2019-10-09Blair Park Board Meeting Minutes for October 9, 2019
Call to Order: The Blair Park Board President Neil Jensen called the
meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Present: Neil Jensen, Steve Tonn, Jeene Hobbs, Joe Burns, Betsy
Anderson and Parks Superintendent Pat Long.
Approval of Minutes: The August 14, 2019 Minutes were approved by
Steve Tonn and seconded by Jeene Hobbs. (There was no September
meeting/minutes due to lack of an agenda.)
Approval of Bills: No bills presented
Old Business: No old business
New Business:
1. Request by Stephen Fullmer to present information for a possible
mountain bike trail at Black Elk Neihardt Park
Stephen Fullmer of Blair presented information for a possible
mountain bike trail at Black Elk Neihardt Park. The proposed trail
would be of natural surface and maintained by the riders. Also in
attendance was Mike Farrell representative of `Trails Have Our
Respect'. The THOR web site is trails have our respect.org
Benefits of a Natural Surface Trail
- Increase the attractiveness of the community
- Support initiatives of the Chamber of Commerce to create more
recreational activities in Omaha and the surrounding area
- Multi use trail for hikers, runners and non powered bikers
Design
- THOR, a chapter of International Mountain Bikers Association
will assists with design support for erosion control, measured
distance and safety
- Designed for multi users
- Smooth flowing trail -no jumps
- "Blue" level trail due to required climbing (elevation)
- Single direction for mountain bikes
- Multi directional for all others — signs would be posted for trail
etiquette
- Can be made separate from existing trail if needed; the trail
dictates use by its use; rocks or bridges used for low areas; the
corridor could equal 6-7' wide- width is dictated by tire tread
and handle bar width; not intended for high speed; normal
surface would be a grass trail; use puts trail into grass after 1-2
years; mower defines trail; volunteers will use push mowers for
maintenance
Proposed Trail Layout (see attachment)
- Total length would potentially be 3.23 miles
- Section 1 = .91
- Section 2 = 1.73 (has elevation changes)
- Section 3 = .96 (overlook section)
- Section 4 = .63
Maintenance
- Accomplished by volunteers
- Monthly grass cutting
- Regular use will maintain
- Trail breaks in high erosion areas
- Rerouting as needed
City Support
- Needs from the City
• Approval to move forward
• Agreement on access to the trail for maintenance and
construction
• Agreement on legal framework for riders
The board recommended any further discussion be tabled until a
field trip could be made to a mountain bike trail system. Sites that
are available for viewing are Camp Calvin Crest, Platt River State
Park, Tranquility Park and Jewel Park.
2. Update on Stemmerman and Steyer Playground Renovation
The poured in place surface is in place at both parks. On 10/10
Pat will talk with installer to fix surface flaws. The surface impact
testing and the pouring of the connecter side walk still need to be
accomplished. Stemmerman Park has been 80% seeded and the
old playground area still needs to have sand removed and be
seeded. Both new playground surfaces will be open for used this
fall.
3. Cemetery Paving Project
Any paving to be accomplished at the cemetery yet this fall is
questionable due to weather.
4. Friends of Arboretum
The next Friends of the Arboretum meeting date is 10/17/2019.
Adjournment: Jeene Hobbs' motion to adjourn the meeting was seconded
by Joe Burns. The meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
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