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Cross‑country ski operator proposes paved trail through Pleasant View Golf Course; committee delays decision
Summary
Central Cross Country Skiing presented a plan to pave about 2 miles of multi‑use trail that would cross Pleasant View Golf Course; committee members raised safety, easement and stormwater concerns and agreed to postpone any vote until staff and the city review easement language and DNR documentation.
Yuri, who represents Central Cross Country Skiing, asked the Pleasant View Golf Committee to approve paving a roughly 2‑mile multi‑use trail that would cross onto the golf‑course property near the eighth green and ninth tee.
“This has been an incredible resource for the community,” Yuri said, describing plans for a paved, one‑direction loop with a gentler east side and a more topographically challenging west side that crosses a ravine. He told members the trailhead building is expected to be finished in July or August and that the organization holds a lease with the City of Middleton allowing winter grooming.
Committee members raised safety and operational concerns. Jeremy, the golf‑course staff presenter, pointed to the proposed U‑shaped route on the course map and said the segment would be visible from several tee boxes and could increase pedestrian traffic near play. Tom Scott said he was “totally opposed” to routing that would bring more pedestrians near tee boxes but added, “I’m going to vote in favor of it when we get there ’cause I think you’re stuck,” reflecting a recognition that topography constrains alternatives.
Members probed alternatives. Several asked whether the route could run parallel to the power line instead of entering course property; Yuri and others said the ravine adjacent to the power line includes a steep drop (discussed in the meeting as roughly a 40‑foot drop), making the alternate route infeasible and more costly. Yuri said the west side of the loop is likely to attract advanced users such as roller‑skiers and walkers rather than casual cyclists.
On operations and enforcement, Yuri said the operator will use signage, fencing and security cameras to discourage unauthorized or motorized users, and stated that full‑power e‑bikes would not be allowed (he said electronic assist bikes would be allowed). He also said the organization has been coordinating with the parks department and that two grants from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) support sections of the trail — one grant directly with Central Cross Country Skiing and one submitted on behalf of the city.
Committee members focused on three items they wanted clarified before any approval: written erosion‑control/stormwater documentation tied to the DNR grant plans, specific easement or lease language that covers paved, year‑round access and a mechanism to review traffic impacts after the trail opens. Yuri said he would provide the lease paragraph and erosion‑control documentation from his civil engineer.
Rather than vote, the committee agreed to postpone a decision and asked staff to work with city counsel and the parks department to draft easement language that could include a review clause for traffic or trespass impacts. Jeremy said he would consult with city staff (including Kylie and Brian, as discussed in the meeting) and requested that Yuri resend the relevant lease paragraph.
The committee did not adopt any policy or easement at this meeting; members directed staff to return the item for further review once documentation is provided.
