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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-04-21 DTPC PacketTHE BIRTHPLACE Of MINNESOTA DOWNTOWN PARKING COMMISSION April 21st, 2022 REGULAR MEETING 8:30 A.M. I. CALL TO ORDER II. ROLL CALL III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Possible approval of the March 17th, 2022 meeting minutes IV. OPEN FORUM - The Open Forum is a portion of the Commission meeting to address subjects which are not a part of the meeting agenda. The Chairperson may reply at the time of the statement or may give direction to staff regarding investigation of the concerns expressed. Out of respect for others in attendance, please limit your comments to 5 minutes or less. V. UNFINISHED BUSINESS VI. NEW BUSINESS 2. Cruisin' the Croix Car Show Event Permit application 3. Bridge the Valley Bike Rally Event Permit application VII. DISCUSSION 4. Election of officer's discussion VIII. FYI — STAFF UPDATES IX. ADJOURNMENT i 1 I \' ater TOE DIRTNELOCE Of MINNESOTA DOWNTOWN PARKING COMMISSION MEETING March 17, 2022 The meeting was called to order at 8:30 a.m. Present: Commissioners Bates (remotely), Glynn, Lepage, Rheinberger, Council Liaison Junker Absent: Chair McAllister, Commissioner Anderson Staff present: Community Development Director Gladhill, Parks Superintendent Grode ACTING CHAIR Motion by Commissioner Rheinberger, seconded by Commissioner Lepage, to nominate Commissioner Glynn for the position of Acting Chair. All in favor. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Possible approval of February 17, 2022 meeting minutes Motion by Commissioner Rheinberger, seconded by Commissioner Lepage, to approve the minutes of the February 17, 2022 meeting. All in favor. OPEN FORUM There were no public comments. UNFINISHED BUSINESS There was no unfinished business. NEW BUSINESS Discuss Potential Changes to Event Policies Community Development Director Gladhill reviewed potential amendments to event policies being discussed by the City Council. A workshop with event planners was held on February 22. The goal is to simplify the process and right -size event fees. He provided a revised Fee Schedule based on the cost to process the application itself and a minimal space reservation fee. City staff costs (mostly Public Safety) would be provided as a basic level of service which allows Public Safety and Public Works staff to focus on the true needs of the event and avoid negotiations on number of officers or staff. Councilmember Junker asked what is being done to measure the economic impact of events. Mr. Gladhill answered staff can do high level assumptions based on best practices and available data to determine the value of the events. One concept under discussion would be to make the event application process a two phase process. Councilmember Junker suggested that application deadlines be set so events are not coming before the Council at the last minute. Mr. Gladhill explained that staff spends a lot of time negotiating how many parking stalls are needed for events. Instead of counting stalls, staff suggests a flat rate of $200/parking lot. Event fees would be Downtown Parking Commission Meeting March 17, 2022 bundled reducing the number of line items from about 24 to 3-4 line items. Staff is also refining the process of communicating closure of the lot the night before events. Commissioner Rheinberger suggested tiered event fees, for instance $15,000 or $25,000 for Lumberjack Days which would include access to all downtown parking areas and Public Safety, and perhaps $5,000 for smaller events that need only two parking areas. Event coordinators could choose their fee level based on estimated attendance, number of days and complexity of the event. Mr. Gladhill responded that event organizers would tend to underestimate attendance in order to scale back the fee. Under the current system, staff negotiates with event planners on the number of officers needed. The proposed system takes that aspect out of the event fees. Councilmember Junker said he likes the idea of having City staff work with applicants on what is required for policing without it being tied to a certain fee. He noted the City has been trying to push events into parks rather than parking lots but if an event needs a parking lot, under the proposed structure they would "buy" a lot versus individual spaces. This seems easier to administer. Acting Chair Glynn asked what about Opera in the Park which needs only 3 spaces for artists? As an event planner and Downtown Parking