The Park and Recreation Committee has been looking at park needs within Breezy Point and trying to address various aspects of recreation for the community. Most people think of these activities in terms of active parks such as that found at city hall with ball fields and play structures. This still is predominately their focus but they also embrace passive recreation with open or green areas.
There has also been a movement in general throughout the county to establish trails and linkages between various areas. These linkages can be between parks and parkland or can be linkages from one area of the community to another. Many cities have a system of sidewalks which serve pedestrian travel. Many cities focus on a broader trail system which includes bicycle trails. In this area we have the Paul Bunyan Byway system which links several communities to the Paul Bunyan Trail with some bicycle designations and hiking trails. Building on this system has generally occurred with the county highway system but some discussion has occurred at local levels.
Using existing transportation corridors within city right-of-ways is being considered. Some of the roadways in Breezy Point have the potential for a trail system to link areas together. Recently, at a council meeting, a resident made an appeal to work towards a trail that would be adjacent to Dove Street and link Co. Rd. 4 with the Camping Cluster II. This trail, if built in the future, would be approximately 1 ¾ mile long. Other opportunities for trails have been expressed for collector roads of the city.
Trails are great and really enhance the character of a community. They are however more costly than some people would imagine. The consulting city engineer has given us a ball park estimate of about $35 per lineal foot for construction costs. Having adequate right-of way or easement is sometimes a problem. You would think with a 66 foot right-of-way there would be adequate space for roadway and trail when you consider most roadways are supposed to be centered in the right-of-way. You don’t want the trail to be in the bottom of the ditch so it needs to be moved to the edge of the right-of-way.
In any event the aspect of trails is something that will be considered for the Comprehensive Park Plan. The city isn’t flush with money so accomplishing them is maybe another issue but having a long term plan for them is important. If you have concerns or insight you’d like to offer please contact a member of the Park and Recreation Committee. They are listed on the web site.
