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Infrastructure Improvements The infrastructure in nearly the entire project area is due for some type of rehabilitation project. This creates an excellent opportunity to modify what is in place to enhance the downtown environment. One of the key infrastructure improvements that need to be made is to provide storm sewer throughout the downtown. The style and intensity of the development needed in this area demands that there be a mechanism for managing stormwater. While some localized systems, such as a rain garden, can be utilized,the scope of the issue will require curb and gutter,pipe and an outlet. The curb and gutter will also assist with the aesthetics and function of the downtown, neatly defining the border between the pedestrian and auto spaces. It is also going to be critical to the overall aesthetic that the utility lines are buried throughout the downtown and that utility boxes are in alleys or otherwise not visible to the casual visitor. All of the committee members that walked the streets identified the overhead utility lines as an unnecessary blight that creates a feel of disorganization throughout the downtown. Burying these lines while the roads are under reconstruction will be simple and will have a significant, if subtle,impact. Vegetation Enhancements While the entrance to Pequot Lakes defines it as a forested community,it is important to maintain that connection throughout the downtown. Amazingly,there are some high-quality trees throughout the downtown. These should be protected and augmented with younger trees that will ultimately grow into a prominent position. There have been a number of landscaping enhancements to the Trail Park in recent years. Additional landscaping in the park,combined with landscaping in the medians,bump outs and in planters along the walkways will create an inviting pedestrian feel that will connect people to the surrounding landscape. Trail Park Improvements It was reported a number of times that some visitors have turned down the Paul Bunyan Trail in their cars, mistaking it for Government Drive. While certainly a safety hazard,it also points out the lack of definition of the separate auto and pedestrian spaces in the downtown. The trail pathway needs to be defined as it crosses CSAH ii,and the entrances to the trail at these crossings needs to be marked in a way that gives confidence to bikers and pedestrians and discourages accidental automobile use. There is also a need to provide more opportunities for trail users to get off the trail and interact with the downtown. Simple bike racks would go a long ways towards facilitating this,as would some well-defined turn off areas that connect to the downtown. "Destination"Enhancements/Aesthetic Improvements While a strong collection of shops will be the draw that creates the desired"destination"effect, there are other improvements that need to be made that would help define or brand Pequot Lakes. The landmark bobber water tower enhances Pequot's image as an up-north recreation destination. Building on this theme, installing a fish-viewing pond stocked with local species, similar to the State Fair attraction,would be a popular and educational centerpiece to the park. Pequot Lakes Staff Report February 20,2014 4