2. MetroCOG bike/pedestrian plan

I\1any locations along the Red Rriver already have shared use paths. Paths exist in Trollwood Park. Mickelson Field, and downtown to Lindenwood Park in Fargo and downtown and Gooseberry Park in Moorhead. In 200 I, FM COG completed a study to evaluate the potenlial for filling a missing link in the Oak Grove area by using lots which are purchased after the 1997 flood. Fargo and Moorhead both have future routes recommended along the majority of the red river. Cass County has bought flood prone loots in the Forest River, Orchard Glen, and Chrisan Glen developments. Money for these purchases have been provided by the North Dakota Division of Emergency Management and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The City of Fargo has also purchased numerous properties along the Red River. The Lion's Conservancy Park in South Fargo is one location in which greenway was preserved. As future purchases are made, additional links in these networks should be developed, and the efforts of the Intcmational Flood Mitigation Initiative and River Keepers should be supported, TrollwomJ Performing Arts Center Relocation Trollwood perfonning Art.s Center is currently reviewing options to relocate their location at Trollwood Park. The park is within the flood plain and staff has to clean mud otTthe stages every spring. In the past the park had two accesses; Kandi Lane and Elm Street. The Red River has now taken a portion of Kandi Lane, limiting the park to one access. Difficulties arise during the Center's performances. In addition, an old graveyard was found on the east side of the park, decreasing the amount of space available for use. The Center plans to relocate within the next few years. The new site has been identified as south of Moorhead. The center is looking for a bicycle and pedestrian facility, about 401h avenue south for access to the surrounding neighborhoods. Moorheutf Downtown Plan In 1999 - 2000, the City of Moorhead completed a planning effort for its downtown. One of the recommendations of this plan was to strengthen the connection of bicycle and pedestrian network to residential locations, and promote a connection from Concordia College and Minnesota State University at Moorhead to attract students to this area. The Moorhead Parks Department already responded by making numerous improvements to the Viking Ship and Riverfront parks. Improvements include bicycle and pedestrian facilities, lighting, lookout over the Red River, and resting areas. In addition, recommendations were made to increase the aesthetics of the downtown to make it more attractive for pedestrian use. The plan also shows the continuation of the shared use path below the Main A venue Bridge upon its reconstruction. This Plan supports the efforts of the City of Moorhead to increase the safety, comfort, and aesthetic levels within their downtown. Connection to Buffello River State Park A bicycle route along Trunk Highway 10 connecting the Fargo Moorhead metropolitan area to Buffalo River State Park has been in FM COG's future bicycle network for many years. With recent improvements within the Park, the value of this route has increased. The Minnesota Department of Transportation also recommended that the route would have to be a separated path due to the large volumes of traffic and percentage of truck traffic along this corridor. One of the other alternatives for this connection is along 121h Avenue S, Moorhead. Bike trail connection beht'een south Fargo and NDSV A feasibility study is recommended for a bike trail along the hydro ditch running from Ith Avenue S to 11th Avenue North in Fargo FM:METROPOUTANBlcYCLEA.NDf:'EDEsTRIA.N. PLAN 2005 Fargo-Moorhead Metropolitan Councilor Governments ,-15 -