Three Rivers Park District outlines Bryant Lake and Eagle Lake regional trails, cites federal grants and 2027–28 construction window

Representatives of Three Rivers Park District told the Minnetonka City Council that long‑planned north‑south regional trails through the west Metro corridor are nearing construction after a multi‑year planning process. The park district said it received a roughly $5.5 million federal grant for the Bryant Lake regional trail and about $3.1 million for the Eagle Lake regional trail and that construction is targeted in the 2027–2028 window.

Planner Danny McCulla reviewed public engagement and the West Metro Trail study that led to a joint long‑range plan for the corridor, stressing multi‑city coordination and the trail’s approximately 16‑mile extent. "We received overwhelming positive feedback from the community in support of a future trail project," he said, describing postcard outreach and public events during earlier planning phases.

Engineering presentations described alignment and design tradeoffs. The Bryant Lake project (roughly 3.7 miles along Baker Road) will seek to limit private‑property impacts by narrowing travel lanes, using retaining walls where needed, and acquiring mostly temporary easements for grading; staff noted the project will add stormwater treatment and will coordinate school‑crossing safety improvements near Hopkins Middle School West. Design and easement negotiations are underway with bidding anticipated in early 2027 and multi‑season construction to follow.

The Eagle Lake regional trail similarly aims to avoid wetland and floodplain impacts, minimize tree loss where feasible, and rely on reduced clear zones and retaining walls in constrained locations. Three Rivers said many segments will stay within right‑of‑way and that the district is working with Xcel Energy and other utilities on potential pole relocations; staff noted burial of overhead power is possible but would depend on additional funding and coordination.

Council members pressed on tree replacement, boulevard planting, the appearance of new paved surfaces in residential corridors and temporary driveway access during construction. Three Rivers staff said tree‑planting plans will be pursued with city staff and that crews typically limit evening work; allowances will be made to maintain resident access overnight while grading and curb work may temporarily restrict driveways during active construction.

Three Rivers and Minnetonka staff said the next steps include finalizing cooperative trail agreements, continuing easement acquisition and completing design so the projects can advance to bid in the recommended windows.