Active Living Plan for Becker, Clay, Otter Tail,

& Wilkin Counties

2013

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Active Living Plan for Becker, Clay, Otter Tail

& Wilkin Counties

2013

Prepared by:

West Central Initiative

1000 Western Avenue

PO Box 318

Fergus Falls, MN 56538-0318

218-739-2239

www.wcif.org

Kayla Rossiter, Principal Author

Patrick Hollister, Contributing Author

1

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments .............................................................................................................. 2

Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 4

What is Active Living .......................................................................................................... 5

Community Assessment..................................................................................................... 8

Becker County .................................................................................................................... 9

Clay County ....................................................................................................................... 12

Ottertail County ................................................................................................................ 16

Wilkin County ................................................................................................................... 19

Active Transportation Advisory Partnership (ATAP) .......................................................... 21

Active Living Plan ............................................................................................................. 23

Regional Current Conditions & Significant Area Projects ................................................ 24

Desirable Components of an Active Transportation Plan ................................................ 34

Implementation Approach ............................................................................................... 38

Domains of Active Living .................................................................................................. 41

Appendix ........................................................................................................................... 45

Attachment A: Complete Streets Sample Ordinance ....................................................... 46

Attachment B: Walkability Checklist ................................................................................ 47

2

Acknowledgements This project could not have been possible without the support of the Minnesota Department of

Health (MDH), which is leading the Statewide Health Improvement Program (SHIP). Grants were

awarded to Minnesota communities to help increase the number of Minnesotans who use forms of

Active Transportation such as walking and biking.

PartnerSHIP 4 Health, and as a result WCI, is one of the recipients of Community Transformation

Grant (CTG) funding and is overseeing efforts in Becker, Clay, Otter Tail and Wilkin Counties.

An Active Transportation Advisory Partnership (ATAP) was created to help lead the process.

Members of the ATAP were selected with several factors in mind, including the following:

1. Geographical Diversity: We sought representatives from a variety of communities in our four-

county area.

2. Professional Diversity: We sought representatives from a variety of different professional

perspectives.

3. Health Inequities: We sought representatives from both communities with significant

populations suffering health inequities (i.e., Pelican Rapids, White Earth, etc.), and from

organizations that serve populations suffering health inequities (i.e., Freedom Resource

Center, West Central Continuum of Care, Alzheimer’s Association).

The following is the membership of the ATAP team:

Nate Algard, Executive Director, Freedom Resource Center for Independent Living

Jane Butzer, MnDOT - Program Coordinator, MnDOT - District 4

Shawn Donais, Area Parks and Trails Supervisor, DNR

Dan Edwards, City Engineer, City of Fergus Falls

Neal Folstad, Wilkin County Commissioner

Evie Fox, Breckenridge Representative, Active Living Committee

Brad Green, Public Works Director, City of Detroit Lakes

Keely Ihry, Tobacco Prevention and School Coordinator, PartnerSHIP 4 Health / Clay County Public

Health

Chuck Johnson, EDA Director, City of Perham

Kent Kortlever, Police Chief, City of Battle Lake

Hank Ludtke, Mayor, City of Frazee

Mark Masten, Business Manager, Fergus Falls Public Schools

Jerry Ness, Superintendent, Fergus Falls Public Schools

Lonnie Neuner, City Clerk/Treasurer, City of Lake Park

Carla Solem, West Central Continuum of Care Coordinator

Don Solga, City Administrator, City of Pelican Rapids

Dawn Sherk ,GIS Technician/Transportation Planner, Department of Transportation, White Earth

Nation

3

Jess Steinbrenner, Regional Care Consultant, Alzheimer's Association Minnesota-North Dakota

Stan Thurlow, City Planner, Cities of Breckenridge and Dilworth

Rebecca Waldera, Independent Living Advocate, Freedom Resource Center for Independent Living

Melody Webb, Area Supervisor, MN DNR - Parks & Trails

Rick West, County Engineer, Otter Tail County

Lisa Workman, Executive Director, Fergus Falls Chamber of Commerce

4

Introduction

In response to increasing rates of chronic disease and rising health care costs, legislation called for

the creation of a plan to fund and implement comprehensive statewide health improvement. The

plan, which was developed in consultation with State Community Health Services Advisory

Committee and Minnesota Department of Health Executive Office, addresses risk factors for

preventable illness and death in the U.S., including tobacco use, physical inactivity, and poor

nutrition. As part of meeting these goals it is important to look at the way communities have been

designed and start planning for active forms of transportation. To address the need for active

transportation in our communities, WCI in correlation with PartnerSHIP 4 Health is tasked with

creating an Active Transportation Plan as well as the implementation of that plan. At this time the

Community Transformation Grant (CTG) project is funded through 2016. During this time the plan

will be updated yearly to reflect the progress that has been made and identify new work areas.

West Central Initiative partnered with PartnerSHIP 4 Health and the Active Transportation Advisory

Partnership (ATAP) team to develop this plan and begin implementation.

5

What is Active Living?

Active Living is a comprehensive approach to incorporating physical activity into daily routines. An

important focus of active living is environmental, Systems, and policy change. WCI and PS4H

approach Active Living work utilizing the Community Action Model developed by Active Living by

Design (www.activelivingbydesign.com). This model includes the 5 “p” approach to active living:

(The descriptions below are from the Active Living by Design website.)

Preparation While not limited to the early stages of an active living initiative,

preparation is a critical first step in creating a physically active

community. Preparation is the deliberate process of getting ready for

action. This includes developing and maintaining a community

partnership to work collectively. This strategy also entails collecting

relevant data to inform program planning and pursuing financial and

other resources.

Promotion Effective promotion or communications efforts are vital to the

success of any active living program. Communications are the

means by which the project connects with the public. Specific

messages include the benefits of active living and the

importance of community environments in promoting healthy

living. As part of this process, presentations, news releases, fact

sheets, and other forms of communication are evaluated to

determine whether they truly connect with the intended

audiences. Promotion strategies should also help to ensure that

other policy, programmatic and infrastructure goals are successfully achieved.

Programs Programs are organized on-going activities that engage

individuals in physical activity either directly or indirectly. Active

living programs provide direct access to physical activity

opportunities; such as walking clubs or bicycle recycle

initiatives. Other programmatic approaches reward individuals

for adopting more active habits through incentives or other

encouragements, such as benefits for employees or students

who walk or bicycle to work or school.

