Construction of Washington County's Point Douglas Trail will begin in 2016

Construction is scheduled to begin next year on a strategic connection in Washington County's growing network of recreational trails.

The Point Douglas Regional Trail, the first major trail in the county's south end, will link two bridges over two rivers in two states. Cyclists and pedestrians will be able to cross the Mississippi River bridge to downtown Hastings, where they can connect with Dakota County trails. They will also be able to cross to the east, over the St. Croix River bridge to downtown Prescott, Wis.

Someday, the Point Douglas trail also will link to a new St. Croix Valley Trail that would run north to Afton, Bayport and Stillwater.

"It's really an important link between a variety of trail systems," John Elholm, the county's parks director, said of the $3.4 million trail.

The 2½-mile path — built on an abandoned railroad corridor — will run along the south side of U.S. Hwy. 10 in Denmark Township and the small portion of Hastings that is located in Washington County.

The county, which has been buying land to complete the route, most recently acquired property to build a safe connection to where the trail will follow heavily traveled Hwy. 61 north of the Hastings bridge.

In its most recent action involving the project, the Washington County Board voted to hire Stonebrooke Engineering of Burnsville to design a pedestrian bridge that would be built over two tracks used by the BNSF Railway.

"This project is going to be a great addition to our parks system," said County Commissioner Karla Bigham, who represents the area where the trail will be built.

The county has completed several master plans in recent years — a reflection of public demand for more parks and trails. The Hardwood Creek Regional Trail master plan was completed in 2013. Before that, plans were completed for the Point Douglas trail, the Cottage Grove Regional Park, the Big Marine Park Reserve, the Lake Elmo Park Reserve and St. Croix Valley Regional Trail.

A 2008 regional parks and trails survey showed that nearly half of all trail users ride bicycles. Another 30 percent walk or hike, with 10 percent using the trail to jog or run. Still others used it to walk dogs, in-line skate, ride horses or commute.

Trails appeal most to folks who live nearby, the survey said. It estimated half of all users live less than one mile from the trails and about 75 percent live within 3 miles.

A consultant told the County Board in 2011 that some neighbors near the Point Douglas trail hope it will discourage illegal activity in the area, such as hunting and ATV use on private land.