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Historic commission outlines Trailhead design; board approves walking trail collaboration
Summary
The Historic Preservation Commission presented Trailhead building design suggestions (kiosk, ADA-compliant displays, expanded hours); the Park and Recreation Board approved a volunteer-led roughly 1-mile walking trail behind the Trailhead in partnership with the North Country Trail Association.
Margaret Egan of the Historic Preservation Commission presented interior and exterior ideas for the Trailhead Building, telling the Park and Recreation Board on May 13 that the commission was tasked with finalizing a design by June 1 to present to the City Council.
Egan said HPC’s concepts include a virtual kiosk or interactive monitor for 24/7 access to information, expanded building hours and public restroom access, ADA-compliant signage and displays designed for visually impaired visitors, a possible covered pavilion and additional indoor seating. HPC secured a $2,000 grant tied to displaying the Gawboy mural at the Trailhead.
Separately, Planning and Zoning Administrator Scott Kochendorfer presented a proposal for a roughly 1-mile walking trail behind the Trailhead, noting existing informal paths and a wetland delineation completed when the Trailhead was built. Kochendorfer said the primary work would be clearing dead trees, minor trimming and building short boardwalks over wet areas; he stated no DNR permits would be required because the proposal does not affect public waterways.
Tara Boerst moved that the board recommend moving forward in collaboration with the North Country Trail Association on the walking-trail project; Tim Kulik seconded and the motion carried without objection. Kochendorfer said the project would involve minimal direct city cost and could qualify for a local trails grant, but would be spearheaded by the North Country Trail Association and volunteers (Ozzie Reif is scheduled to host a public information/clearing session May 17).
Board members also discussed upgrades and funding for Whiteside Park, and Ely Events Group expressed interest in helping fund some projects. The Trailhead building is currently not rentable indoors but can host outdoor events; staff suggested updating food-truck locations to include the Trailhead.
Actions: The board recommended collaborating with the North Country Trail Association to proceed with the Trailhead walking trail; motion moved by Tara Boerst and seconded by Tim Kulik and carried without objection.
What’s next: Staff will forward the recommendation to City Council and coordinate volunteer sessions and any grant pursuits.