Commissioner, he feels events should still be allowed to reserve individual parking spaces. Every lot is precious and the City has the ability to physically block space by space and charge events accordingly. For example, half of lot 4 was the ice rink for the Water Street Inn. Why can't people then park in the other half of the lot? He feels the per -lot policy would be going backwards. He does not support blanket fees. The City should capture user fees better. For Lumberjack Days, for instance, every space should be $10 which would capture additional revenue and pay for additional police for the event. Blocking a lot off for event activities would be different than reserving parking stalls for actual parking. Some events need only a few parking spaces. Another factor is that Chestnut Street Plaza will be available for some of the overflow. Commissioner Rheinberger said there could be a dual system - the long time event planners versus a blanket fee for one time events, for example. Commissioner Lepage emphasized the importance of getting feedback from event holders who will be most impacted by the change. For most events, the difference between the per -lot and per -space charge will probably be negligible. The simplicity of it in theory sounds great but the for events that don't need an entire lot, the details should be refined. Commissioner Bates said he likes the concept overall, and would like to consider a hybrid approach with some flexibility. Mr. Gladhill said it doesn't appear there is consensus for changing the fee structure for parking right now - it may require a deeper dive with event planners. What needs to be clarified is, when spaces are being reserved for parking versus closing a lot for an event; also, how to handle the fee when an event gets rained out. Councilmember Junker pointed out that last year Lot 8b (Wednesday night car show) was left open until 3 p.m. which worked well - an example of how to get creative about lot closures for events. Commissioner Lepage asked, is it possible to apply a standard structure for what are considered the biggest consistent events, and charge new events the ala carte costs? Parks Superintendent Grode said staff has informed event planners that event fees will be charged according to the fee schedule effective at the time of that event. The City has received 8-10 event applications recently and more will probably come in the next 2-4 weeks. Vice Chair Glynn remarked that event planners are most concerned about $1,000 a day for liquor versus $25 (current fee) - what is the rationale for this change? Page 2 of 5 Downtown Parking Commission Meeting March 17, 2022 Mr. Gladhill answered ultimately it is a City Council decision. Staff will work on refinement of the parking fees and bring it back to the Commission. The fee schedule and payment system will be reviewed in the context of broader strategy in looking at the whole downtown parking system. He supports recommending to the City Council a $10 parking charge for large events. Councilmember Junker commented that $200 a day for Lot 2 or Lot 8, with 50-80 parking spaces, is very cheap. The City should try to keep events in the park but if the events need to branch out into the parking lots, it should cost a minimum $500 a day for the larger lots. Vice Chairman Glynn noted he isn't hearing any Commissioners say they would not support a blanket fee structure but there needs to be flexibility to not require reservation of an entire lot. Commissioner Lepage added that if the parking charge is $10/space, the Commission should consider charging $500 rather than $200 for events that reserve the large lots. Mr. Gladhill summarized there is general support for bundling fees as long as there is some flexibility, and some support for $10/day for parking during larger events. The Commission also would consider eliminating seasonal parking. He asked if the Commission still wants to see each event application once fees are standardized. The Commission consensus was no, if fees are standardized correctly. Councilmember Junker noted the City Council is getting weary of applicants requesting fee waivers. The Commission always recommends charging the standard fee and many applicants appeal to the Council for a fee waiver. Mr. Gladhill added that City Council direction, in considering the temporary outdoor seating in public areas during the COVID pandemic, is to return to normal. The Council probably will not close Chestnut, Myrtle or Water Street this year, but supports continued closure of