Bassett Creek Trail Stirs Concern

The , a proposed seven-mile walking and biking path stretching from French Regional Park in Plymouth to in Golden Valley, may have hit a bump in the road.

The proposed trail is likely three to five years away from construction, but representatives are making the rounds to present the plan and obtain resolutions of support from area cities.

“We’re a long way off on agreeing on anything here,” Golden Valley Mayor Linda Loomis said Tuesday.

While the proposed trail would bring an estimated 176,400 commuters through the city, some council and city staff members are concerned about additional traffic in some areas. One portion of the trail is plotted for the south sidewalk of Golden Valley Road from Regent Drive to Theodore Wirth Parkway. The bike path would run past the , a rehabilitation center for disabled clients who often cross the street for shopping.

Councilmember Paula Pentel commutes in the area via bike said she does not use the sidewalk on the south side of the road. “I just feel that it is too dangerous.”

Council members also expressed concern over maintenance of the trails. While the park district would obtain ownership and operation of the trail, it does not maintain the trail in winter months—meaning it would not be snowplowed.

While it would include some additions, much of the trail builds on existing infrastructure that was built, at least in part, by the city—including the pedestrian path over Highway 100.

“We put a lot of money into this section already at our taxpayer expense,” Loomis said. “To now turn it over to Three Rivers without compensation doesn’t strike me as being necessarily fair.”

Kelly Grissman, senior planning manager for the park district, said the board is willing to negotiate with the council and city staff on the specific route and funding for the trail. While the park district is seeking Golden Valley’s resolution of support for the master plan, Grissman said it still will need to work out an agreement with the city outlining funding, routes, maintenance and other issues.

“There [are] still lots of steps for public engagement,” Grissman said.

City staff is crafting a letter listing concerns and comments for the park district to present to the City Council before moving ahead with a resolution.

The Bassett Creek Regional Trail master plan is available on the park district’s Website. District representatives are encouraging open feedback from area residents through Aug. 24. To contact the park district with questions or comments, send an e-mail to BassettCreekTrail@threeriversparkdistrict.org.