Possible Wirth Trails Expansion

I got this email from Matt, and thought that I should share it with y'all.

I want to let you know about a series of meetings (called a “Design Charrette”) that will decide the future of additional mountain bike trails at Wirth Park. Specifically, next week a group of professional designers will be meeting at the Ski Chalet in Wirth Park to discuss and develop ideas for Wirth Park, including the SOUTHWEST section of the Park, which is bounded on the south by 394, on the east by Theodore Wirth Parkway, and on the north by Glenwood. Yes we are talking about the possibility of legal bike trails on the big hill to the west of the parkway.

MOCA has already submitted a written plan outlining the possibilities for additional trail sections in this part of the park. But it might not happen unless people (you) get out and say that this is what they would like to see!

There are THREE meetings next week where people can come and talk with the design team and indicate support for more off-road bike trails in the SW Wirth area:

•Wednesday, November 2, 6-9 pm, Community Meeting (Wirth Chalet, 2nd Floor): This will be an opportunity for the CAC, design team and community to share and discuss key information about usage, demographics, program opportunities, natural resources, and community visions for the park.

•Thursday, November 3, 4-5:30 pm, Open Studio (Wirth Chalet, 2nd Floor): The design team will be working in the chalet throughout the day to develop concepts. Stop by the chalet to see concept ideas in progress and visit with the designers.

•Saturday, November 5, 9-11:30 am, Community Open House (Par 3 Golf Clubhouse): Attend an open house to review and comment on the design concepts.

Then the final plans will be presented to the Citizen’s Advisory Committee at a meeting on Tuesday, November 8th at MPRB Headquarters (2117 West River Road):

•Tuesday, November 8, 6:30-8:30 pm, Citizen Advisory Committee Meeting (Board Room): The CAC will be developing overall recommendations for the park’s master plan and funding priorities. All are welcome to attend and an opportunity for public comment will be provided at 8:10 pm.

Here is a link to the Park Board web page with a list of all the meetings and lots of other details:

http://www.minneapolisparks.org/default.asp?PageID=1150


WHAT THE HECK CAN I DO?

GO to one or more of the design sessions to talk with the designers and tell them about the great riding experience at Wirth, and how additional trails in SW Wirth would be a fantastic addition to the park.

GO to the Citizen’s Advisory Committee meeting on November 8th and voice your support for more bike trails. There is only 20 minutes budgeted for the public and you will have to sign up to speak so get there early if you are going to do this. Dress like the biker you are, that is fine!

WHAT IF I CAN’T GO OR WOULD RATHER TRY A SICK LINE THAN SPEAK IN PUBLIC?

You can submit a comment online!! Yes how easy could it be? Get on it!

Individuals may submit their comments to the CAC members on-line. Click here to make a comment.

Individuals may also send public comment on the project to Jennifer Ringold at jringold@minneapolisparks.org or Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board, 2117 West River Road, Minneapolis, MN 55411.

WHAT DO I SAY?
Tell them you live in Minneapolis if that is true

Tell them why you like riding at Theo

Talk about sustainable trails and preventing erosion

Talk about the kids and new riders you see using the trails

Talk about how bike trails help create bike industry jobs especially if you have one

Talk about how you like being out in nature

Don’t argue with anybody else or react or kick dirt on them, just be positive!!

WITH YOUR HELP WE CAN GET MORE TRAILS INTO THE OFFICIAL DESIGN FOR WIRTH PARK AND THEY WILL FINALLY HAPPEN!! THIS IS IT THE TIME IS NOW.

Matt Moore
President
Minneapolis Off-Road Cycling Advocates (MOCA)
mmoore@qbp.com