HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-12-20 Public Comment - G. Thompson - Use of Trails BondFrom:George Thompson
To:Agenda
Subject:Use of Trails Bond
Date:Monday, October 12, 2020 11:47:58 AM
Oct 12, 2020
RE: Resolutions # 5147, 5209, 5221 , use of Trails and Open Space Bonding.
Mayor Andrus and Commissioners:
I am support of the allocation of funding towards Trails and connection projects as outlined in
Resolutions #5147, 5209, 5221. We are in need of more trail connectivity in existing andfuture developments.
The current Parks and Rec guidelines are very restrictive with respect to park landrequirements for new trail development. By refusing to allow trails on both sides of allwaterways (creeks, seasonal ditches etc), around wetlands and within existing flood plain
areas to count towards fulfillment of “park land” requirements the City Parks/Rec is losing
opportunities for connectivity through diverse neighborhoods.
In addition, the loss of trails next to waterways minimizes the ability of all residents to
appreciate the vibrant natural habitat which depends upon our wealth of water in the valley.
Consequently, the Bond funding is only filling in a small part of necessary trail/pathconnections.
Too much of the Bond funding has been going toward large playing fields on the west side oftown.
It is time to engage with developers to expand our trails and paths and allow amenities such asbenches, sun screens, viewing platforms (adjacent to wetlands and creeks) to be constructedwithin the high water marks. Current trail restrictions can be overcome only by adding manymonths of review time and delays by a variety of code interpretations.
These allocations of Bond funding are a good step in the right directions. I would encouragemore immediate action on removing Park/Rec restrictions to adding trails immediately
adjacent and within the high water marks for waterways and wetlands.
Thank you for your consideration on these matters.
George Thompson, 12 Hill St, Bozeman