting. “The estimate for all that is at about $3.7 million,” Mr. B said.

Councilors moved and approved Resolution 2025‑11 to adopt plans and advertise for bids; staff said the project will be funded in part through the Community Recreation Initiative and that design details and bid documents will follow the advertised solicitation.

Why it matters: The trail would connect multiple parks and city boundaries, add a bridge over a creek crossing and includes a parking upgrade option for King Creek Park. The project represents a multi‑million‑dollar capital investment and will advance the city’s active‑transportation network.

Next steps: With plans approved, staff will advertise for bids. The council did not vote on construction contracts at Monday’s meeting.