Hello Everyone!

Thanks R.T and others for bringing the issue of the need for
cross-country skiing and off road biking trails in our park system up!
Great thoughts and ideas from all of you!  Let's make some progress on
this issue.

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation system offers a variety of winter
activities including cross-country skiing, skating and tubing, and has
groomed trails for cross-country skiing at Columbia, Hiawatha,
Meadowbrook, Gross, and Wirth Parks or golf courses.  However, there
does not appear to be an organized 'trail system' or promotion of that
system through an event.  As you know, the popularity of cross-country
skiing, off road biking, biking, tubing, skateboarding and snowboarding
has grown dramatically over the last decade.  We are currently
addressing skateboarding needs and I am confident we will have at least
one skateboarding park within the next 3 years.  However, we still have
a lot of work to do to address the needs of cross country skiing, off
road biking, tubing and snowboarding.

To that end, let's brainstorm about the possibility of developing or
expanding a trail system for cross-country skiing and off road biking in
Wirth Park for next year and an event that would show off the newly
organized system next year.  There also seems to be an interest in
organizing an on-road bike race.  We may take this up as well, time
permitting.  I have organized a meeting for Thursday, March 14th at 7:00
pm in the Wirth Chalet.  The meeting will last 1 1/2 hours at most.
Hopefully most, or all, of you can make it!  The intent of the meeting
is to simply ask what people would like to see, look at what we have,
and see if we can put something together that works for everyone.  Of
course, any decisions would have to be made after a presentation to the
full Board and a vote.

Those currently invited include individuals who have expressed a
specific interest in participating to the Mayor, appropriate Park Board
staff and, of course, the Mayor.

Thank you all for either bringing the issue up or expressing an interest
in participating in this effort.  It is very much appreciated!


Sincerely,
John Erwin
Commissioner At-Large
Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board