Parks & Recreation has phased improvements planned for a future trailhead development located within the central portion of the Rice Creek North Regional Trail corridor, south of County Rd I.
Phase 1 activities will complete necessary site improvements for obtaining an easement on Parcel C. Parcel C is the northernmost 15-acre parcel of former Twin City Army Ammunition Plant (TCAAP) property and is managed by the U.S. Army and National Guard as part of the Arden Hills Army Training Site (AHATS). Parcel C does not require any remediation. Access and recreational use on this parcel was secured by the easement.
Improvements will consist of:
- A 10-ton access road from the intersection of County Road I and Fairview to the entrance of AHATS.
- Gravel service road located on AHATS property.
- Relocation of existing and new chain-link fence to the east of the property line.
- Stormwater management.
- Landscaping.
- Signage.
Roadway extension, trail and utility improvements will be developed in the upcoming years to gain access to a future trailhead site within the park corridor.
Project background
A milestone project was recently completed with the transfer of 93 acres from the United States to the county through the National Park Service (NPS).
This process started with initial park property transfers to Ramsey County in 2006 and other development proposals for the former TCAAP site. In 2014, the county began working with the General Service Administration (GSA), U.S. Army and NPS for another 93-acre property transfer of former TCAAP property Parcel A, B and D. In 2015, Ramsey County started the site and building remediation process of 93 acres of TCAAP, completed in 2017. The transfer of 93 acres to Ramsey County was finalized in June 2019.
The recent 93-acre property transfer and easement obtained for Parcel C will help shape the Rice Creek North Regional Trail corridor by providing critical recreation connections to Rice Creek Commons and expanding recreation opportunities to surrounding communities.
Timeline
- Construction for Phase 1 roadway and site improvements – October 2019.
- Anticipated completion – spring 2020.