6

Policy

Policy development is the key to institutionalizing health-supportive environments. Active living

partnerships should identify and attempt to influence changes in public policies

and standards as well as organizational practices. These efforts will include

advocacy, relationship building with policy makers, presentations to policy

boards, and influencing employer or school policies. Educating policy makers -

as well as citizens, professionals and advocates - about the need for local

environments that support active living -- is an essential component of this

strategy. In general, policy tactics are those that end with a policy change (e.g.,

adoption of greenway master plan, pedestrian friendly street design guidelines).

Physical Projects Physical projects are strategies to directly impact built environments,

removing barriers to physical activity and enhance safety (e.g. trails,

pedestrian improvements at intersections). While the built environment

is heavily determined by public policies, active living partnerships should

also look for opportunities to improve physical spaces that do not rely on

a policy decision per se. Physical projects include a wide range of sizes

from community trails to sidewalks to signage pointing out active living

opportunities on taking the stairs.

7

Approach WCI and PS4H used the strategic planning model to complete a plan for active living in each of our

four counties. The plan includes a strategic vision for active living, including specific objectives and

strategies. It is also the goal of SHIP to make significant measureable progress on changing peoples’

behaviors in a relatively short amount of time. With that goal in mind, the approach will be to

implement high priority strategies that have strong support from the ATAP and the local leadership

teams.

Purpose of the Plan The purpose of this plan is to articulate a strategic vision for active living over the next one to five

years. Active living is a fundamental change in what transportation health has been traditionally

considered, and provides a unique opportunity for new partnerships. This plan does not represent

the end of our active living efforts, it represents the beginning. Multiple agencies, including WCI,

Counties, Cities, medical facilities, and schools should be able to buy-into this plan and work towards

successful implementation.

Document Summary The remainder of this document consists of three sections. The first section, Community

Assessment, provides context for active living in the form of a short-term and long-term needs

analysis. The next section, the Action Plan, provides the Vision, Goals, Objectives and Strategies for

active living in the region. Finally, the Implementation Approach outlines how communities can use

this plan to start to get traction on the active living action plan.

8

Community Assessment

The community assessment focuses largely on the four-county area as well as several of the

communities located within this area. While there are concepts discussed for specific communities,

these concepts may also be incorporated into planning for other communities in the region. The

context for active living is different throughout the region, with each community approaching active

living a little differently because of their unique abilities, priorities, funding opportunities, and

population needs. While the primary focus of SHIP is policy, systems, and environmental change, this

document also addresses issues such as education and developing partnerships that are critical to

successful implementation.

Since this is an initial look at these communities and a first year Active Living Plan our look

at these communities and counties is broad. We are laying the frame work so going forward

we can expand on these areas. As we work more in each area we will learn more fully how to

best integrate our work in active transportation to the needs of each community and county.

Information for this plan came from those participating in our Active Transportation Advisory

Partnership (ATAP) group. We relied heavily upon their input as residents and professionals

in their communities and counties. For subsequent plan we extrapolate that we will be more

connected in the region and are able to do further outreach to solicit information from a

broader range of stakeholders.

9

Becker County

10

Active Living Context

Current Condition

Frazee

o Working towards passing a Complete Streets policy

o MN Design Team coming Summer/Fall 2013

The MN Design Team will give recommendations on changes Frazee can

make long and short term to increase the viability of their town

o Corridor Investment Management Strategy (CIMS) Grant Submitted.

This is a grant through MnDOT, information can be found at this web address

as to what conditions apply and projects are eligible

http://www.dot.state.mn.us/cims/about.html

o Heartland Trail study and downtown bicycle study being conducted with Apex

Engineering in the summer of 2013

This study examines the possibilities of how to route the Heartland Trail

expansion through Frazee

o State water trail Adopt-a-River program will be cleaning up the Ottertail river after the

summer tubers are gone

o Received bike racks from PartnerSHIP 4 Health

o Are applying in July 2013 for the Bike Friendly Community Designation

o Hosting a Bicycle Traffic Skills 101 course Fall 2013

o Rides held in Frazee include

Frazee Invitational

5 & 10K during Turkey Days

Run the Rose

o Received a Safe Routes to School Planning grant

Other Areas

o Installation of a box culvert by Detroit Lakes for the future Heartland Trail connection

o Lake Park is improving access around Hwy 10 with the construction of a south

frontage road

o Lake Park is installing additional light near the new school

Short-Term Active Transportation Opportunities Identified though Becker County Meeting

Frazee

o Bicycle-friendly Community application to be submitted

July 2013

o Safe Routes to School Planning Process will begin Aug 2013

o Engineering RFP being done for Frazee to illustrate the route of the Heartland Trail

through town

Due March 2013

o Make downtown more bike-friendly through design

This is being discussed in correlation with the Apex design study for the

Heartland Trail route

11

o New Bike Racks located in Frazee

o City Hall (received Spring 2013)

o School (received Spring 2013)

o April 2013 TS 101 Class at Frazee Event Center

(Safe bike riding and maintenance)

o Purchase Police bikes for use by local law enforcement

o Hold a Bike maintenance class with community education

o Signage-Pedestrian Crossing, Crosswalk needed throughout town as well as relocating the

current pedestrian crossing at the school

o Flashing light or other pedestrian enhancements are needed at 7-12 school

An idea is to adjust the location of the crosswalk

o A Paint Machine is requested by the city of Frazee so they can make safety and other

improvements throughout town. These include:

Bike lanes

Crosswalk

Bike Blvd. along Main Street*, along 2nd and County Road 87

Signage along routes listed above

*RFP will identify “downtown corridor”

o Bike racks-locations to be determined by corridors (Main, 2nd and CR 87)

o Bike maps may be something they would like to look into printing

o Promotion materials/website is another thing they may want to do to promote any

improvements

Long-Term Active Transportation Opportunities Identified though Becker County Meeting

Frazee

o Find opportunities to enhance and integrate local trails

Heartland Trail

North Country Trail

o Develop Safe Routes to School Plan

Implement recommendations

o Implement RFP recommendations

including Bridge over the bridge over the water

Turtle-crossing signs

River walk on the east side

Discuss creating a trail on tax forfeit land in the south

12

Clay County

13

Active Living Context

Current Condition

Active In Moorhead (AIM) is a partnership between the City of Moorhead, Fargo-Moorhead

Metropolitan Council of Governments and Clay County Public Health. The Active In Moorhead project

is supported by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota (Blue Cross) through Prevention Minnesota,

Blue Cross’ long-term statewide health improvement initiative. Tobacco settlement proceeds fund

this work to tackle the root causes of preventable heart disease and cancer. AIM receives funding

from Blue Cross Blue Shield AIM works to incorporate physical activity into daily routines, through the

community’s design.

