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Crosslake unveils $27 million citywide trail feasibility study; council backs local fundraising effort
Summary
City staff presented a Citywide Trail Improvement Plan identifying 35 miles of proposed segments and an estimated $27 million cost; the council supported the LAKE Foundation’s effort to seek nonstandard funding and approved related public-works striping and assessment-policy considerations.
City Engineer Phil Martin summarized the Citywide Trail Improvement Plan Feasibility Report at the June 8 Crosslake City Council meeting, outlining 35 miles of proposed trail segments prioritized by importance and an estimated preliminary cost of $27 million.
Martin said staff have completed initial work and stakeholder meetings and that next steps include scheduling a public information meeting, posting the plan on the city website, further defining priorities for high‑priority segments, identifying collaborating stakeholders and pursuing funding. He described the estimate as preliminary and said additional scoping and cost refinement are required.
Mike O'Connell of the LAKE Foundation asked the council to support efforts to seek funding sources beyond state aid and customary grants. The council approved a motion supporting the LAKE Foundation as it searches for funding for trail improvements (Motion 06R-16-26).
Related public‑works items included three council motions: consideration of abating road assessments on small parcels that consolidate into one parcel (Motion 06R-13-26); sending a proposed letter to owners of parcel 14200537 regarding unauthorized filling of a roadside drainage ditch (Motion 06R-14-26); and directing striping of Wilderness Trail with 11-foot drive lanes, an 8-foot bike path on the north side, no fog line on the south side and a double yellow centerline (Motion 06R-15-26). All three motions carried with all ayes.
Council and staff said funding is the main implementation challenge. Martin and Park Director TJ Graumann discussed coordinating funding initiatives so they do not overlap or duplicate, and Graumann noted a related regional walking and biking path project managed separately from the citywide feasibility study.
Next steps: staff will refine priorities and funding strategies, schedule public outreach and work with stakeholders and foundations to seek grants and alternative funding.
