On the Mark: Pine Valley master plan has input opportunities

What would you like to see in an upgrade of Cloquet's Pine Valley recreation area? The city of Cloquet recently hired a team of consultants to consider options and survey the public on our priorities. On June 21, the consultants presented an overview and received feedback from a couple dozen community members at Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College.

Many participants proposed improvements for Pine Valley. Cross-country skiers, ski jumpers, snowshoers, trail runners, mountain and winter bikers, picnickers and hockey fans addressed current issues and priorities for their constituencies. Other users, such as dog walkers and hikers, were mentioned as well.

Pine Valley upgrades were last considered and made in 2014 in a Cloquet City Park System Master Plan. The consultant team began by listing some priorities: improving the visibility of Pine Valley to the public, chalet renovation, and paving and reconstructing the parking lot to improve drainage. The chalet improvements, they noted, could include a pavilion useful for summer events such as picnics and celebrations (graduation parties, weddings). One challenge would be making the chalet ADA accessible. Currently, it requires a walk up a small hill without a sidewalk, and the bathroom would have to be improved as well.

Participants also propose adding more mountain bike trails, rustic paths, modest landscaping, and improvements to the hockey arena. Some would like to see additional lighting for trails at night. Others would like to see snowmaking equipment devoted to Pine Valley: water is easily accessible and ski club volunteers could make the snow. All upgrades would seek to improve trail offerings and address water quality and utility structures. Since the terrain is largely hilly and forested, the plan will recommend measures to improve drainage and preserve soil quality. The consultants presented ideas for better wayfinding signage including a box with maps for users, efforts to make Pine Valley a regional destination, and negotiations with Fond du Lac Tribe for continued access to their adjacent White Pine Trail.

Everyone who spoke supported the continuation of free status for use of Pine Valley. The Cloquet Ski Club made the case for snowmaking equipment, better grooming equipment in the form of a piston bully, chalet upgrades, ski jump maintenance and the opening of the second rope tow. They also stressed the area's potential for summer jumping, a 70 meter jump and a rollerski course. Some also spoke to the desirability of drawing up formalized trail-sharing agreements with biking and other clubs.

A parent noted that the Cloquet jumping club is one of the top five in the country, seconding the wish list for ski jump improvements and additions. A man who coaches Nordic ski teams stated that Pine Valley Trails should always be free.

How would these improvements be funded? Possibilities include applying for Legacy fund monies and a half percent sales tax dedicated to Pine Valley improvements and maintenance.

An online interactive survey is available from now through June 30 at wikimapping.com/2021-Pine-Valley-Park-

Master-Plan.html for anyone who would like to take part in the planning process.

The consultant team also plans for extensive public engagement, including three public meetings.

Ann Markusen is an economist and professor emerita at University of Minnesota. She lives in Red Clover Township north of Cromwell with her husband, Rod Walli.