Union Alley which is not a travel or parking area. Staff are meeting one on one with those permit holders. Vice Chairman Glynn asked if those businesses could be required to pay for those spots to be a patio for the entire year or is it just saying they will return to parking? Mr. Gladhill replied that is a good question. Commissioner Lepage said talking to impacted businesses would be a good start, asking them, "Do you want to buy your spots for June, July and August or if we as a City say this is going back to the way it was before, how do you feel about that?" Mr. Gladhill stated that Chestnut Street businesses really want the road closed for outdoor seating but with all the downtown construction this is probably not a good year to close that street. DISCUSSION There were no discussion items. FYI/STAFF UPDATES There were no staff updates. COMMISSION REQUESTS There were no Commission requests. ADJOURNMENT Acting Chair Glynn adjourned the meeting at 9:36 a.m. ATTEST: Brad Glynn, Acting Chair Page 3 of 3 Downtown Parking Commission Meeting March 17, 2022 Tim Gladhill, Community Development Director Page 4 of 5 illwater THE BIRTHPLACE OF MINNESOTA DATE: April 21, 2022 TO: Downtown Parking Commission FROM: Jason Grode, Parks Superintendent SUBJECT: Cruisin' on the Croix Car Show Event Application BACKGROUND Attached is the application for the 2022 Cruisin' on the Croix car show event. The proposed vintage and hot rod car show would be held from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. on every other Wednesday evening from June 15, 2022 to September 21, 2022 for a total of eight dates. The event has requested the use of parking lots 8B, 9 and 11. Parking lot 8B has 75 parking spaces, parking lot 9 has 30 Spaces and parking lot 11 has 45 spaces for a total of 150 parking spaces. Based on the current fee schedule, the cost to use 150 parking spaces at $1.50/space would be $225.00 per event date ($1,800.00 total for 8 dates). Last year, the Downtown Parking Commission recommended approval of the use of lots 9, 11 and the back of Lot 8B, with the condition that Lot 8B would be left open for employee parking until 3 p.m. and requiring the event coordinator to post signage there early in the morning on the day of the event. The event organizer will be charged for any city services, materials rendered and parking spaces used according to the current fee schedule at the time of the event. ACTION REQUESTED Upon satisfactory review of the application, the Downtown Parking Commission should pass a motion recommending approval of the Cruisin' on the Croix 2022 event application. ' INtiater THE NIRTN►LACE Of MINNESOTA EVENTS PERMIT APPLICATION 216 4th Street North, Stillwater, MN 55082 Telephone: 651-275-4101 Fax: 651-275-4112 Email: pubwrks@ci.stillwater.mn.us Incomplete applications or applications received after deadline will not be accepted. See Event Instructions for application deadline and fees. Date of Application: 01/18/2022 Office Use Only Date Application Received Type: Event Special Event Event w/ Contract Event Information Title/Name of Event CRUISIN' ON THE CROIX WEDNESDAYS 6AM 3PM Event Date/Time: Set up: Date Time to Actual Event: Date WEDNESDAYS Time 3PM to 8PM Clean up: Date WEDNESDAYS Time 8PM to 9PM (Events after 10:00 p.m. require a variance from City Council; Location (Address) of Event: Parking Lots 8B, 9 & 11 (If in Lowell Park please specify north or south Lowell park) NORTH LOWELL PARK FROM CHESTNUT ST N TO MULBERRY ST Description of Event (please be specific - this information will be used to promote the event on the City of Stillwater website) Ther is nothign better than a summer evening spent by the river in Downtown Stillwater. Cruisin' on the Croix provides a great, free, and family friendly event every other Wednesday throughout the summer. The first 100 cars receive a commemorative dash plaque fromour bi-weekly sponsor. This event is free to the public Estimated Attendance (participants and spectators): 500-1,000 Applicant Information (Person/Group Responsible) Sponsoring Organization Name: Cruisin' on the Croix Mailing Address: 1906 Greeley St S. City, State, Zip Code: Stillwater, MN. 55082 Primary Contact/Applicant Name: Parker Shook Phone Number: Fax: Cell Phone: Email Address: Website Address: www.cruisinonthecroix.com Name of contact person during event: Parker Cell Phone: Alternate contact during event: Jamie Stoudt Cell Phone: Refer media or citizens inquires to: Parker Phone: Site Plan: A site plan is mandatory for all events. Please provide