The meeting opened with an impassioned plea from a former member of the committee, Claudia Groet, who highlighted the importance of closing the trail gap between Lakebridge and Kirk Locken Park. This gap, measuring approximately 3,500 feet, consists of two sections, one of which might be developed under the Amera project. Groet pointed out discrepancies between the current priority list and a previous list from 2022, questioning why the Lakebridge connection had fallen from a 2B priority to number eight. Her comments sparked a broader discussion about the criteria used for prioritizing trail projects and the need for revisions based on current community needs.

The committee’s deliberations on trail prioritization were further informed by a historical context provided by a committee member, noting that a trail gap fund was established in 2018 with an initial budget of $100,000, meant to grow annually. The criteria for evaluating trail gaps include connection opportunities, public support, environmental sustainability, engineering difficulty, local neighborhood impact, and cost. A detailed review of several trail projects followed, with a particular focus on those with complex engineering and budgetary challenges.

The Bavaria Road East trail project, which aims to connect Highway 5 to 82nd Street at a cost of $1.3 million, was one of the significant items discussed. Its completion would link the state highway to the regional trail, providing access to the Arboretum. However, the need for right-of-way access and management of private property ownership complicates the project. Similarly, the County Road 43 project, intended to connect County Road 11 to the Watermark neighborhood, comes with a hefty price tag of over $2 million due to issues like steep slopes and wetland crossings.

The conversation extended to other proposed projects, such as the Rolling Acres Road project, estimated at $300,000, which seeks to reconnect several neighborhoods to the trail system. The Highway 7 project, requiring a bridge over a ravine, is another significant endeavor, estimated at $1.65 million.

A suggestion to elevate the Kirk Locken Park to Lakebridge trail project back to a higher priority was widely supported. This was driven by concerns over increased traffic due to nearby multifamily developments and the need for safe trail access for local children.

The committee also considered broader implications of trail development plans, such as those included in the Arboretum area transportation plan, which extends to 2037. Members expressed a desire to provide residents with realistic timelines for project completion to manage expectations. The potential impact of changes in land ownership, particularly regarding Three Rivers Park, was also discussed, with members emphasizing their continued influence over such projects despite the complexities of land management.

A significant part of the meeting was dedicated to discussing safe routes for children to local schools, such as Victoria Elementary. The costs associated with installing trail crossings were noted as a major hurdle, with figures around $400,000 mentioned for certain crossings. The committee expressed optimism about planned infrastructure improvements that would enhance safety, including new crossings under the IORM Transportation Plan.

As the meeting progressed, there was a consensus to revise the prioritization list, incorporating community feedback and addressing discrepancies. Projects like Bavaria Road East, Kirk Locken Park to Lakebridge, and the Cheval development to Red Fox Drive were given precedence.