Summary of 2008-2009 activities

Updated Moorhead’s Comprehensive Plan to include active living principals

(http://www.ci.moorhead.mn.us/Uploads/Moorhead_Comp_Plan_Draft_for_Council_Review

_Nov_09.pdf)

Held a series of 4 neighborhood and 2 college meetings to gather information around active

living

(http://www.ndsu.nodak.edu/sdc/publications/AIM/NeighborhoodMeetingResults_FINAL.pd

f )

Sent out a generalizable survey around active living to the Moorhead community

(http://www.ndsu.nodak.edu/sdc/publications/AIM/2009ActiveInMoorheadReport.pdf)

Held a Complete Streets Policy Workshop

o Metro COG then wrote Fargo Moorhead Metropolitan Area Complete Streets Policy

Statement – was approved by their Board in November 2010 – cities were then

asked to adopt this statement (

Other speakers included:

o Mark Fenton

o 2 representatives from the National Center for Bicycling and Walking

o Jim Charlier

Summary of 2010

First Streets Alive! (Fargo-Moorhead’s Open Streets Event) was held on 2 dates August 29th

and September 19th approximately 6,500 people attended the 2 events

A Safe Routes to School program was piloted in 1 Moorhead Elementary School – with the

kick-off being Walk to School Day, events continued with an ‘active student card’ where

students would receive prizes for walking or biking

Summary of 2011

Update of Fargo-Moorhead’s Master Bicycle Pedestrian Plan was updated

(http://fmmetrocog.org/new/assets/documents/bike%20plan/January_2012_body.pdf)

Hosted a presentation by Chris Leinberger

2nd StreetsAlive was hosted

o Mini-StreetsAlive was held in 2011 and 2012

All 3 elementary schools started SRTS programs – received mini-grants

Join The Movement grassroots initiative was kicked-off

14

Gave away 10 bike racks to Moorhead businesses

Moorhead received designation as a Playful City USA

Summary of 2012

City of Moorhead passed a new Multi-use Zoning Ordinance for its 3 downtown corridors

City of Moorhead passed updated Sub-division Ordinances

Moorhead’s first bicycle lanes were put down between the 2 college neighborhoods

15 more bicycle racks were given out

All 3 elementary and 1 middle school participated in SRTS activities

Received Playful City Designation again in 2012

Held the 1st Valley Bicycle Summit

3rd StreetsAlive was held – participation was around 13,000 people

Applied for Corridor Investment Management Strategy (CIMS) funding from MnDOT for (list the

project)

Is installing a crosswalk at Hwy 75/8th Street and 10th Avenue

Will improve pedestrian accessibility at several other intersections

Barnesville

o Applied for CIMS funding from MnDOT for (list the project)

o Recently complete Safe Routes to School planning process

o Received a Safe Routes to School infrastructure grant

Other Areas

o Hawley is installing a signal system at Clay CR 31/33 intersection to make it safer for

pedestrians to cross

o Glyndon bike racks/bike-pedestrian facility

Short-Term Active Transportation Opportunities Identified though Clay County Meeting

Moorhead

o Various SRTS plans; implement recommendations

Dilworth

o Received funding for a Safe Routes to School project

o Increase signage for bike/pedestrian use

o Snow removal issue for sidewalks

o Bike racks at DGF elementary

Clay County/County Wide o Pass Complete Streets Policies

Long-Term Active Transportation Opportunities Identified though Clay County Meeting

Moorhead

o ADA compliant sidewalks/curb cuts

o Better trail/sidewalk connections

o Easier crossing at Hwy 10 and 34th Street

o Separated crossing of Hwy 10 east of downtown

15

o Bike trail from Moorhead to Buffalo River State Park

o FM Metro Cog Bike/Pedestrian plan

o Moorhead-Fergus Falls trail connection

Dilworth

o 7th Street Bike/Pedestrian Trail

o Better linkages with Moorhead as identified in the FM Metro Cog Bike/Pedestrian

plan

o Add more sidewalks in Dilworth and Barnesville

Clay County/County-wide

o Heartland Trail extension

o Barnesville trail along Hwy 34 from Dairy Queen to Park

o Utilize the Statewide Bike Plan as a way to promote local trails

16

Otter Tail County

17

Active Living Context

Current Condition

Fergus Falls

o Preliminary plans drawn up for the canoe carry out, this will be behind the Fire Hall

o Applied for Bike Friendly Community designation

o Bike Task Force recently started

Battle Lake

o Glendalough trail being built from Battle Lake to Glendalough State Park

o Hwy 78 project will redesign downtown using Complete Streets principals as well as

designing for ADA compliance

o Host a yearly Bike Rodeo (over 20 year tradition)

o Police give out coupons for free ice cream to kids wearing bike helmets

o Wenonga Days 5k run

o Recently completed a Safe Routes to School plan

Perham

o Wildflower trail and Cal Miller Bike trail

o Recently completed a Safe Routes to School plan

o Hosts a yearly bike rodeo

o Host a 5k during Turtle Days

Other Area

o Pelican Rapids is working to identify and mark existing community walking routes and

establishing a bike path west to east through the city

o Yearly run held at Maplewood State Park

Short-Term Active Transportation Opportunities Identified though Ottertail County Meeting

App for iPhone

o Bike trails

o Walking trails

o River walk

o Bathrooms

Upgrading River walk signs

Battle Lake-Glendalough Cattail bike racks-with info signs

Otter Tail Scenic Byway bike racks

18

Have information racks in the community or attached to bike racks where people can get

safe biking information as well as local information on trails and events

Add more bike racks or produce a Bike rack map

Maps; bike racks, trails, etc.