a map of the site layout. Include any tables, stages, tents, fencing, portable restrooms, vendor booths, trash containers, etc. If event involves a parade, race or walk, please attach a route map highlighting route. Include rest stop stations, crossings, signage and indicate route direction with arrows. Event Features 10, 2' 4' Will any signs/banners be put up No ❑ Yes D Number and size: Will there be any inflatables? No f 4 Yes IN Insurance certificate from rental vendor is required Fees for electricity may Will there be entertainment? No CIYes IIIWhat type: apply see Instructions Will sound amplification be used? No ® Yes ■ Hours and Type: Will a stage or tent(s) be set up? No • Yes Dimensions:10'x10' Will there be temporary fencing? No ❑ Yes ■ How many Fees for electricity may Will merchandise/food items be sold? No i.2 Yes ■ vendors expected: apply see Instructions Will food be prepared on site? No CI Yes ■ Contact Washington County Health Department, 651-430-6655 Will cooking operations be conducted? No f,, Yes ■ Contact Stillwater Fire Department 351-4950 Will alcohol be served but not sold? No A Yes IN See Alcohol Regulations in the Instructions Will alcohol be sold? No Yes ■ See Alcohol Regulations in the Instructions Will there be a fireworks display? No Z1 Yes ■ Permit required, contact Stillwater Fire Department, 651-351-4950 Describe power needs and location of power source. Describe level of advertisement (ie, radio, flyers, ads, tv, press release). Attach sample if available Weekly radio, flyers at event, posters at dowtown businesses , bi-weekly facebook posts, website listings, community calenders. City Services (After reviewing the event application, City services may be requried for the event.) Will event use, close or block any of the following: If yes specify location on site map. City Streets or Right-of-way No CI Yes ■ Start/End Time: Date: City Sidewalks or Trails No F.2 Yes ❑ Start/End Time: Date: Public Parking Lots or Spaces No ■ Yes K1 Start/End Time: 12AM-11 PM Date: Fees may apply Will event need barricade(s)? No 'CI Yes ❑ Number needed: see Instructions Fees may apply Will extra picnic tables be needed? No F1 Yes ■ Number needed: see Instructions Fees may apply Will portable restrooms be needed? No t Yes ■ Number needed: see Instructions Fees may apply Will extra trash receptacles be needed? No Ki Yes ■ Number needed: see Instructions Describe trash removal and cleanup plan during and after event: TRASH WILL BE MONITORED THROUGHOUT THE EVENT AND TAKEN CARE OF ON AN AS -NEEDED BASIS. CLEANUP WILL OCCUR AFTER EVENT CONCLUSION. Will event need traffic control? No K Yes • Contact Stillwater Police Department for assistance, 651-351-4900 Describe crowd control procedure to ensure the safety of participants and spectators: CROWD WILL BE MONITORED/CONTROLLED BY ON -SITE VOLUNTEERS/CRUISIN EMPLOYEES. ADDITIONALLY, VOLUNTEERS WHO MEET VEHICLES AS THEY ENTER THE CAR SHOW AREA WILL PROVIDE CONTROL AND GUIDANCE TO ALL GUESTS ENTERING AND VACATING. Fees may apply see Instructions Will "No Parking Signs" be needed? No CI4 Yes IIINumber needed: Show location(s) on site map Will event need security? No fg Yes • if event is overnight, security will be required. If using private secruity, list Security Company and Contact Information: Will event need EMS services? No ❑ Yes III Contact Lakeview EMS, 651-430-4621 Describe plans to provide first aid, if needed: FIRST AID KITS WILL BE ON SITE AT 10X10 TENT STAFFED WITH VOLUNTEERS. Describe the emergency action plan if severe weather should arise: CANCEL EVENT AND DIRECT GUESTS TO MiB AND FFC OFFICES. List any other pertinent information: CAR SHOW DATES REQUESTED: 6/15, 6/29, 7/13, 7/27, 8/10, 8/24, 9/7, 9/21 The sponsor(s) of this event hereby agrees to save the City, its agents, officials and employees harmless from and against all damages to persons or property, all expenses and other liability that may result from this activity. Depending on the size of and scope of the event a "Certificate of Insurance" maybe required. If insurance is required, the policy must be kept in force during the event of at least the statutory limits for municipalities covering claims that might be brought against the event that arise out of the events authorized and to name the City as an additional insured on their policy "as their interest may appear." As the sponsor or authorized representative, I certify that the information provided is true to the best of my knowledge and agree to pay the permit fee for this event based upon the