The public is invited to review and comment on routes proposed to complete a “missing link” in the Grand Rounds parkway during an open house Tuesday Sept. 18, 6:30–8:30 p.m. at Northeast Recreation Center, 1615 NE Pierce St. (Another similar open house will be held one month later, on Thursday, Oct. 18, at the same time at Pillsbury School, 2251 NE Hayes St.

The Grand Rounds is the 50-mile circuit of parkway, bicycle and pedestrian trails that encircles Minneapolis. Currently, there is a gap in the circuit between Larpenteur Avenue near Highway 280 and trails on the East Bank Campus of the University of Minnesota.

The “missing link” project proposes several connections to fill the gap, all of which run through Southeast Minneapolis neighborhoods. The project could require redevelopment of streets and possibly the removal of houses, based on a map of proposed routes provided by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB), which is hosting the open house. Some residents in the Como neighborhood have expressed concern about the possibly removal of houses to facilitate the project.

More information is available at the open houses — which will include photos and drawings of the proposed route alternatives, a presentation about the project and a question and answer session — and on the MPRB website.

According to an MPRB release, the open houses are part of the current study phase that includes community input and technical review. The actual route and design will be evaluated based on on neighborhood impact and “connectivity to existing and proposed bicycle and pedestrian routes, park and open spaces, and transportation corridors.”

The study phase will be completed next spring, and “Master Plan” will be developed for the completion of the missing link, which will be “implemented when funds become available,” states the release.

last revised: September 17, 2007

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