Visitors to the North Creek Greenway in Apple Valley have a safer, scenic paved route.
Dakota County and City of Apple Valley leaders on Oct. 24 celebrated the completion of four gaps in the regional greenway that had totaled nearly 2 miles, including near Quarry Point Park.
North Creek Greenway was established in 2012 as a 14-mile regional trail connection between Lebanon Hills Regional Park in Eagan and Rambling River Park in Farmington, passing through Apple Valley and Lakeville. A full 10 miles of the greenway is complete. The remaining 4 miles are in design or development.
“Part of what makes this community so strong are the ties that bind us, and that's why we're here to celebrate our North Creek Greenway," said Dakota County Commissioner Mary Hamann-Roland, who previously served as Apple Valley mayor.
Much of the county's greenway system has been developed by using existing city trails and city partnerships to complete gaps and bring local trails to regional standards.
“This is great example of when you work together, and you work together well, you get a great outcome," Apple Valley Mayor Clint Hooppaw said.
The Apple Valley project cost $2.8 million. The county contributed $2 million. Apple Valley provided $843,000, including $400,000 from the city's voter-approved parks bond referendum.
The work included a new greenway alignment through Quarry Point Park. Previous safety improvements along the greenway included underpasses at 157th Street near Quarry Point Park, along Pilot Knob Road and at County Road 46 west of Diamond Path.
“Exploring Dakota County's greenway system should be safe and it should have an aesthetic experience for our visitors," Hamann-Roland said. “I'm grateful for the investments made by Dakota County and by the City of Apple Valley's taxpayers."