WORKSHOP ITEM Rebecca Haug, Water Resources Manager
Title
NORTH MEADOWS DEVELOPMENT PARKING LOT AND TRAIL HEAD LOCATION DISCUSSION
Background
At the April 20, 2020 City Council meeting, the proposed North Meadows Development parking lot was discussed. Council asked that the location of the parking lot be moved to the first lot off of 109th Avenue on the west side of the development and remove proposed lot with cul-de-sac from the northern portion of the plat.
Staff wanted to give a little background on what has changed for the Blaine Wetland Sanctuary (BWS) Southern Portion parking lot location and provide some pros and cons for the proposed parking lot locations in the North Meadows development.
The original plan completed by Stantec in 2014 included a large fishing pond and trailhead at the southern end of the BWS requiring a large parking lot off of 109th Ave. This large fishing pond is no longer allowed under the State and Federal Wetland rules. Staff and the NRCB subcommittee have started rethinking the trail plan for the BWS because of this change, the comments received from residents in Site 7 as well as the cost of the existing boardwalk. This change includes utilizing more of the upland islands which is going to be the driving force to make a cost effect trail system throughout the BWS and reduce the number of trails in close proximity to backyards. The existing boardwalk in the northern portion, Site 7 of the BWS cost the city approximately $1 million and is 0.9 miles.
Staff brought forward the original parking lot location, which was suggested in the North Meadows Development, to better utilize the upland island, be more cost effective and would eliminate trails along the western boundary backyards of the development. What has been envisioned is a small parking lot similar to what is found at East Lake Park to allow for another access point to the trail system. This parking lot is not envisioned to be used for any programming or field trips. Those activities would continue to utilize the parking lot off of Lexington Ave.
All city parks and open spaces close at 10 p.m. per the city ordinance. The city actively monitors the parks and parking lots with Park patrol and other police personnel and has the ability to enforce by issuing tickets, if needed. This parking lot and boardwalk are not plowed in the winter which will reduce the amount of winter use of this area.
Below is a table showing the pros and cons of both parking lot locations:
|
North Meadows original proposed parking lot |
Lot 1, Block 1 parking lot off of 109th |
|
Pros |
Cons |
Pros |
Cons |
|
Use of upland for trail connection |
In the neighborhood |
Not in neighborhood |
Length of boardwalk estimated to be 0.4 miles to connect to next trail |
|
Trailhead in the neighborhood |
May have traffic |
Easy access off of 109th |
Boardwalk will be in backyards |
|
Not in backyards |
|
|
Additional Cost for 0.4 mile boardwalk estimated at $400,000 (based on 2016 boardwalk costs) |
|
Cheaper construction costs |
|
|
Additional Wetland impacts |
|
Fewer wetland impacts |
|
|
|
Attached are parking lot concepts for both locations and a proposed trail map from each parking area.
Recommendation …
Staff and the NRCB Subcommittee recommend the parking lot in the northern portion of the proposed North Meadows Development.