Braemar Park Master Plan Implementation

As part of the Braemar Park Master Plan, improves are planned for multi used trails along Hilary Lane. This phase will be supplemented with state aid funding and the timeline has yet to be confirmed. A consultant has been hired to review site conditions including wetlands, water quality, and other impacts.

With this project in design and construction still further on the horizon, Edina Streets Department is helping to improve conditions this summer by incorporating this stretch of roadway in there mill and overlay schedule. We will update you when a more accurate window is identified and appreciate your patience during this road improvement project.

The first round of invasive removals is nearing completion. Areas on the NW quadrant will need additional cutting and treatment later this season as the ongoing research study is completed. Due to the mild winter and lack of snow cover you may notice some piles of buckthorn still present on site. These piles will be burned once weather conditions allow.

Trail construction has started this week with walking trails on the east side. Crews are working hard cutting in and preparing sections. Please give crews distance for their safety. Once walking trails are completed on the east side, they will start on the biking trails. Staff and experts will review and inspect all trail systems before a section will be opened up for use.

On Tuesday April 2nd City Council approved the contract with Pathfinder Trail Building for the first phase of Braemar Park Biking and Hiking Trails. They will be working on the east side starting this spring and move to the western segments later this summer and fall. They will be working through the park in sections and completing trail segments in succession. We ask that you have patience with the project and stay out of areas they are working in. This is for safety and to ensure the best end product for everyone to enjoy.

Biking trails will be single track trails with challenge features and elements throughout. Biking trails are easy and intermediate with areas of optional more difficult features. Hiking trails will be a 4 foot soft surfacing and link with trail system at Courtney Fields and pedestrian sidewalk system on Gleason. Please continue following project for update and pictures. We are excited to be working with Pathfinder and can't wait to enjoy the trails.

The city has posted documents and criteria to select a trail builder for Braemar Park mountain biking an hiking trail construction in 2024. Contractor will be responsible for 4 foot pedestrian and bike trails through the east and west upland hillsides. A variety of features will be included based off Tim Wegner and SRF the landscape architects plans. Trail construction will be done in phases and will start this summer when conditions allow.

Additional trails will be added in a future package that will include shared use Southwest creek crossings and wetland crossings. Staff will be working with watershed and engineers to enhance ecosystems and minimize impacts.

Contractors are making good progress on Buckthorn removal in the east side of Braemar Park. Landbridge has been approved to burn buckthorn brush piles in accordance with their approved burn plan. This plan takes into account weather conditions such as temperature, wind speeds, and site specifics such as location. Precautions are in place such as fire breaks and fuel reduction to keep fires within burn pile areas. Fires are monitored by trained and authorized contractor staff and extinguished when contractor is not on site. Locations and elevations have been selected to mitigate smoke risks for neighbors and roadways.

Contractor's crew is working hard cutting and treating invasive woody species in Braemar Park along Gleason road. The piles currently along the road will be hauled and removed. As they work their way inward additional piles will be created and controlled burned when conditions and permitting allow. This clearing process will allow for future restoration management, plantings and trail building.

Contractors have begun work updating field 2-4 sports lighting. Wooden poles and existing fixtures have been removed. New bases have been placed for steel poles and energy efficient LED fixtures. Fixtures and controls selected replicated existing field 1 lighting. Wiring and electrical work will wrap up in Spring 2024.

On December 19th, City Council approved a contract with Landbridge Ecological Services for the first step in natural resources restoration work. This contract is for the initial brushing and invasive vegetation control in 2024. Work on this contract will begin in January and initial brushing and removals will be completed by April. Site visits in summer and fall will target re-sprouts and invasive herbaceous vegetation using best management practices.

What you can expect to see:

The contractor will be in areas shown in the attached diagram. Work will consist of using a equipment mounted brush mower, hand cutting, debris hauling, and stump treatments of buckthorn throughout areas 1 and 2. Some material will be piled for collection or burning with approved permits and weather conditions.

City staff will continue to update you on contractors progress. If you have any questions or concerns please reach out.

Rachel Finberg

rfinberg@edinamn.gov

952.826.0397

Staff and SRF consultant presented trail design and layout to the mayor and city council members on October 17. Concepts presented address comments and feedback from neighbors, Edina residents, and mountain biking community. These concepts expanded pedestrian systems, wayfinding, and safety for the trail system. Presentation and packet information can be viewed in meeting documents.

Thank you to everyone who was able to attend the Braemar direct neighbor meeting. A copy of the slides has been uploaded here for reference. We appreciate your questions, input, and conversation. We hope to see you at the September 6th for review and comments. If you are unable attend please submit your ideas and comments here on Better Together unit September 26th.

Please also take the time to fill out our Playground Survey to help us design a new playground for the neighborhood and visitors.