information provided in this application. I real - -my submittal of this application request constitutes a contract between myself and the City of Stillwa ian is a release of Li.: " ity. Sigature of 'cant or Authorized Agent '7 I r/ Date Water St N of #84 rivate Parking Only Main Street w Lot #8B ens n.. /.V • \THULSM611 t ainni illwater THE BIRTHPLACE OF MINNESOTA DATE: April 21, 2022 TO: Downtown Parking Commission FROM: Jason Grode, Parks Superintendent SUBJECT: Bridge the Valley Bike Rally Event Application BACKGROUND Attached is the event application for the 2022 Bridge the Valley Bike Rally event, which was submitted by the Stillwater Sunrise Rotary Club. The 2nd annual event has been proposed to take place on Sunday, August 14, 2022. This event includes multiple bike routes, all starting and finishing at the end of the Lift Bridge in Stillwater. The proposed routes include a 10 mile "family" route, a 25 mile "fun" route, 45 and 70 mile "challenge" routes, and a 75 mile "gravel" route. All rides have St. Croix river crossings and routes in Minnesota and Wisconsin. After the ride, all participants will be able to park their bikes in a secure "corral" and enjoy after ride treats, food, drink, and live entertainment in North Lowell park. This event is for all ages and levels of experience. The event has requested the use of parking lots 4 and 5. Parking lot 4 has 29 parking spaces and parking lot 5 has 7 spaces for a total of 36 parking spaces. Based on the current fee schedule, the cost to use 36 parking spaces during peak season on a weekend day (at $3.00/space) would be $108.00 total. The event organizer will be charged for any city services, materials rendered and parking spaces used according to the current fee schedule at the time of the event. ACTION REQUESTED Upon satisfactory review of the application, the Downtown Parking Commission should pass a motion recommending approval of the Bridge the Valley Bike Rally 2022 event application. iilwater THE BIRTHPLACE OF MINNESOTA EVENTS PERMIT APPLICATION 216 North 4 th Street, Stillwater, MN 55082 Telephone: 651-430-8837 Fax: 651-430-8810 Incomplete applications or applications received after deadline will not be accepted. See Event Instructions for application deadline and fees. Date of Application: 3/7/22 Office Use Only Date Application Received Type: Event Special Event Event w/ Contract Event Information Title/Name of Event BRIDGE THE VALLEY - Bike Rally Event Date/Time: Set up: Date 8/13/22 Time 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Actual Event: Date 8/14/22 Time 6:00 AM to 3:00 PM Clean up: Date 8/14/22 Time 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM (Events after 10:00 p.m. require a variance from City Council) Location (Address) of Event: (If in Lowell Park please specify north or south Lowell park) North Lowell Park and Chestnut Street Plaza Description of Event (please be specific - this information will be used to promote the event on the City of Stillwater website) 2nd Annual Rotary Bicycle Rally - Multiple bike routes, all starting and finishing at the end of the Lift Bridge in Stillwater. Routes include: 10 mile "family" routes, a 25 mile "fun" route, 45 and 70 mile "challenge" routes, and an 75 mile "gravel" route. All rides have St. Croix river crossings and routes in Minnesota and Wisconsin. After the ride, all participants will be able to park their bikes in a secure "corral" and enjoy after ride treats, food, drink, and live entertainment in North Lowell park. This event is for all ages and levels of experience - with something for everyone. Estimated Attendance (participants and spectators): 500 to 1500 Applicant Information (Person/Group Responsible) Sponsoring Organization Name: Stillwater Sunrise Rotary Club Mailing Address: P.O. Box 425 City, State, Zip Code: Stillwater, MN 55082 Primary Contact/Applicant Name: Rick Heidick Phone Number: 651-274-6351 Fax: Cell Phone: Email Address: Website Address: https://sunrotary.org/Page/btv Name of contact person during event: Rick Heidick Cell Phone: Alternate contact during event: Kris Bowditch Cell Phone: Refer media or citizens inquires to: Rick Heidick Phone: Site Plan: A site plan is mandatory for all events. Please provide a map of the site layout. Include any tables, stages, tents, fencing, portable restrooms, vendor booths, trash containers, etc. If event involves a parade, race or walk, please attach a route map highlighting route. Include rest stop stations, crossings, signage and indicate route direction with arrows. Event