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Board hears plan to study trail access from Mystic Creek to Southwest Park; consultant proposed for 2027
Summary
Staff told the board easements exist from Mystic Creek subdivision to Southwest Park and recommended hiring a consultant in the 2027 budget to identify a safe, cost-effective trail alignment (a creek crossing and wooded terrain complicate routing). Residents favor at least a crushed-surface path, staff said.
The board discussed possible pedestrian access from the Mystic Creek subdivision to Southwest Park and staff recommended budgeting for a consultant in 2027 to determine the safest, most practical trail alignment.
Marty (staff) said easements were provided during the development of Mystic Creek to allow a trail connection, but the city has not added the project to the capital improvement plan. He recommended hiring a consultant in 2027 to identify an alignment that balances cost, safety and long-term maintenance needs, noting the corridor is heavily wooded and includes low areas and a creek crossing that present engineering challenges.
"We had them for everything else, but originally our engineer department was gonna do it. They are not able to do it anymore, so we wanna keep it on a timeline," Marty said, explaining why the consultant is needed. He said the consultant should identify the "best location for the trail and how to go about doing it," including whether a hard-surface trail is feasible in all locations.
Board members asked about trail surface. One member said the route would likely be more rustic and noted resident feedback that most households have small children who would value improved access. "Most of the people would be fine with a crushed industrial," a board member said, describing resident preferences for a low-maintenance surface.
Marty said the consultant should evaluate creek crossing options and safety to avoid a narrow, enclosed trail where users would feel unsafe, and that if the board concurs staff will include the consultant in the 2027 budget notes. The item was informational; the board did not take formal action at this meeting.
