Three Rivers outlines West Mississippi trail plan; Dayton council raises safety and property concerns

Kelly Grisman, representing Three Rivers Park District, presented a multi‑option plan for the West Mississippi Regional Trail through Dayton City and identified a three‑and‑a‑half mile focus area where the agency has been pursuing willing‑seller opportunities.

Grisman said the broader regional trail would total roughly 20 miles, with about six miles inside Dayton City, and described three primary options: a road‑based multi‑use trail within the road right‑of‑way, a separated greenway away from the road, and a hybrid that mixes both approaches. She emphasized Three Rivers’ policy of working on a willing‑seller basis for private shoreline parcels and described an appraisal process for any acquisition.

Council members and residents focused most of their attention on several parcels flagged as high‑impact if the greenway option were pursued, including 13880 Dayton River Road and a bank‑owned house at the corner of Lawndale and Dayton River Road (17440). Residents warned that a greenway could lead to repeated acquisition pressure and property loss; homeowners argued that the district’s end goal was to acquire riverfront parcels. In contrast, Grisman repeatedly said the district is proceeding only with willing sellers and noted that the local tax revenue from remaining private river parcels totals under $40,000 annually.

Councilors raised safety questions about a curve near the Pearson property where sight lines and driveway crossings could create hazardous conditions for users if a trail ran near traffic. Staff and Three Rivers discussed design options — including extending an existing culvert or building a bridge over the ravine — but officials said engineering and soil borings would be required to estimate costs and feasibility.

Council members also noted a county roadway project tentatively scheduled for 2029; Three Rivers said urgency arises when a willing seller approaches and the district fears a future owner might refuse easements, potentially forcing condemnation. City counsel noted park districts do have statutory condemnation authority in limited circumstances but said condemnation would require council approval and is not the district’s preferred path.

No acquisition was approved at the meeting. Council instructed staff and the park district to continue coordination and, on the item with a willing seller (13880 Dayton River Road), staff said it would return with more detailed appraisal information if the council wants to proceed.