Features Will any signs/banners be put up No ■ Yes © Number and size: Two large banners - one at the end of the lift hrirdna and nna naar Chactni it Pla,a Will there be any inflatables? No F3 Yes M Insurance certificate from rental vendor is required Bands and singers Fees for electricity may Will there be entertainment? No ■ Yes © What type: apply see Instructions Will sound amplification be used? No ■ Yes © Hours and Type: 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM Ranrdc and cinnarc There be is Will a stage or tent(s) be set up? No • Yes f3 Dimensions: may a stage (if gazebo not used) in North Lowell Park, and there will be Will there be temporary fencing? No F3 Yes ■ How many Fees for electricity may Expected to have 2 Will merchandise/food items be sold.7 No ■ Yes Mapply see Instructions vendors expected: or 3 food trucks, Will food be prepared on site? NO © Yes M Contact Washington County Health Department, 651-430-6655 Will cooking operations be conducted? No 0 Yes M Contact Stillwater Fire Department, 351-4950 Will alcohol be served but not sold? No ■ Yes © See Alcohol Regulations in the Instructions Will alcohol be sold? No • Yes © See Alcohol Regulations in the Instructions Will there be a fireworks display? No M Yes M Permit required, contact Stillwater Fire Department, 651-351-4950 Describe power needs and location of power source. There will be three main locations for power needs: 1) At the end of Parking Lot #4 - power for computers used for registration, sound speakers, and refrigeration device. 2) At the north end of Parking Lot #5 and North Lowell Park for up to 2 beer vendors and up to 3 food trucks. 3) At a stage in North Lowell Park (or gazebo) for live entertainment Describe level of advertisement (ie, radio, flyers, ads, tv, press release). Attach sample if available Print ads in TCBC and Silent Sports, multiple Facebook and Instagram posts, Nextdoor postings, calendar postings for Explore Minnesota, and Discover Stillwater, multiple handout flyers, sign boards along city bike trails, hopefully TV exposure City Services (After reviewing the event application, City services may be requried for the event.) Will event use, close or block any of the following: If yes specify location on site map. City Streets or Right-of-way No ■ Yes M. Start/End Time: 6 AM Date: 8/14/22 City Sidewalks or Trails No ■ Yes © Start/End Time: 7 AM - 2 PM Date: 8/14/22 Public Parking Lots or Spaces No ■ Yes © Start/End Time: 7 AM -4 PM Date: 8/14/22 Fees may apply Will event need barricade(s)? No ■ Yes 0 Number needed: 3 see Instructions Fees may apply Will extra picnic tables be needed? No ■ Yes F:1 Number needed: 10-20 see Instructions Fees may apply Will portable restrooms be needed? No ❑ Yes KI Number needed: 10 see Instructions Fees may apply Will extra trash receptacles be needed? No ElYes Fr Number needed: 10 see Instructions Describe trash removal and cleanup plan during and after event: Volunteers will police the entire North Lowell Park area and remove trash and trash bags Will event need traffic control? No ® Yes ❑ Contact Stillwater Police Vepartmentfor assistance, 551-351.4900 Describe crowd control procedure to ensure the safety of participants and spectators: Rotary volunteers will be managing all route starts and finishes and all participant movement along Chestnut Street and North Lowell Park Fees may apply see instructions Will No Parking Signs" be needed? No ❑ Yes ® Number needed: 4 Show locotion(s)onsite map Will event need security? No ►A Yes ❑ If event is overnight, security will be required. If using private secruity, list Security Company and Contact Information: N/A Will event need EMS services? No ❑ Yes ® Contact LakeeiewEMS, 651-430-4621 Describe plans to provide first aid, if needed: Will have EMS volunteers stationed in the registration area for the entire event and will be on -call for traveling out onto the routes for other emergency needs Describe the emergency action plan if severe weather should arise: The event will be held whether rain or shine. Weather predictions will be monitored closely and any inclement weather anticipated during the event will have estimated risks to participants defined and appropriate management of the course and monitoring of the participants will be done by event directors. List any other pertinent information: The sponsor(s) of this event hereby agrees to save the City, its agents, officials and employees harmless from and against all damages to persons or property, all expenses and other liability that