Marketing/mapmaking

Less expensive items from 2013 SRTS infrastructure applications

Enhanced crossing in Battle Lake

Grinding in crosswalk in Fergus Falls by Kennedy Secondary School

o As opposed to painting on pedestrian crossings, grinding them in produces a longer

lasting crosswalk

Safety improvements are needed at the crossing between M & H and Otter Tail Power or

Liquor Store on Union

Bike/pedestrian Safety education materials/videos

Long-Term Active Transportation Opportunities Identified though Ottertail County Meeting

Fergus Falls

o Bike lanes on Lincoln

o Fix signal for bike crossing at Hwys 210 and 82

o Otter Tail River Canoe Access behind fire station

o Extend River Walk west past I-94 redevelopment

o Trail from Pebble Lake Road to Prairie Wetlands Center

o Fix trail section from Lakeview Drive to Diversion Drive

o Connect Central Lakes Trail to Heartland Trail

o Sculpture in roundabout

o Extend Central Lakes Trail

o Lake Alice (2015) bike lane around lake

o Bike trail from YMCA to Mount Faith and connect to Hwy 1 trail

o Lincoln Avenue trail to Western Avenue

Battle Lake

o Hwy 78 trail from Battle Lake to Ottertail

o Trail on Front Street to Hwy 78

Pelican Rapids

Sidewalk on East side of Hwy 59 from Hwy 9 to downtown

19

Wilkin County

20

Active Living Context

Current Condition

Breckenridge

o PartnerSHIP 4 Health provided them with $4999 to complete various Active

Transportation projects

o Have bike trail on several roads including Main Street

This is a trail marked by signs and could use some pavement marking

o Host numerous walks and runs including:

Poker Walk in Aug

Historic Walk

Soup Walk

Zoo Walk

o Host a yearly Bike Rodeo

o Have Share the Road signs around town

o Completed a CIMS application for (project)

o Host Bike or Walk to School Week events

Short-Term Active Transportation Opportunities Identified though Wilkin County Meeting

Breckenridge

o Make the Flood wall “artistic” and provide a trail along that area

o Bike racks

o Share the Road education campaign

o Improve Hwy 75 to County Rd 20

Accommodate for bikers, pedestrians

o Enhanced crossing-flashing light

By Dairy Queen

On Hwy 75 by skating rink-path crosses

o Look at SRTS plan for improvements

Long-Term Active Transportation Opportunities Identified though Wilkin County Meeting

Breckenridge

o Bike path paved/completed

Hwy 14 past elevators to bridge

o Bike path on east side of dike

o Bike path over dike (scenic)

o River walk along dike

o Trail from Wilkin Avenue to the Hospital

21

Active Transportation Advisory Partnership (ATAP)

The following list of ideas to improve biking and walking opportunities in our four-county area was

identified as a result of discussion and initial brainstorming at the ATAP Kick-off Meeting Held Feb 7th

2013. After consideration of all of these options, it was decided that we would move forward with

funding $20,000 worth of bike racks to be distributed throughout the four counties. An email or

letter was sent to each City within this region and those who returned the form were granted their

request for a rack. More information can be found in the Low Hanging Fruit/Quick Wins section later

in this plan.

Promote and enhance Heartland Trail

Create a trail from Wilkin Avenue to St. Francis Hospital (Breckenridge)

Extend North Country Trail (Frazee to Vergas)

Promote and sign Glendalough Trail to Battle Lake

Develop and promote biking and economic development fund campaign

Look for opportunities to upgrade and make ADA improvements (sidewalks and

intersections)

Look for opportunities to improve Accessibility of trails for all users

Would like a permanently paved Trail Head in Fergus Falls along the Central Lakes Trail

Seek a Central Lakes Trail Connection to downtown Fergus Falls

Seek a Fergus Falls trail connection to Becker County

Look into creating a 4-County Region Trail Plan

Identify significant destinations for biking and walking and safe routes

Create a Phone Map-Ap/QR-Code

o Wahpeton

o Frazee

o North Country Trail

Look into GPS for bikes

Discuss if the crosswalks time-long enough for kids/handicapped?

Discuss Bike trail connection-Frazee to Fischer Century Farm

Provide and promote Bike racks throughout the region

Look for ways to improve and create Pedestrian-friendly road crossings

o Infrastructure

o Education for bikers, walkers and motorists

Encourage bike rental kiosks

o Alexandria

o Detroit Lakes

Educate citizens about their availability of hand and other specialty bikes

Possibly have a League Cycling Instructor course focused on hand bikes

Ask residents: “What keeps you from commuting by bike/foot?” and address those issues

Create events for dog owners or other specific demographics to be active

“Can’t see crosswalks under snow and ice” address snow issues

22

Explore Bike trail from Pelican Rapids to Maplewood State Park

Fergus Falls-River walk-Mill property

o Enhance safety and security along River walk

Teach bicycle maintenance courses in the region

Encourage bicycle recycling

Exploring on-road bike facilities

Additional discussion was held at our ATAP meeting on March 21st 2013. This discussion primarily

focused around $20,000 in funding that is available for projects in the four-county area. The

discussion outline is as follows:

Bike racks-$20,000 worth

o with information station

Share the Road signs-$20,000

Education for elementary children

o Bike rodeo

o Uniform education flyer

Shared use bikes-nice ride

Provide benches

Bikes/bike helmets-give away

Incentives for survey

Bike education-adults

o How do we engage?

o Freebies?

Education motorists

o How to behave around bikes

o Share the Road; let people know what they mean

Media campaign: newspaper, Facebook, Twitter, hand out info (MNDOT), fliers, etc. Work

with local police

Governor’s Fit City

23

Active Living Plan

24

Regional Current Conditions & Significant Area Projects

Adventure Cycling Route (Source: www.adventurecycling.org) Adventure Cycling is a national for-profit company that promotes bicycle travel around the United

States. Their route through Minnesota is the only place in the country that cyclists can choose to go

on either a northern route or a southern route. The map below depicts both routes. The Southern

route goes through our CTG area and is of regional significance to this project. Below is the map of

the two routes from the Adventure Cycling Association in Minnesota

Heart Land Trail (Source: www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_trails/heartland/index.html)

The Heartland State Trail was one of the first rail-to-trail projects in the country. It is a 49 mile

multiple use trail between Park Rapids and Cass Lake. The trail is located entirely on a level

abandoned railroad grade except for a four mile segment north of Walker, on sharply rolling terrain.

The 27 mile segment between Park Rapids and Walker has a paved surface. This segment also has

a second grassy treadway for horseback riding and mountain biking. The 20 mile segment from

Walker to Cass Lake is also paved, with a partial dual treadway for snowmobiles with studded

tracks.

