NEXT TRAIL TO TAKE

Jordan Jordan 30 30 has over has over miles of walkways miles of walkways

Minnesota Valley Trail south of Jordan.

BY MARK WASSON

Jordan boasts more than 30 miles of trails and sidewalks that connect most of the city’s 13 parks — and more are on the way.

City Engineer Mike Waltman said the park and trail system is a priority for the city.

“There’s a lot of work to think about how to improve the trail network,” he said, “where we can make connections and particularly in the context of the community as new developments come in, trying to make sure that the people have recreational opportunities that loop throughout the whole community and to keep everyone connected.”

At this point, the city plans to close the gaps and connect all of its trails and walkways. There’s a project slated for 2023 at the intersection of County Road 66 and Highway 21 that will connect trails and sidewalks that already exist, according to Waltman, who said the northeast and northwest corners of the intersection will get new trails, including one along Highway 21.

Waltman said the city envisions a loop in partnership with St. Lawrence Township that would extend to the Scott County fairgrounds to Delaware Avenue and back to Highway 66, where much of the residential growth in Jordan is taking place.

“Since 2013, the local sidewalk and trail network has had over $1 million invested in it,” he said. “Over half of that investment has been made by the city of Jordan, with other investment coming from partnerships the city’s facilitated investment from developers and (the Minnesota Department of Transportation).”

Most of the trails in Jordan are paved, like the walkways near Lagoon Park, which feature a waterfall along Sand Creek, but the city would like to add to its woodchip trails.

One of Jordan’s park gems is Grassmann Park, which features workout equipment from Ninja Warrior that allows residents a different option for working out besides weights in a gym. That park features a trail loop with mile markers so people know how far they’ve traveled.

“I love the opportunity to make improvements for priorities that the locals have here and trying to help people get out and be a little more active and just enjoy the outdoors more,” Waltman said.

Waltman said he finds it rewarding to help make a community a better place for families and to have safe facilities, something the trails and park system in Jordan provides.

“There’s a lot of benefits to a trail network, even beyond the recreational aspects in that area,” he said. “It’s just another transportation method people

PHOTOS BY MARK WASSON PHO PH P OH TOS TOS BY B MA ARK RK R WAS A SON SO O

Grassmann Park in Jordan features an American Ninja Warrior challenge course.

Sand Creek River waterfall next to Lagoon Park in Jordan.