On February 20, 2024, The Grand Forks City Council approved a project to improve access to an undeveloped portion of The Greenway. This project is located between 47th and 62nd Avenues South, as shown on the map at right.

A brief history

This area along the river was originally outside of the city limits when the flood protection system was built after the 1997 flood. The neighborhood east of the project was annexed in 2014.  The property is owned by the city and is part of The Greenway, as defined in Grand Forks 14-0402 city code:
Greenway refers to the physical space controlled by the city council generally described as the wet side of the toe of the levee adjacent to the riverbank, excluding areas leased to the park district and flood protection features such as floodwalls, levees, and pump stations. The greenway generally starts at approximately fifty (50) feet north of the centerline of the north pedestrian bridge, north of Riverside Dam, to the centerline of the south end drainway as more particularly shown on appendix A
​The property in the project area has been largely undeveloped and residents, both near and far, have discovered the benefits of this quiet, public space. A small clearing on the riverbank at the storm water outfall has become a popular fishing and river viewing area. Unfortunately, this area has also attracted unwanted behaviors and vandalism.

The Challenges

  • The secluded area has provided great cover for ongoing problems with vandalism and bullying of other users.
  • Over the years, there have been reports of teenagers chasing elementary school-age children out of the area using shovels and other yard tools. Another incident involved teenagers physically restraining and threatening to throw a young boy into the river.
  • Excessive trash, property damage and theft, and bullying of other users have been problems for many years. Over the years, trail cameras have been stolen, trees have been cut down, unattended fires, and attempts to limit public access have also been reported. (See slideshow at right)
  • The seclusion of this area presents challenges for law enforcement and emergency responders because of a lack of access.

The Opportunities

  • A paved trail would provide better access for patrol and rescue situations. 
  • Connecting this area to the rest of The Greenway would allow others users to use this public space.​
  • Enhancements to the fishing area will improve the experience for anglers and other users. 
  • Funding is available for paved and unpaved trails, a parking lot, improvements to the fishing area, and a possible playground or other community features. ​

What's does this project include?

  • Paved trail from 47th Avenue South to the fishing area
  • Better definition of the existing unpaved trail
  • Clearing a larger area at the fishing site to allow better visibility for law enforcement
  • Replacing the current metal retention wall at the fishing site with a higher wall​
  • Benches, trash receptacles, and an informational kiosk along the trail and at the fishing area

Funding

There are several opportunities for funding this project.
  • Greenway Capital Improvements Fund
  • ND Outdoor Heritage Fund
  • ND Game & Fish
  • Other sources

What's next?

Spring 2024
  • City staff is working on several applications for potential funding. 
  • KLG Engineering is working on a building design that can be advertised for bids.
  • Tree removals to open up the area for work will begin later in the season. 
Click on images to enlarge
Vandalism has been an ongoing problem in this area

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Staff Report February 2024