25

The entire trail is groomed in the winter for snowmobiling; however, studded tracks are prohibited

on the asphalt. The Heartland also provides connections to many miles of groomed snowmobile

trails in the Hubbard County Grant-in-Aid system.

Central Lakes Trail (source: www.centrallakestrail.com) The Central Lakes Trail begins at the southeast edge of Fergus Falls and is available for all to enjoy.

This 14 foot wide, 55 mile long, nearly level, paved trail.

The trail is open to non-motorized visitors with the exception of snowmobiles during the winter

season. It is great for walking, running, bicycling, in-line skating, roller skiing, wheelchairs, etc.

The trail is built on a former railroad line stretching between Fergus Falls and Osakis. It additionally

passes through the communities of Dalton, Ashby, Melby, Evansville, Brandon, Garfield, Alexandria,

and Nelson. The trail traverses through, or next to, a scenic mixture of woodlands, grasslands, lakes,

wetlands, and farm country.

The Central Lakes Trail is connected to the Lake Wobegon Trail; which extends from Osakis to St.

Joseph (48 miles) and also to Holdingford. An additional connection from the Lake Wobegon Trail to

the Morrison County trail has been completed. This results in a total paved trail length of

approximately130 miles.

26

Vision and Goals

Active Living Vision Through deliberate, collective action, Becker, Clay, Otter Tail and Wilkin Counties will be a place:

Where there exists a mutual respect among all modes of transportation

That is as accessible for bicyclists and pedestrians as it is for motor vehicles

Where physical activity is safe, easy and accessible, and a common occurrence for residents

That has strong connections – allowing people to comfortably navigate to and from

destinations in communities

Where children can safely walk and bicycle to school

Goals Implement policies and practices that create active communities by increasing opportunities

for non-motorized transportation and access to community recreational activities.

Incorporate pedestrian and bicycle facilities into standard transportation improvement

programs (TIP) or capital improvement plans (CIP) throughout the Region.

27

Objectives and Strategies

Objective 1: Generate community-wide support for active living

Strategy 1.1 – Utilize the local leadership teams to educate, inform, and

increase the amount of “buy-in” across the region for active living

Description- The local leadership teams are in a great position to expand the

amount of “buy-in” for active living in each county. This includes reaching out

to engineering departments, elected officials, citizens, and other departments

and organizations that may have an interest in active living.

Priorities: Reach out to cities and school districts, particularly those with

significant populations suffering health inequities.

Timeline: 2013-2015

Champions: Local Active Living Advocates

Lead Contacts: Clay County – Keely Ihry

Becker County – Guy Fischer

Wilkin County – Patrick Hollister

Otter Tail County – Patrick Hollister

Strategy 1.2- Partner on high priorities with a wide range of community

organizations

Description- There are a wide variety for opportunities and methods to

consider when implementing active living. Creating effective partnerships may

be the best way to tackle these opportunities at the local level. It will be

important to leave open the option to continue to evaluate, plan, and

implement new active living initiatives as they arise. There are also ample

opportunities across the region for grass-root organizing to implement existing

initiatives.

Priorities: Engage new communities, particularly those with significant

populations suffering health inequities.

Timeline: 2013-2015

Champions: Local Active Living Advocates

Lead Contacts: Clay County – Keely Ihry

28

Becker County – Guy Fischer

Wilkin County – Patrick Hollister

Otter Tail County – Patrick Hollister

Objective 2: Promote policies that create and support an active living

environment

Strategy 2.1- Complete Walk Audits in population centers (also focus of other

communities of interest within our region)

Description- One of the primary benefits of a walk audit is to develop an action

plan with strategies to improve walkability in communities. It also serves as a

chance for public input and buy-in.

Priorities: Choose one city in each of the four counties for a Walk Audit

Timeline: 2013-2014

Champions: Local Active Living Advocates

Lead Contacts: Dilworth – Keely Ihry

Frazee – Jonathan Smith

Breckenridge – Kristin Nicholson

Pelican Rapids – Patrick Hollister

Strategy 2.2- Present the Active Living Toolkit and seek resolutions of support

from each County Board (Becker, Clay, Otter Tail, Wilkin), and other significant

communities in our region as deemed necessary by the ATAP.

Priorities: Reach out to County Boards

Timeline: 2013-2015

Champions: Local Active Living Advocates

Lead Contacts: Clay County – Keely Ihry

Becker County – Guy Fischer

Wilkin County – Steve Neppl

Otter Tail County – Patrick Hollister

Strategy 2.3- Develop Complete Streets Policies for municipalities, or

incorporate concepts into Transportation Improvement Programs (TIP) or

Capital Improvement Plans (CIP)

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Priorities: Choose one City in each of three Counties to focus efforts on the

adoption of a Complete Streets policy

Timeline: 2013-2015

Champions: Local Active Living Advocates

Lead Contacts: Glyndon – Patrick Hollister

Lake Park – Patrick Hollister

Pelican Rapids – Patrick Hollister

Strategy 2.4- Develop (parks and) trails plans where opportunities present

themselves, with a focus on active transportation (using human powered

transportation such as bicycling and walking to get to destinations such as

schools, places of employment, and residential areas.)

Priority: Plan for a Multi-Use Path Connection between Pelican Rapids and

Perham

Timeline: 2013-2015

Champions: Local Officials and MnDOT District 4 Officials

Lead Contacts: Pelican Rapids – Don Solga

Perham – Chuck Johnson

Otter Tail County – Rick West

MnDOT District 4 – Jane Butzer

West Central Initiative – Wayne Hurley

PartnerSHIP 4 Health – Patrick Hollister

Objective 3: Provide essential infrastructure that makes physical activity an

easy, accessible and enjoyable option

Strategy 3.1 Pursue Federal transportation funds, including Transportation

Alternatives, Safe Routes to School, and other funding as available to provide

pedestrian and bicycle facilities

Priorities: Encourage Cities and Counties to apply for the next rounds of SRTS

and CIMS grants, particularly those cities with significant populations suffering

health inequities.

Timeline: 2013-2015

Champions: Local Active Living Advocates

Lead Contacts: Clay County – Keely Ihry

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Becker County – Guy Fischer

Wilkin County – Patrick Hollister

Otter Tail County – Patrick Hollister

Strategy 3.2 Install signage that provides a safe, clear, and seamless trip to

key destinations

Description- There is a wide variety of options for pedestrian and/or bicycle

scale signage. Good examples include Share-the-Road Signage, way-finding

signs (that help guide pedestrians and bicyclists to destinations), and bicycle

routes signs.