may result from this activity. Depending on the size of and scope of the event a "Certificate of Insurance" may be required. If insurance is required, the policy must be kept in force during the event of at least the statutory limits for municipalities covering claims that might be brought against the event that arise out of the events authorized and to name the City as an additional insured on their policy "as their interest may appear.' As the sponsor or authorized representative, I certify that the information provided is true to the best of my knowledge and agree to pay the permit fee far this event based upon the informati rovided in this oppl on. I realize my submittal of this application request constitutes a contract between myself and the City a Stillwa r andof Lia`bii Signature?ofApplicant or Authorized Agent Date 3IA z. BTV2 - HUB: GENERAL DESIGN BTV2—HUB: South End of North Lowell Park HUB REST STOP REGISTRATION PARKING LOT #4 MAPS HELP TENT BTV2—HUB: North End of North Lowell Park EMS GATEWAY CYCLE WELCOME TO OUR 2nd ANNUAL BRIDGE THE VALLEY -BIKE RALLY We invite you to ride our second annual bike ride sponsored by Stillwater Sunrise Rotary and offering you beautiful views of the St. Croix Valley using our trail systems, roads and beautiful bridges. This will be a scenic ride capturing the beauty of our St. Croix river and valley! With five ride options, this ride is perfect for families, novice bike riders, and experienced riders. All rides are $35 for anyone 19 years of age and over. Kids and teens ages 6 to 18 can ride for $25, and kids under 5 are free. There also is a family category for up to 5 riders for $80. (Fees increase on 7/1/22) All roads and trails are blacktopped, with the exception of our Gravel Challenge ride. Pick just one loop from the progressively more challenging options or combine several to fit your age, ability, and interest on the day. This event is a rally and your start time depends on the length of ride you are doing. For riders who are up for a challenge, see how you stack up against the rest of the riders with integrated, timed sections on the St Croix Gravel Challenge route. All rides start and finish at Chestnut Plaza, immediately west of Stillwater's newly renovated lift bridge. The event Support Hub is located next to the bridge in North Lowell Park . Event information, day -of registration, and a fenced and monitored bike corral will be available. Downtown Stillwater has many attractions and businesses within walking distance of the Support Hub so participants can take in all that Stillwater has to offer. We will also offer food and drink at the end of our ride in North Lowell Park! The 10, 25, 45, 70 and 75 mile routes will be supported with SAG and rest stops with refreshments. All rides will be accessible on a new, innovative Ride with GPS app to help you navigate the routes! Finish your ride in beautiful downtown Stillwater. Meet up with your family and friends and top off your ride day off with food and drink and live entertainment along the majestic St. Croix river. Route Details: 1. Brown's Creek & Bridges Loop (10 miles, 500 ft climbing, 1 rest stops) Check in/Start Time: 9-10 AM RIDE CREEKSIDE, LAKESIDE AND RIVERSIDE WITH SPECTACULAR RIDE CREEKSIDE, LAKESIDE AND RIVERSIDE WITH SPECTACULAR VIEWS Broaden your horizons, literally, on a slightly more challenging ride than just the now well known 5-mile "St Croix River Crossing Loop Trail", but the views are worth the extra challenge if you are up to it. Take the Brown's Creek Trail (rail trail) north out of Stillwater alongside our Zephyr Theatre and adjacent to the St Croix River by the City's recently acquired "Lumberjack Landing" property. Then curve west paralleling Brown's Creek ravine up a gentle incline to a bike trail alongside McKusick Lake. Zigzag through a combination of blacktopped trails and minor roads to Pioneer Park, which has a spectacular view over downtown Stillwater and both the historic lift bridge and the new suspension bridge... simultaneously! Descend into town via our support hub, then pick up the "St Croix River Crossing Loop Trail" via the Blue Star Trailhead rest stop in Houlton, and back down a steep hill into downtown Stillwater across the spectacular historic lift bridge. [Option: Do just the 2nd half for an easier 5-mile ride.] 2. Browns Creek & Lake Jane (25 miles, 1000 ft climbing, 3 rest stops) Check in/ Start Time: 8-10 AM Link rail trails, bike trails and Loop Trails A mid -level family and group ride... 50% of which is on off -road