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1 program is to create and maintain local trails at the initiative of local trail organizations and units of government. <br /> 2 The state's intent is to offer financial assistance so that locally controlled trails can exist where none had before. <br /> 3 These trails provide opportunities for recreational clubs. The designated Grant-In-Aid Snowmobile Trail travels <br /> 4 through Pequot Lakes parallel to the Paul Bunyan Trail, and it is in use mainly December through March. Similar <br /> 5 trails open primarily during the winter months have difficulty keeping summer ATV users from illegally using the <br /> 6 trail,which causes significant damage.The City could benefit from these trails by exploring other uses for the trails <br /> 7 during the summer months. Two options include expanding equestrian trails where appropriate, and creating <br /> 8 mountain biking trails. Mountain biking is a low impact,popular sport. Many cyclists on the Paul Bunyan Trail may <br /> 9 enjoy the opportunity to veer off the path onto more challenging terrain. Just a few simple mountain biking <br /> 10 courses could establish Pequot Lakes as a destination for mountain bikers.City ownership and maintenance would <br /> 11 also help deter AN users from tearing up public and private property. <br /> 12 The Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway,which runs along County Highways 11 and 16 in Pequot Lakes,is another important <br /> 13 recreational asset. In addition to providing a "forested gateway"to the City, the byway preserves the scenic value <br /> 14 of the area for drivers to enjoy,draws tourists to the City,and provides additional walking and biking surfaces. <br /> 15 PUBLIC NATURAL AREAS AND PLAYGROUNDS <br /> 16 Many large pieces of forested land,wetlands and open space in Pequot Lakes are publicly owned. City, state, and <br /> 17 county public land owners and their bureaucracies create challenges in managing the use of land for recreation <br /> 18 purposes. Nevertheless, coordination is necessary in order to provide the most benefits to the community. Public <br /> 19 land is an important resource for hunting activities.The Pequot Lakes School District provides athletic fields to be <br /> 20 used by students and residents.The City operates the fire tower and one city park, located up from Sibley Lake on <br /> 21 Pequot Boulevard. <br /> 22 Apart from any school -owned recreation sites, the city park is the only outdoor gathering place for families in <br /> 23 Pequot Lakes. Neighborhood parks and recreation facilities are very important. They provide opportunities for <br /> 24 close-to-home recreation. The City must develop these areas in conjunction with new subdivisions. Equally <br /> 25 important are indoor recreational facilities.A community center would provide the city with much needed indoor <br /> 26 facility, and greatly expanded range of recreational opportunities available to residents. <br /> 27 PRIVATE FACILITIES <br /> 28 Private recreation facilities in Pequot Lakes provide an opportunity for people at all income levels to appreciate <br /> 29 outdoor activities. Ta!! Timh-e4=E7-Linger Longer, and the Wilderness Point Resort offer lake access to people at an <br /> 30 affordable price—using one of these facilities may be one of the only ways for some people to have access to lakes <br /> 31 in the City. Considering the amount of lakeshore within city limits, private beaches open to the public could act to <br /> 32 diversify recreation opportunities during warm months.Of the majcr!ckcc in tha City, ncnc hays resorts rca!starcd <br /> 33 v:th the Er !ncr La!<c_Ch2. ,b=. CC <br /> 34 The Preserve Golf Course and the Bump n' Putt Amusement Park offer additional leisurely daytime recreation for <br /> 35 residents and visitors. Private lands provide opportunities for hunting as well as sport shooting. Even though these <br /> 36 recreation facilities are privately owned,they provide a needed asset to the City. <br /> 37 As the population of Pequot Lakes continues to grow, so too will demand for recreational opportunities. The <br /> 38 recreational resource base has not increased at the same rate as population growth—in fact, the resource base <br /> 39 has shrunk as natural areas and lakeshores have been converted to private, residential use. In addition, many new <br /> 18 IPage <br />