Priorities: Walking Route Signage for Pelican Rapids

Timeline: Summer 2013

Champions: Janet Lindberg

Lead Contacts: Pelican Rapids – Don Solga

PartnerSHIP 4 Health – Patrick Hollister

Otter Tail County – Janet Lindberg

Strategy 3.3- Install bicycle racks at important destinations (such as schools,

businesses, parks, etc.)

Priorities: Offer one free bike rack to each city in our four-county area

Timeline: Summer/Fall 2013

Champions: Local Active Living Advocates

Lead Contacts: Clay County – Keely Ihry

Becker County – Guy Fischer

Wilkin County – Kayla Rossiter

Otter Tail County – Patrick Hollister

Strategy 3.4- Include sidewalks, bicycle lanes, wide shoulders, and/or

separated bicycle trails in appropriate road reconstruction projects OR as

stand-alone transportation projects

Priorities: 2013 Highway 78 Complete Streets Project in Battle Lake

Timeline: Summer and Fall 2013

Champions: Local Active Living Advocates

Lead Contacts: Battle Lake – Wanda Berg-Vorgert

PartnerSHIP 4 Health – Patrick Hollister

BL Arts Advisory Committee – Reba Gilliand

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Objective 4: Develop programs and promotions that highlight existing

opportunities to be physically active

Strategy 4.1- Host a variety of events that have an active component

Description- this could take on many forms. The following are a few options

A lead group (i.e. a service organization, group of community

leaders or active citizens) could take the lead on organizing a

centrally and conveniently located active living event

Host a geocaching event (using a GPS device to find hidden

containers) to highlight key pedestrian and bicycle routes

and/or parks and trails

Organize community bicycle rides

Host a 5k walk/run

Start a bicycle or walking club

Priorities: Increase Participation in Bike or Walk to Work or School Week,

particularly in those communities with significant populations suffering health

inequities.

Timeline: 2014-2015

Champions: Local Active Living Advocates

Lead Contacts: Clay County – Keely Ihry

Becker County – Karen Nitzkorski

Wilkin County – Patrick Hollister

Otter Tail County – Patrick Hollister

Strategy 4.2- Develop pedestrian and bicycle route maps

Priorities: Develop GIS Pedestrian and Bicycle Maps for the cities that are

currently pursuing Bicycle-Friendly Community status

Timeline: 2013-2015

Champions: Local Officials and Active Living Advocates

Lead Contacts: Moorhead – Keely Ihry, Jason Artley

Frazee – Jonathan Smith

Battle Lake – Wanda Berg-Vorgert

Fergus Falls – Anne Martens

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PartnerSHIP 4 Health – Patrick Hollister

West Central Initiative – Kayla Rossiter

Strategy 4.3- Develop active living brochures, highlighting concepts such as

“Rules of the Road” and “Share the Trail” to highlight expectations and laws

for pedestrians and bicyclists.

Priorities: Create a Brochure for the Four-County Area

Timeline: 2013-2015

Champions: Local Officials and Active Living Advocates

Lead Contacts: Clay County – Keely Ihry

Becker County – Guy Fischer

Wilkin County – Kristin Nicholson

Otter Tail County – Patrick Hollister

West Central Initiative – Kayla Rossiter

Strategy 4.4- Paint, repaint, and sign marked crosswalks – particularly along

desirable pedestrian and bicycle routes

Priorities: Identify intersections or other crossings in need of signage,

particularly in those communities or neighborhoods with significant

populations suffering health inequities.

Timeline: 2013-2015

Champions: Local Officials and Active Living Advocates

Lead Contacts: Clay County – Keely Ihry

Becker County – Guy Fischer

Wilkin County – Patrick Hollister

Otter Tail County – Patrick Hollister

West Central Initiative – Kayla Rossiter

Objective 5: Increase education related to bicycling

Strategy 5.1 – Work with the bicycle Alliance of MN and other organizations to

host TS 101 courses. Encourage those who have completed the TS 101

course to become League Cycling Instructors.

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Priorities: TS-101 Class in Frazee in the Summer/Fall of 2013

Timeline: Summer/Fall 2013

Champions: PartnerSHIP 4 Health, Local League Cycling Instructors

Lead Contacts: City of Frazee – Jonathan Smith

PartnerSHIP 4 Health – Patrick Hollister

Minnesota Dept. of Health – Matthew Dyrdahl

Bicycle Alliance of MN – Natalie Gille

League Cycling Instructors – Kayla Rossiter

Joe Mahunik

Dave Sanderson

Strategy 5.2- Host Bike Rodeos and related events in local communities and

local schools.

Priorities: Hold bike rodeos in various cities in the spring/summer of 2014

Timeline: Spring/Summer 2014

Champions: Local Active Living Advocates

Lead Contacts: Fergus Falls – Patrick Hollister

Pelican Rapids – Patrick Hollister

Breckenridge – Nate Harder

Detroit Lakes – Karen Nitzkorski

Perham – Karen Nitzkorski

Barnesville – Karen Nitzkorski

Henning – Karen Nitzkorski

West Central Initiative – Kayla Rossiter

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Desirable Components of an Active Transportation Partner

For this section the ATAP team reviewed best practices from Complete Streets, Bike Friendly

Communities, general city policies, and Walk Friendly Communities. This list is meant to serve as a

guide and should not be construed as requirements for participating in the CTG program. WCI and

PS4H staffs are available to assist your community in pursuing these best practices.

Complete Streets

What are “Complete Streets”? (source: www.smartgrowthamerica.org/complete-

streets)

Complete Streets are streets for everyone. They are designed and operated to enable safe access for

all users. Pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and public transportation users of all ages and abilities

are able to safely move along and across a complete street. Complete Streets make it easy to cross

the street, walk to shops, and bicycle to work. They allow buses to run on time and make it safe for

people to walk to and from transit stations.

What do Complete Streets policies do?

Creating complete streets means transportation agencies must change their approach to community

roads. By adopting a Complete Streets policy, communities direct their transportation planners and

engineers to routinely design and operate the entire right of way to enable safe access for all users,

regardless of age, ability, or mode of transportation. This means that every transportation project will

make the street network better and safer for drivers, transit users, pedestrians, and bicyclists –

making your town a better place to live. The National Complete Streets Coalition has identified the

elements of an ideal Complete Streets policy to help you write one for your town.

