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Washington County outlines long‑range plan for Bridal Saint Croix–Phalen Keller regional trail
Summary
Washington County planner Andrea Grama presented a long‑range plan for an east–west regional trail corridor to connect Bayport, Lake Elmo and Ramsey County parks, describing design standards, funding eligibility, a public engagement plan and a projected route recommendation in summer 2027.
Andrea Grama, a planner with Washington County Public Works, told the Lake Elmo City Council the Bridal Saint Croix Valley to Phalen–Keller Regional Trail long‑range plan is a “step‑0” planning document intended to guide future alignment, facility locations and funding eligibility. Grama described a county design standard of a 10‑foot‑wide paved trail with a 10‑foot buffer and amenities such as kiosks and bike repair stations.
Grama said the study’s search area in Washington County aims to create an East–West arterial trail linking Bayport, West Lakeland Township, Lake Elmo, Oakdale and — ultimately through Ramsey County — Maplewood and Saint Paul. "A regional trail is distinct from other types of trail in that its purpose is to serve a regional audience," Grama said, adding that a regional designation makes a project eligible for certain state and Metropolitan Council funds and for annual operations and maintenance reimbursements.
The county staff outlined an engagement schedule: a June 24 open house held at Lake Elmo City Center (materials remain online), a project survey open through the summer, and pop‑up events planned at National Night Out and the Lake Elmo Bluegrass Festival. Grama said the project team will work with a technical advisory committee composed of county, city and state partners and plans to develop route alternatives in the fall and aim for a preferred route and final draft in summer 2027.
Council members asked about attendance at the open house and where to find the survey; Grama said summer attendance was light but the survey and materials are available on the county parks project page and offered to provide a direct link for the city to share.
Next steps listed by county staff include continued public and agency engagement, fall route development and evaluation, and returning to city staff and the council with a recommended route and draft long‑range plan.