blacktopped trails with no severe climbs, possibly suited for young teens and above. Follow the beginning section of the "Brown's Creek and Bridges Loop" routes, then continue along Brown's Creek Trail to Duluth Junction, where this trail T's into the Gateway Trail. Turn south on the Gateway Trail (rail trail) biking under both County Road 12 and Highway 36, then east on a small spur connector trail into rural neighborhoods, Green Acres Tubing Park (rest stop), and alongside Lake Jane. Continue east through pastoral countryside, by Washington County Fairgrounds, and into Oak Park Heights bicycle trail system. Just before descending again to the St Croix River Crossing Loop Trail, you will experience an amazing view from Valley View Park overseeing the new interstate suspension bridge, which you will cross on the dedicated bike and pedestrian trail overlooking the river, on via Houlton's Blue Star Trailhead rest stop, then on to downtown Stillwater via Houlton's Hilltop Trailhead, the steep descent and across the historic lift bridge. 3. Beyond the Loop (45 miles, 1600 ft climbing, 3 rest stops) Check in/Start Time: 8-9 AM LINK RAIL TRAILS, BIKE TRAILS, RURAL MINNESOTA AND WISCONSIN COUNTRYSIDE, PLUS A 2-MILE HILL CLIMB More of a challenge for mid -level road riders. The ride starts out on the "25-mile route", but as that route descends towards the new Hwy 36 bridge, this route heads south on the Minnesota side of the river, then alongside Hwy94 to cross the Hudson bridge, and on to the Hudson riverfront (and rest stop). Heading northeast out of Hudson, prepare yourself for a 2-mile climb up scenic Trout Brook Road along the west boundary of Willow River State Park. Eventually you will reach Houlton and the steep but scenic overlook and descent, crossing the historic lift bridge back into downtown Stillwater. [Option: Make your ride into a 50-mile 1/2 century, and add the new Hwy 36 bridge on one lap of the 5-mile "St. Croix River Crossing Loop Trail".] 4. Prescott & River Falls (70 miles, 2960 ft climbing, 3 rest stops) - Check in/Start Time: 7-8 AM TOUR SMALL RIVERTOWNS VIA ROLLING MINNESOTA AND WISCONSIN RURAL COUNTRYSIDE For higher -end self-supporting riders... stretch yourselves to reach the southern -most bridge of our options via Afton and across from Minnesota to Wisconsin into Prescott. Visit the "Great River Road Visitor & Learning Center" with its phenomenal bluff overlook. Then, test your legs on the rolling Wisconsin hills up through River Falls, back alongside the flat trails alongside the St Croix River in Hudson, to prepare you for a 2-mile climb up scenic Trout Brook Road along the west boundary of Willow River State Park, then back to Houlton, and the steep descent into downtown Stillwater across the historic lift bridge. [Option: Can be merged with the Beyond the Loop route to make a 100-mile 'century' ride.] NOTE: Limited support ride... no signage (use Ride with GPS app), and on -call non -medical -emergency sag wagon support only on this route. �:Iwnn� s -i reh ih Vnglor1 uvRly Fimn iLL 5. St Croix Gravel Challenge (75 miles, 3350 ft climbing, 2 rest stops) - Check in/Start Time: 7-8 AM EXPERIENCE AN EPIC DUAL -STATE SOCIAL TOUR WITH BRAGGING SPURTS! The ultimate ride, for those so inclined... intended for the more avid, experienced and self-supporting riders. This route has steep hills, several gravel sections, plus some timed segments. Head north up the west side of the St Croix National Scenic Riverway, crossing over the bridge into Osceola. NEW THIS YEAR... an exclusive opportunity at "The Acreage", 1 mile north of Osceola where a short gravel loop trail will take you by Horst Rechelbacher's private collection of sculptures and artifacts. The return south, back through Osceola on the Wisconsin side, turns off the main road shortly after downtown Osceola, onto scenic bluff -top roads. There are a couple of 'deep -dive' gravel spurs that take you right down to the river for some seldom seen views of the river, including an old ferry crossing into Marine-On-St.Croix. ALSO NEW THIS YEAR is a Wisconsin -side mid- point water stop at"Standing Cedars" parking lot. The last 7 miles follow the St Croix Bike & Pedestrian Trail Coalition's designated "Beyond the Loop" orange and purple trail, alongside the blufftop entry to Andersen Scout Camp, then the steep but scenic overlook and descent crossing the historic lift bridge into downtown Stillwater. NOTE: Limited support ride... no signage, and on -call non -medical -emergency sag wagon support only on this route. J