The Many Types of Complete Streets

There is no singular design prescription for Complete Streets; each street is unique and responds to

its community context. Roadways that are planned and designed using a Complete Streets approach

may include: sidewalks, bike lanes (or wide paved shoulders), special bus lanes, comfortable and

accessible public transportation stops, frequent and safe crossing opportunities, median islands,

accessible pedestrian signals, curb extensions, narrower travel lanes, roundabouts, and more.

A “complete” street in a rural area will look quite different from a “complete” street in a highly urban

area, but both are designed to balance safety and convenience for everyone using the road. The

following information demonstrates the variety of options in creating roads that are safe for all users,

regardless of age, ability, or mode of transportation.

An ideal Complete Streets policy:

Includes a vision for how and why the community wants to complete its streets

Specifies that ‘all users’ includes pedestrians, bicyclists and transit passengers of

all ages and abilities, as well as trucks, buses and automobiles.

Applies to both new and retrofit projects, including design, planning, maintenance,

and operations, for the entire right of way.

Makes any exceptions specific and sets a clear procedure that requires high-level

approval of exceptions.

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Encourages street connectivity and aims to create a comprehensive, integrated,

connected network for all modes.

Is adoptable by all agencies to cover all roads.

Directs the use of the latest and best design criteria and guidelines while

recognizing the need for flexibility in balancing user needs.

Directs that Complete Streets solutions will complement the context of the

community.

Establishes performance standards with measurable outcomes.

Includes specific next steps for implementation of the policy

________ Complete Streets Policy passed (check when complete)

List ways they have utilized this policy, some examples would include:

Narrowing streets, striping bike lanes, including sidewalks in new development, rain

gardens, pedestrian streetscaping, use of bump-outs on corners, use of pedestrian

islands, other projects as identified

Bicycle Friendly Community

About the BFC Program (source: www.bikeleague.org/bfa) The Bicycle Friendly Community Program (BFC) provides a roadmap to improve conditions for

bicycling in your community and offers national recognition for communities that actively support

bicycling. A Bicycle Friendly Community welcomes cyclists by providing safe accommodation for

cycling and encouraging people to bike for transportation and recreation.

Benefits

Encouraging bicycling is a simple way towards improving public health. With more people bicycling,

communities experience reduced traffic demands, improved air quality and greater physical fitness.

In addition, Bicycle Friendly Communities are places with a high quality of life, where people want to

live, work, and visit. Building such a community can translate into a more connected, physically

active, and environmentally sustainable community that enjoys increased property values, business

growth, increased tourism, and more transportation choices for citizens.

How to Apply or Renew your Application

To be included in the next review cycle and possibly join those communities earning the award,

submit the Bicycle Friendly Community application by the next application deadline; there are two

application deadlines per year, one in February and the other in July. Renewals are due every four

years after a community is designated so that the League of American Bicyclists can continue to

recognize your progress. Please note that award levels may change after each application.

Award Determination

A judging panel of national bicycle experts reviews and scores the application and consults with local

cyclists in your community. The League of American Bicyclists awards Bicycle Friendly Community

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designations at the Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum and Diamond level and acknowledges

communities that are close to becoming bicycle friendly, but still have some room to grow, with an

Honorable Mention. The names of the communities that do not achieve an award or an Honorable

Mention will not be publicized.

An award is designated for four years, at which point a community needs to re-apply in order to

renew its designation. The League of American Bicyclists recognizes newly designated Bicycle

Friendly Communities with two purple Bicycle Friendly Community road signs, an award certificate, a

digital award seal for online and printed publications, and a profile and a formal press

announcement on the BFA website.

________ Bike Friendly Designation Applied for (check when complete)

Indicate which rating was received (if any) and review suggestions and make

improvements accordingly

Walk Friendly Community

What is a Walk Friendly Community (Source: www.walkfriendly.org) Walk Friendly Communities is a national recognition program developed to encourage towns and

cities across the U.S. to establish or recommit to a high priority for supporting safer walking

environments. The WFC program will recognize communities that are working to improve a wide

range of conditions related to walking, including safety, mobility, access, and comfort.

Why should my community apply for this? By applying for a Walk Friendly Community designation, your community will receive specific

suggestions and resources on how to make needed changes for pedestrian safety. Through the

questions in the assessment tool, your communities will be able to identify the areas of needed

improvements that can form the framework for your comprehensive pedestrian improvement plan.

Communities awarded with a Walk Friendly Community designation will receive national recognition

for their efforts to improve a wide range of conditions related to walking, including safety, mobility,

access and comfort

How does my community apply?

Start by reviewing the Getting Started page on the website

(http://www.walkfriendly.org/get_started.cfm). Once you have prepared for your application, create a

registration account for your community's Walk Friendly Communities application. The application

process will be a collaborative effort — individuals from multiple agencies and backgrounds will need

to be involved in the process. It is recommended, however, to have one application coordinator per

community to oversee the entire process. That person may be a planner, engineer, law enforcement

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official, or advocate. Applications will be accepted twice each year. There is no cost to apply for a

Walk Friendly Community designation.

What happens after we apply? Once the deadline submission has passed, the review panel will begin scoring

applications. Individuals from the review panel may need to contact you to clarify

responses to particular questions. When all applications have been scored by multiple

reviewers, the awards will be announced. Announcements will be made between 2–3

months after the submission deadline.

________ Walk Friendly Designation Applied for (check when complete)

Indicate which rating was received (if any) and review suggestions and make

improvements accordingly

General Policy

Sidewalk Policy and Safe Routes to School Plan There a number of policies that a community should have in place in order to promote active

transportation and healthy lifestyles. Some suggestions of policies are listed below

________ Sidewalk policy. An effective sidewalk policy is one in which sidewalks are required in new

construction and where current sidewalks are protected from removal and adequately maintained.

The city should also actively seek to add additional sidewalks where connections are missing or are

in poor repair.

________ Safe Routes to School plan. This enables schools, city staff, police, parents, teachers and

others to come together and where it is safe, get kids biking and walking; and where it’s not safe,

work towards making it safe.

