Here's another reason why I'm so happy I voted for John Erwin for Park Board. He just sent out this email re. Silent Sports in the Parks: R.T. Rybak East Harriet ------------------------------
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 _______________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
