The city is beginning development of the Muirfield Park Trail (MPT) system, directly north of N Muirfield & 650 N. This property was donated to the city by the developer of Muirfield many years ago for other city considerations to their development effort. 

We received an e-mail from the city asking for comment on a temporary construction access and a possible permanent access to MPT adjacent to the canal on N Muirfield & 650 N. We began talks with the city and property owners directly adjacent to the proposed access point. The MPT was also discussed at our Mid-year Community Meeting in the Park and also included some of our neighbors to the east from the twin-homes section who came to discuss MPT.  At this meeting we learned that the city Parks Department had already begun breaking trail directly behind the property lines on N Muirfield & 650 N. In some cases the trail breaking was within 2-4’ of people’s back property boundaries. After speaking to the city engineer, MPT was put onto the City Council’s next work session and. Based on our comments and those from our eastern neighbors, the Council asked respective representatives of our areas (the HOA and our neighbors) to interview some of our neighbors for the following: 1) feelings about a permanent trail (not a road) access point by the bridge at N Muirfield and 650 N; 2) suggested distance of trail setback from the rear of people’s property lines; 3) other concerns (e.g. traffic, signage, parking etc….). The interviews were conducted during which development on the MPT was suspended, and results were given to Council.  

23 (12% of the 189 residents) HOA residents were interviewed including all but one owner-resident in properties directly adjacent to the MPT boundary. We were told ~5-8 property owners were interviewed in the twin-homes area. A majority of those interviewed are in favor of the MPT and permanent access point. The Police Chief as well as an interviewee who is in the field of emergency medicine feel the permanent access point at the bridge will help them in case there are any health and/or safety issues in the MPT. Council also agreed to a 3-4’ vinyl three rail fence (See example at: http://www.gardnerfence.com/gallery.php?galleryid=6 ) to separate the trail from grass at the point of access.

Based on interview input, the Council agreed to have the trail cut 25 – 50’ behind property lines in our HOA and 50 – 100’ behind property lines in the twin home area. Similar setbacks will also be used from the northern boundary of the park. View a revised artist rendering of the trail placement on our website. Please read the legends as well. The Council is also considering having a “Buck fence” (http://www.google.com/searchq=buck+fence&hl=en&biw=1536&bih=798&prmd=ivns&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=jcNNTtGxKvPksQKw9piMBw&ved=0CEAQsAQ) or hedgerow placed between 4-5’ behind the homeowner’s property lines to further delineate the city’s property lines. That will be discussed at a future working session. 

The other topics raised during the interviewing were, in summary: a) signage outlining the rules for the park and parking; b)will dogs be required to be on leash while on the trails; will there be dog rules for the designated K9 area and dog stations with cans c) is the road shown in the artists rendering going to connect to the new development; d) will motorized traffic be allowed in MPT; e) will bikes or horses be allowed; f) will the park be maintained and how often; g) will the HOA have any additional ongoing cost or maintenance because of the MPT. Responses to these topics are as follows:

a)   The Council agreed that proper signage in the park, at the entrance to the park and directional parking signage were essential and will discuss details at a work session.

b)   The Council agreed that all dogs will be required to be on leash within MPT. The K9 Park area depicted in the artists rendering is part of a phase 2 or 3 and will be looked at regarding fencing and leash/no leash at that time. There will be dog stations and trash cans in the MPT, the number and locations are to be determined.

c)    Concerning the road shown at the eastern part of the park in the artists rendering, at this point there is a planned connection of the Rte. 40 exit (750 North, currently being constructed as part of the Elmbridge project) with the current cul-de-sac located at the present park area to the east of us, which will connect to 200 W. According to the representative from our neighbors to the east, when Elmbridge was publicly discussed in the 2007-08 timeframe, apparently people were told and understood that any access from Rte. 40 would be to Elmbridge ONLY, NOT through Elmbridge to 200 W. Based on concerns we raised concerning traffic and safety and the apparent understanding people had stemming from previous meetings on the subject, the Council is going to review the Master Plan for this connection at the next work meeting.

d)   The Council assured us that no motorized traffic will be allowed in MPT

e)   Park rules will be set by Council or staff and then communicated to us. This type of park use had not been thought of originally.

f)    The park will have someone monitor it weekly with mowing taking place 2x/year and thistle/noxious control as needed.

g)   The HOA will not have any ongoing costs or maintenance as a result of MPT; we will probably place Parking for Muirfield HOA Residents and their Guests ONLY signage at the appropriate Common Area parking areas.

We are told that the open MPT issues are tentatively scheduled to be discussed at an October 6^th Work Session.