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Implementation Approach

Implementation of this active living initiative can be approached in a variety of ways. West

Central Initiative and PartnerSHIP 4 Health can provide technical assistance to get your

community started on implementation. The Active Transportation Advisory Partnership

(ATAP) and local teams will also be key players in implementation. Finally, the community as

a whole should be involved. This includes ordinary citizens, service organizations, elected

officials, and others interested in health and wellness. This section provides an overall

approach to implementation. It will be up to each individual community to determine what

the most important issues are and how to start to make progress.

Early Implementation The “early implementation” time period will be from May 2013 to Aug 2013. The ideal

outcome of this early period is to set up communities to incorporate pedestrian and bicycle

facilities into the standard transportation programming. This also corresponds with some

additional funding of approximately $20,000 that will be spent on active transportation

projects within our four-county region. It will be essential to obtain political support for active

living and supply communities with tools to advance active transportation. WCI and PS4H

will lead this effort with the support of the ATAP and local teams.

Low Hanging Fruit/Quick Wins Communities also have the option of finding “low hanging fruit” – or initiatives that are

relatively easy to implement and will have a significant impact. This is important to generate

buzz in communities for active living.

There is approximately $20,000 available for the four-county region to be spent on active

transportation in communities. There is specific guidance on eligible and non-eligible

expenses. The following are allowed uses based on the

guidance that can help move communities forward on

active transportation initiatives:

Printing and distributing trail maps

Way-finding signage (including the metal pole)

for bike trails, parks, etc. (Installation costs

including the cement or cost to pour the cement

is not an allowable expense for SHIP funds)

Cost of paint or tape for bike lane or crosswalk

striping. Exclusive of the installation and

materials

Banners with healthy lifestyle messages

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Install bicycle racks (note there are specific conditions for this use)

Other uses as identified that comply with SHIP and CTG guidelines

Given the above list of allowable expenses, it was decided to purchase bike racks for cities

in Becker, Clay, Otter Tail and Wilkin Counties, including the Becker County portion of White

Earth, with approximately $20,000 of financial assistance. This will allow the installation of

at least one bike rack in each of the communities in these counties. WCI and PS4H staff will

provide assistance with determining proper bike rack locations as well as discussions with

each city about how people are getting to these racks and around the city by bicycle.

Hopefully this will open the discussion about Complete Streets as well as trails and

numerous other opportunities to improving biking and walking in their communities.

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One to Five Year Implementation While the first few months (May to Aug 2013) are critical to getting the ball rolling on active

living, it will also be important to consider implementing strategies outlined in this Active

Transportation Plan over the next five years. The following is a breakdown of possible

implementation strategies:

Identify Champions

It is important to identify champions for active living

strategies. A champion in this context is an individual,

group, or organization that is committed to seeing a

strategy through to completion. A champion has to be

passionate about a particular strategy and have a

desire to get real results. If the is no champion, there

really is no strategy.

Prioritize

Given the complexity of active living and the wide

range of possible strategies, it is very important to

prioritize which strategies are the most important.

The prioritization process should take into account

the desired outcome as well as the ability to complete

the strategy.

Utilize/Maximize Partnerships

Most active living strategies will require effective

partnerships. Each County already has a great start

on partnerships in their local leadership teams. It will

be important to expand these partnerships to gain

expertise in transportation planning and engineering,

as well as political support.

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Domains of Active Living

Active living is a way of life that integrates physical activity into daily routines. Active Living

by Design developed a model that is being used to tailor an appropriate vision for active

living in each of the counties. Active Living by Design helps communities create more

opportunities for physical activity through policy and community design. According to this

model, physical activity can be viewed in 4 “systems” which are:

Schools

Parks and Recreation

Active Transportation

Community Design/Land Use

Schools

The school system represents school environments including buildings, grounds, curricula,

procedures and norms, as well as the accessibility of school and the quality of routes to and

from school.

Key Issues:

Getting to and from school

Traffic concerns

Park and Recreation

Parks and recreation refers to the accessibility and

quality of parks, playgrounds, trails, and natural open

space, indoor recreation centers, gyms, pools and the

programs that encourage people to use them.

Key Issues:

Availability

Design and Maintenance

Programming

Active Transportation

Active Transportation pertains to the physical

arrangements and facilities that support walking,

biking, public transit, and other active means of

transportation.

Key Issues:

Access to destinations

Safety

Equity

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Community Design/Land Use

Community Design/Land Use refers mainly to how the layout of the community and the quality of

places affects the accessibility and use of key destinations

and opportunities for physical activity.

Key Issues:

Community design/land use

Proximity and destination diversity

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Bike Friendly Community Kick-offs and Assessments

Held in Frazee, Fergus Falls, and Battle Lake:

Purpose: To evaluate the current bicycle infrastructure as well as the overall

community as pertaining to bike friendly criteria outlined in the process

Description: During this process stakeholders gathered and physically went out into

the community (by bus) and were able to discuss and evaluate the current conditions

as well as discuss the possibilities for future projects.

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Walk Audits A walk audit is a great way to increase engagement in a community, get others to see the issues or

challenges of walking, and increase knowledge around the attributes a community has that could be

helpful in making it more pedestrian friendly. A walk audit can be done by just one person or a whole

community. For a walk audit you need a walk audit form (see Attachment B) or something similar to

help in the assessment of the community. Pick an area to cover, walk that area and fill out the

forms as you go. Once you are done tally the results and hold a meeting to discuss your findings and

what next steps should be taken.

Walk audits are an important way to assess a community. As the CTG program moves forward, work

will begin on completing walk audits in the communities in the region. (Pictured below is a walk

audit held for the purposes of Safe Routes to School, the group is creating a human bump-out)

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Appendix

Cite other resources and links to local and state plans:

WCI Regional Trails Plan

http://www.wcif.org/?page=Trails_Planning

Ship County reports –Health Indicator Reports

http://www.ndsu.edu/sdc/publications/research.htm#CommunitySPP

FMCOG’s Bike & Pedestrian Plan

http://www.fmmetrocog.org/new/assets/documents/bike%20plan/January_2012_body.pdf

MnDOT’s Minnesota Statewide Bicycle Planning Study

http://www.dot.state.mn.us/bike/study.html

Complete Streets Implementation Resource Guide for Minnesota Local Agencies

http://www.dot.state.mn.us/research/TS/2013/2013RIC02.pdf

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Attachment A: Complete Streets Sample Ordinance

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Attachment B – Walk Audit Form

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